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# Trash Talk ♻️ Paper Cups Are Recyclable!
- URL: https://pembrokecitizenjournal.com/community/trash-talk-paper-cups-are-recyclable/
- Published: 2026-09-04T12:00:55.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-04T12:00:55.000Z
- Author: Nicole Lydic
- Tags: Community, Trash Talk

Recycling facilities are constantly innovating to overcome the many hurdles in waste management. They are developing new ways to recycle items once relegated to landfills. The article[ https://pembrokecitizenjournal.com/trash-talk-food-in-recycling/](https://pembrokecitizenjournal.com/trash-talk-food-in-recycling/) mentions that pizza boxes and yogurt containers, previously banned from recycling, are now accepted. This new advancement, allowing lined paper cups in the curbside recycling bin, is a waste management and environmental win.

![](https://cdn.synaps.media/pembrokenews/content/images/2026/08/RecycleCups.jpeg)

Paper mills can now separate the plastic or wax lining used for paper cups. This process is called hydropulping--or wet pulping. Paper cups are dumped into a large, blender-like vat and soaked in water. Because plastic and wax are water-resistant, they do not break down. The paper absorbs the water and the fibers separate. Once the paper matter becomes a slurry, the pulp is screened and separated from the plastic and wax.

​The paper pulp then goes through a separate washing and de-inking process before being remanufactured into new products. Clear plastic cups labeled #5 are also recyclable (iced coffee cups); colored plastic cups are not. Remember, although the cups are now recyclable, the plastic lids and straws are not.

![Cups are now recyclable, lids and straws go in the trash.](https://cdn.synaps.media/pembrokenews/content/images/2026/08/PaperCups.jpeg)

Cups are now recyclable, lids and straws go in the trash.

If you are interested in having a recycling or waste question answered in a future Trash Talk article, please email Nicole Lydic at [nicole.lydic@pembrokecitizenjournal.com](mailto:nicole.lydic@pembrokecitizenjournal.com)