Manitobans can now place empty paper cups in blue bins across the province, including empty coffee cups, fountain drink cups, and other hot and cold paper beverage cups.
The change follows work led by Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM) in collaboration with the City of Winnipeg, the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA)/Recycle Everywhere, and recycling service providers to review
processing requirements, market conditions, and local recycling data before adding paper cups to Manitoba’s recycling system. Communities and partners across Manitoba have been notified of this update to the list of accepted materials.
“This is an important step forward for recycling in Manitoba,” said Christa Rust, Executive Director of MMSM. “Adding paper cups to the blue bin removes a long-standing exception and makes recycling simpler, clearer, and more convenient.”
Paper cups are a common everyday item, but they have historically been difficult for recycling programs to accept because of their liquid-resistant coating and the dyes used in some cups. They can now be accepted because MMSM and its partners have confirmed they can be sorted with mixed paper and responsibly recycled through Manitoba’s existing recycling system.
“Adding a new item to a recycling program requires careful review of processing requirements,” said Mark Kinsley, Superintendent of Waste Diversion with the City of Winnipeg. “The City is glad to work with MMSM on this important improvement to recycling.”
Here’s what Manitobans need to know the next time they have a paper cup to recycle: empty the cup, remove the lid, and put the cup in the blue bin. Coffee cup lids are not accepted in Manitoba’s recycling system.
MMSM is working with the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA)/Recycle Everywhere to support clear and consistent public communication across the province, helping ensure Manitobans receive aligned recycling information whether they are recycling at home, in public spaces, or on the go.
“We congratulate MMSM on the expansion of blue box material coverage,” said Ken Friesen, Executive Director of CBCRA/Recycle Everywhere. “Strong collaboration between producers, municipalities, stewardship organizations and the public is essential to building a greener future for us all. We look forward to continuing to work together to improve recovery for Manitoba.”
Restaurants Canada also welcomed the update.
“Restaurants are committed to reducing waste and improving recycling. We welcome this practical change, which makes it easier for restaurants and Manitobans to recycle paper cups.” said Jillian Rodak, Vice President, Sustainability, Restaurants Canada. “It’s a great example of how industry, municipalities and recycling partners can work together to deliver simple solutions that benefit both the environment and the communities we serve.”
Learn more about what can and cannot be recycled in Manitoba on the Recyclepedia, at SimplyRecycle.ca, or by visiting your community’s website.