How are paper cups recycled?

Paper cups (including coffee cups) can’t be recycled in most kerbside bins because their size, shape and waterproof lining make them hard to sort and process through standard kerbside systems.

That’s why cups need a dedicated recovery pathway — and why Simply Cups exists.

Step 1: Product stewards fund responsible recovery

Simply Cups is a product stewardship program. When brands become product stewards, their investment helps fund the collection, processing and ongoing innovation needed to keep cups out of landfill and in productive use.

Apply the Drop Off Only ARL

Talk to our Solutions team

Step 2: Cups are collected

Customers drop off used cups at one of our 1,500+ collection locations across Australia. We have collection locations in schools, shopping centres, restaurants and cafes and at most 7-Eleven's!

We accept all paper cups, including compostable plant-based cups.

Find a drop-off location

Step 3: Pickups and quality checks

We collect cups from participating locations and check for contamination to keep the material stream consistent and usable.

Businesses can also become Cup Collectors and set up collection on-site.

Set up cup recycling at my site

Step 4: Cups are processed into reusable raw materials

Paper cups are taken to processing facilities, where our team process the used cups.

Processing includes washing and drying, shredding, compacting or blending to make flakes, pellets, glue or a mix of these!

The type of processing will depend on many things such as what sustainable product is going to be made.

Step 5: Manufactured into new products

Processed cup material is supplied to manufacturing partners and turned into long-life products — including roads and lightweight concrete — helping keep materials in use and reduce demand for virgin inputs

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Proof, reporting and transparency

Cup Collectors receive monthly reporting on cups collected, helping organisations track impact over time.

Simply Cups also operates in a manner consistent with recycled-content traceability principles.

Find out more

Watch our video and learn more about what we collect and how we work with partners to recycle your paper cups.