The Problem
Coffee Cups (lid, cup and sleeve) can now be recycled on campus by utilizing the grey stream bin (Recyclable Containers). However, we have found that many cups still contain leftover liquid when being tossed in this bin, which can damage other materials and make them non-recyclable.
The Solution
Our Coffee Cup Recycling Station located in the Progress Campus cafeteria provides a spot for you to dump the remaining liquid in your cup and stack your cup for recycling. This decreases the amount of liquid in the normal grey container recycling stream which can make other materials in that stream become unrecyclable if they become wet.
We have joined forces with a local company STACK IT NOW who are experts in recycling coffee cups. They have developed a system to shred coffee cups and separate the plastic lining in the process. The left-over shredded coffee cup material is then used to make paper products using this post-consumer recycled material!
Where to Find a Recycling Station
If you are unable to bring in your reusable mug through our Lug a Mug Program, stack your used coffee cup at our Coffee Cup Recycling Station, located in the Progress Campus Market Place Cafeteria besides the microwaves.
When you approach the station, there will be specific spots to place your excess liquid, lid, and sleeve; and most importantly you will place your empty coffee cup onto a stacker pictured below.
We have introduced our first Coffee Cup Recycling Station to Progress as it is our largest generator of waste, and we hope to expand it to each campus soon!
Please contact sustainability@centennialcollege.ca if you have any questions and comments about our Coffee Cup Recycling Program.