Plastic coffee cup lids are accepted in some recycling facilities across the UK, but it’s essential to check whether your local council or waste provider accepts them. The recyclability of plastic lids can depend on their colour, with black plastic often being rejected. Many sorting machines struggle to detect black plastic, meaning it may bypass the recycling process and end up in landfill.

In addition to the challenges with sorting, black plastic is difficult to repurpose due to its dark pigmentation, which makes it hard to dye for reuse. Even if a facility accepts plastic lids, they may specifically exclude black lids due to these processing limitations. Always check with your local recycling scheme to see which plastics they accept.

Cardboard sleeves are the most widely accepted part of a takeaway coffee cup, as cardboard recycling is available nationwide. With billions of disposable coffee cups produced globally each year, proper recycling of these sleeves can make a significant environmental impact. No matter which parts of your cup can or cannot be recycled, the cardboard sleeve should always be recycled.

If you receive a cardboard drink carrier, be sure to place it in the recycling bin as well. A great way to reduce waste altogether is to bring a reusable coffee cup to your local café—many coffee shops in the UK encourage this and even offer discounts for bringing your own mug. Whether at work or on the go, choosing a reusable cup is one of the best ways to reduce coffee-related waste. The key takeaway? Always check your local recycling guidelines to ensure you’re disposing of coffee cups and accessories responsibly.