Most disposable coffee cups aren't recyclable in New Zealand. This is because they have a thin plastic lining that's difficult to separate from the paper during recycling.

This lining is essential to prevent your hot beverage from leaking through the paper cup. However, this makes the cups unsuitable for standard paper recycling bins.

While some specialty facilities may accept these cups, most kerbside recycling programs don't have the technology to process them. Instead, these cups often end up in landfills. Placing them in the recycling contaminates the other recyclables, making the whole batch unusable.

So, next time you grab a coffee, consider using a reusable cup. This is the most effective way to reduce your environmental footprint and support sustainable practices.