#United States #Houston #recycling #Waste Management #To-Go Cups

WM Expands Curbside Recycling Program for To-Go Cups

In a significant step towards enhancing recycling capabilities, WM (Waste Management), North America's premier environmental solutions provider, has officially included plastic cups made from polypropylene and paper to-go cups in its curbside recycling program. This expansion means that residents will now be able to recycle these commonly used items through local recycling initiatives across the United States.

The Impact of Expanded Recycling Options

WM's decision to accept polypropylene and paper cups aligns with its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. The move is designed to encourage municipalities and consumers to include these materials in their recycling programs, ultimately leading to improved recycling rates and greater material recovery. The company aims for the polypropylene cups to achieve a "Widely Recyclable" designation from How2Recycle®, which indicates that more than 60% of U.S. residents will have access to curbside recycling for these cups. Currently, the recycling rate for polypropylene is significantly lower than that of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)—the plastic used for many household items like detergent and shampoo bottles.

In addition, paper beverage cups are nearing a designation known as "Check Locally" from How2Recycle, which will signal that at least 20% of communities are accepting paper cups for curbside recycling collection. These designations will not only inform consumers but also guide them in making more sustainable choices.

WM's Commitment to Innovation

Tara Hemmer, WM's Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "Plastic and paper to-go cups are showing up in greater volumes at our facilities. We are executing on our plans to invest $1.4 billion in new recycling infrastructure across North America to unlock recycling capabilities and solutions so that more material can be turned into new products."

Such investments are crucial in improving accessibility to recycling for everyday items, thus increasing the amount of recyclable material processed and sold back into the market to create new goods. The initiative reflects a holistic approach where industry leaders, local communities, and consumers work collaboratively towards enhanced recycling effectiveness.

Collaborative Efforts

WM isn't working alone in this endeavor. The company is collaborating with influential industry partners, including Starbucks and The Recycling Partnership, alongside organizations that manage the NextGen Consortium, to raise awareness about recycling practices and encourage updates to municipal recycling guidelines. This coalition is designed to support and educate communities about what materials can be recycled through curbside services or drop-off programs, which is vital for creating a more circular economy.

Marika McCauley Sine, Chief Sustainability Officer at Starbucks, acknowledged WM's initiatives as a meaningful step towards improved sustainability in packaging. "We know that real progress is possible when communities, industry leaders, and customers come together to make recycling more effective and accessible," she noted.

Conclusion

WM's latest efforts to include to-go cups in recycling programs represent a significant move towards more sustainable practices. By increasing the types of materials accepted in curbside recycling, the organization not only augments its recycling capabilities but also takes a proactive stance in encouraging responsible consumption and waste management.

For residents looking to maximize their recycling efforts, WM encourages users to visit its Recycle Right® page and the How2Recycle site for comprehensive guidance tailored to specific community recycling acceptance lists. As recycling practices evolve and adapt, community engagement and corporate responsibility remain integral to driving forward a sustainable future.