Starbucks launches program to recycle used coffee cups

Sept. 11 -- A new recycling program is being launched at seven Starbuck´s stores in Manhattan to test the collection and recycling of used coffee cups.

Global Green USA´s Coalition for Resource Recovery announced the cup project that will be held in conjunction with the recycling of old corrugated containers.

Western Michigan University has tested a representative sample of Starbucks´ cups and certified they have "equivalent recyclability and repulpability as old corrugated containers," according to the coalition.

"The lessons learned from the cup recycling pilot can be applied to the recycling of hamburger, pizza, and French fry containers, and all sorts of other paper food packaging. If the initial pilot is successful, CoRR will expand the pilot to encompass more packaging types and restaurants," Annie White, coalition director.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com