An environmental organization is challenging coffee giant Starbucks over claims that its plastic single-use cups can be recycled, saying a tracking study shows the containers end up in landfills instead.
The Vermont-based environmental nonprofit Beyond Plastics conducted an experiment earlier this year, placing tracking devices on 36 polypropylene cups and depositing them in recycling containers at Starbucks locations nationwide. According to the organization’s findings released Wednesday, not one cup reached a recycling facility. The majority—33 cups—wound up in landfills or incinerators, while three were last detected at sorting facilities.
These cups display recycling symbols prominently and are shown as recyclable on bins inside stores. In February, Starbucks declared its polypropylene cups “widely recyclable” across the United States after receiving approval from How2Recycle, a labeling organization.
When contacted Wednesday, a Starbucks spokesperson expressed doubts about Beyond Plastics’ research methods, though specific concerns were not detailed. The representative noted that recycling success varies by local infrastructure and stated the company “work closely with others, including the recycling companies, to help expand access and help improve the system.”
Trade organizations, including the Association of Plastic Recyclers representing mechanical recyclers, suggest that tracking devices might cause items to be removed from recycling processes.
The coffee chain made a 2020 pledge to ensure all customer packaging becomes reusable, recyclable or compostable before 2030. This year, Starbucks began accepting customer-provided cups for mobile and drive-through purchases. Under CEO Brian Niccol’s leadership, the company policy calls for serving café customers with reusable ceramic mugs, though Beyond Plastics reports many in-store patrons continue receiving plastic cups.
Judith Enck, who leads Beyond Plastics and previously worked for the Environmental Protection Agency, called on Starbucks to discontinue labeling plastic cups as recyclable. She also advocated for a complete transition to fiber-based cups, similar to what the company uses in certain markets. Such a change would represent “one of the most significant plastic-reduction corporate policies in the world,” she stated.
The Iran war has increased global plastic prices, as these materials derive from oil or natural gas, according to an April Reuters report.
Beyond Plastics reports that plastic recycling rates in the United States remain below 6%, with most recycled plastic not being polypropylene, which the group says has limited processing facilities capable of handling it.
