Due to an expansion in recycling services in 2022, some types of cups can be recycled curbside in Cuyahoga County.
Aluminum Cups
Aluminum cups, an available single-use alternative product to plastic cups, can be included in recycling. Aluminum cups are a good option. Aluminum is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be recycled repeatedly without losing any quality. See an example of aluminum cups. Aluminum beverage cups are accepted for recycling in all communities in Cuyahoga County.
Aluminum cups must be empty, clean, and dry before being placed in recycling. Straws must be removed and thrown in the trash. Do not nest or stack cups together before recycling.
Plastic & Paper Cups
In some communities, certain types of plastic cups are accepted for recycling. Plastic cups are a single-use product mainly for cold beverages. Acceptable plastic cups include to-go, takeout, or fast-food cups. Additionally, in some communities, paper cups for hot and cold beverages are also accepted.
Tips to recycle plastic to-go, takeout or fast food cups:
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Must be empty, clean, and dry before being placed in recycling.
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Remove straws and place in the trash. Plastic lids can stay on plastic cups.
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Do not nest or stack cups together before recycling.
Tips to recycle paper beverage cups:
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Must be empty, clean, and dry before being placed in curbside recycling.
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Remove plastic lids and straws. Place in the trash. No plastic lids on paper cups.
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Do not nest or stack cups together before recycling.
Which recycling processors can accept some types of plastic cups and paper cups?
As of February 1, 2022, residents serviced by Rumpke Waste & Recycling and Waste Management can include some types of plastic cups and paper cups in their curbside recycling. See Rumpke's fact sheet about adding cups to recycling. See the list of communities below.
Currently, Kimble Companies and Republic Services do not accept plastic cups or paper cups for recycling.
In Cuyahoga County, what communities can include plastic to-go cups and paper cups in their recycling?
| Brecksville |
Maple Heights |
| Broadview Heights |
North Randall |
| Brook Park |
North Royalton |
| Cleveland |
Oakwood Village |
| Cuyahoga Heights |
Parma |
| Gates Mills |
Seven Hills |
| Hunting Valley |
Westlake |
| Linndale |
|
See details about recycling cups, including curbside collection and drop off, in your community.
What types of cups are not accepted?
Plastic party cups (Solo, Dixie, Hefty, Great Value, Up & Up or other brand) should be placed in the trash. If you don't want to throw plastic party cups in the trash, take advantage of a mail-back recycling program through TerraCycle.
Disposable cups made of Styrofoam or polystyrene, ceramic, and glass cups are not accepted.
What about other plastics? Can all plastics be recycled?
In Cuyahoga County, empty plastic bottles or jugs can go in your curbside recycling incuding water and soda bottles, shampoo bottles, milk, water and juice jugs, laundry detergent jugs and bleach bottles. Think containers with a “neck.” Bottles and jugs should be empty, clean and dry. Replace the cap and place in your curbside recycling.
Some communities in Cuyahoga County can recycle plastic tubs. See more about plastic bottles and jugs plus a list of other items.
Why can’t all plastics be recycled?
There is an abundance of plastic packaging in our society today and only about 9% of it can currently be recycled. This is due to limited markets for recycled plastic (not all manufacturers produce packaging from recycled plastic) and the complexities of sorting out the various kinds of plastic.
What are the alternatives?
Until there is a major shift in the demand for recycled materials and more sensible packaging design, consumers are limited in our recycling options. But we do have a choice now to reduce our consumption of single-use items. Small changes add up to less waste in our landfills and our environment. Consider these ideas for reducing waste.