Story perspectives

Starbucks Cups Labeled Recyclable End Up in Landfills

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Research found none of Starbucks’ cold cups advertised as widely recyclable were actually recycled.
Beyond Plastics installed 53 Bluetooth trackers in Starbucks recycling bins Jan-Mar 2026, 36 transmitted data.
Trackers recorded 16 cups in landfills, nine incinerated, eight at transfer stations, three at recovery facilities, and none recycled.
Starbucks said the tracker study does not reflect systems and pledged to improve access, invest in innovation, and promote reusable packaging.

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Story summary

Research found none of Starbucks’ cold cups advertised as widely recyclable were actually recycled.
Beyond Plastics installed 53 Bluetooth trackers in Starbucks recycling bins Jan-Mar 2026, 36 transmitted data.
Trackers recorded 16 cups in landfills, nine incinerated, eight at transfer stations, three at recovery facilities, and none recycled.
Starbucks said the tracker study does not reflect systems and pledged to improve access, invest in innovation, and promote reusable packaging.