Are takeaway coffee cups, including BioCups, recyclable? Wouldn’t it be great to live in a world where the answer to that was a resounding 'yes of course absolutely!' In actual fact, the answer is more complicated and boils down to: Well yes they are officially recyclable, and they jolly well should be recycled EVERYWHERE and in many places they are. BUT it depends on individual waste contractors whether they are actually recycled or not. So (as usual in this age of personal responsibility) - do your research, act accordingly, AND WHENEVER POSSIBLE take your own reusable cup. The television series War on Waste has been wonderful. However, when you see the bit about takeaway coffee cups including BioCups not being recycled in Australia, please look deeper into the subject. So… why is there an issue? Takeaway cups are paper, aren’t they? Well, the issue is that takeaway coffee cups of all varieties, including BioCups, are made of over 95% paper, with a very thin coating of plastic so that they can hold liquids. (The plastic in BioCups is a plant-based bioplastic.) This means that SOME contractors who deal with waste consider them a contaminating item in a recycle bin. However, this combination of paper and plastic is almost identical to milk and juice cartons which are regularly accepted for recycling. Planet Ark says in their blog What's the Deal with Coffee Cup Recycling? that the issue with recycling takeaway cups is how the cardboard and plastic behave in the recycling process – particularly during pulping. The cardboard fibres need to be able to disengage from the plastic component. They give the tip that 'the simple act of flattening paper cups means they will move through the sorting station in the best way.' But do contractors who say they recycle coffee cups actually recycle them? Many coffee cups including BioCups are recycled. Nillumbik Shire, where Going Green Solutions is based, is just one of the many Shires  in Australia that accept takeaway coffee cups and lids in their recycling bins. We have double checked with our Shire Waste Management Team and they have confirmed that takeaway cups ARE being collected and ARE being recycled. This applies to all recycle bins supplied and emptied by Nillumbik Council, which includes all residential bins and some organisations. (Note: as of 2.08.17 some of this information is again under debate. We will update the Blog with the most transparent information available, as we obtain it.) HOWEVER (you will notice that there are a lot of 'howevers' in this unexpectedly complex discussion) remember that businesses within Shires are not allowed to use Council Waste Bins. They are required to organise their own waste management and depending on who their contractor is, takeaway cups may not be recycled. So if your work place or Shire say 'no takeaway coffee cups' in the recycling bin then abide by the rules for the time being, but approach them with facts such as the APCO statement until this decisio...

Have you ever wondered if your plastic container can go in a microwave? The answer all depends on the plastic used in the container. Containers made from polypropylene (commonly abbreviated to PP) can be used in the microwave without safety risks associated with standard plastic. These types of containers, such as Dispolite plastic containers (not be confused with the PLA versions), are often cloudy in appearance. Remember to microwave the container only once and dispose of it correctly. Unsafe plastics Plastic containers which are not marked as safe, commonly made of PET plastic and polycarbonate, have low melting points, and therefore carry a risk of melting. This can also cause unpleasant smells, damage to appliances, and dangerous fires. Non-metal containers, such as paper food boxes, are safer and economical alternatives to plastic. You may also use microwave-safe dishes to warm your food in and paper towels or plastic wrap to cover food when it’s in the microwave. How can I check the container is microwave-safe? Here are some steps you can use to maximise safety. 1. Check the container for a symbol or text displaying it is microwave safe. Microwave Symbols For Food Packaging2. Ask the food business supplying you with the container if you are unsure. 3. Read your microwave’s user manual to see if it has any additional tips or warnings. 4. For business buyers of containers, seek advice from the supplier or manufacturer.

We’re a paper cup specialist with a large collection of sizes and different styles. All are customisable. Fully certified to EU food-grade standards and ideal for takeaway coffee and other hot drinks. Unlike conventional disposable paper cups which are lined with plastic, our paper cups are lined with an environmentally-friendly coating that excels in biodegradability and compostability. Furthermore, the high quality paper used to create our cups is sourced from sustainably managed forestry which together make them a sustainable choice for takeaway drinks. Our unique collections feature different designs to match your own concept and are available in various sizes. And, with a smooth flat surface, our cups are perfectly suitable to be branded with your own design. ABOUT OUR ECO-FRIENDLY PAPER COFFEE CUPS ~Made from high quality paper sourced from sustainably managed forestry ~Biodegradable & Compostable ~Lined with BioPLA, a coating that excels in biodegradability and compostability ~Suitable for holding hot drinks ~Available in various sizes and styles ~Combine with one of our compostable cup lids ~Custom designs available on request ~Certified to EU food-grade standards ~Made in China