Disposable Cups can Now be Thrown into Blue Bins

Toronto residents can now recycle beverage cups at home.

This is thanks to a new pilot project that launched July 3.

The pilot applies to single and multi-residential homes, as well as “other eligible locations,” such as long-term care and retirement residences and schools.

Paper-based and plastic-lined hot and cold beverage cups can be recycled, including hot drink cups used for coffee and tea and cold drink cups used for fountain drinks.

Before recycling, any lids, sleeves or other accessories must be first removed. The cups must also be rinsed.

Cups should be placed loosely in a blue bin, without stacking or nesting them together. This allows for easier sorting and processing at the recycling facility.

The pilot marks the first step toward incorporating these materials in recycling systems across all municipalities in Ontario by 2026.

It’s headed by Circular Materials, the firm that’s taking the lead on recent changes to the province’s recycling program.