New Items Accepted in Curbside Recycling: Paper and Plastic Cups

New Items Accepted in Curbside Recycling: Paper and Plastic Cups

Published on November 12, 2025

Kansas City, Kansas residents now have more opportunities to recycle everyday items at home. WM, the Unified Government's solid waste service provider, has expanded what can be placed in curbside recycling carts. Paper beverage cups and many types of plastic drink cups are now accepted as part of the community's curbside recycling program.

This change is part of a national effort supported by manufacturers, recycling facilities, and sustainability organizations. The goal is to make it easier for people to recycle commonly used cups and reduce the amount of material going to landfills.

Residents can now put paper beverage cups, such as coffee or fountain drink cups, and plastic drinking cups made from polypropylene (PP) in their curbside recycling. Foam cups, rigid #6 plastic, lids, straws, and cup stoppers should be placed in the trash, not the recycling cart.

Before recycling, residents should empty all liquids, remove lids, straws, and stoppers, and place the clean cup directly in their recycling cart.

"Even small improvements make a big difference when it comes to recycling," said Diana Miles, Solid Waste Manager. "This update gives residents one more way to reduce waste at home. We encourage everyone to take a moment to empty and separate their cups before placing them in the cart. Those few seconds help keep the recycling process working smoothly for our community."

Companies nationwide are shifting away from foam and toward recyclable paper and plastic cups. At the same time, WM has invested in advanced sorting technology at its recycling facilities that can now identify and separate cups more effectively. These improvements help ensure that recycled materials can be turned into new products, such as cardboard boxes, paint cans, garden products, and plastic lumber.

By keeping more materials in the recycling stream, our community supports cleaner neighborhoods, reduces waste, and contributes to broader sustainability goals.

Residents can learn more about accepted materials and recycling preparation by visiting WM's Recycle Right webpage.

• Trash & Recycling