How do you know what paper cups to recycle?

Question

Most food places use paper cups to serve drinks. And they always get thrown away. Paper is recyclable, but the cups sometimes have a wax coating on them.

How does one know wether or not the paper cup can be recycled? And does it even matter if there is a wax coating, magazines have glossy coatings and can still be recycled? Do the cups have any code identifying what is in them?

My community recycles all mixed paper.

Answer 1

You recycle whatever there is a market for locally.

There is no world wide nor a permanent answer.

We should insist that no cups be used which are not locally recyclable. And that means boycott anyone who tries to pass off cups that are not recyclable. or better yet take your own reusable cup.

Answer 2

there made of paper? idkk

Answer 3

You are correct in your knowledge that there is a difference in paper cups; either wax coated or poly lined to impart water Resistance.

If the paper product is used, however, if often is baled as a grade of waste paper called mixed waste and is sold at a discount to those paper manufacturers that can handle the small amount of wax in their raw material stream.

Glossy magazines are also recyclable.  The coating is a light mixture of clay, other minerals, and a binder (PVAc is a common binder, and is also the main ingredient in Elmers Glue).  This light coating breaks down fairly easily in a modern deinking mill.  

Of more concern is the paper fibers in magazines.  The fibers are typically a blend of groundwood (like newsprint) and kraft (like white writing paper).  Again, the folks that receive or use the waste paper should have the talent needed to best use the recycled papers.

Answer 4

Usually recycling firms reject food tainted paper.  They really don't need or want the rats that food attracts.