One of our core values at Klatch Coffee is to “pursue sustainability for all in the supply chain”, and we're constantly evaluating our sourcing practices and suppliers for disposable products at our cafe locations as a result. A huge volume of cups and lids for both hot and cold beverages are used every day, so making smarter choices in this area is an easy way for us to be more impactful.
Here's what you need to know about how you can recycle takeaway cups and lids when you visit a Klatch Coffee cafe:
Which cups and lids can be recycled?
Just looking for the summary? Here's what to know, based on the cups and lids in use at Klatch Coffee cafe locations as of February, 2025:
- Hot beverage (i.e. coffee) cups - generally not recyclable
- Hot beverage lids - recyclable curbside in some communities, check with your specific provider
- Cold beverage cups - easily recyclable in curbside programs
- Cold beverage lids - easily recyclable in curbside programs
- Hot cup sleeves and cup carriers are both 100% paper and thus are easily recycled
Want to learn more about how we make sourcing decisions and how we selected our cup and lid providers with sustainability and recyclability in mind? Read on:
Paper, styrofoam, plastic coffee cups - what's the difference?
Styrofoam is easy to write off as a solution for cups in our cafes, because it has a bad reputation on the environmental side. It tends to break into many small pieces, which pollute waterways, and takes a very long period of time to break down once it's in a landfill.
That leaves paper and plastic as the likely options for cafes. Paper seems like the natural, sustainable choice, right? Well, it isn't that simple. Unfortunately, paper alone isn't watertight - cups need to be lined with something else like plastic, wax, or polyethylene. The addition of that liner can prevent recycling in most local curbside programs, because it's difficult and/or requires special processing to remove the lining from the paper.
Plastic is a poor insulator, meaning it's not a good option for hot to-go orders. So we've elected to serve coffee in lined, paper to-go cups at this time - by far the most common option you'll encounter at cafes, for both Klatch Coffee as well as our competitors.
What's next for takeaway "to-go" cups used for hot coffee?
We continue to watch for technological advancements in this area, as packaging manufacturers continue to work on new liner technologies that can protect the paper cup from the liquid while still remaining easily recyclable. While a few advanced technologies are starting to appear on the market today, they are still prohibitively expensive, which could force us to raise prices if we implemented them. We hope that they become more widely available at competitive prices in the future, which would allow us to offer fully recyclable "to-go" cup at our cafes, without raising prices.
Is there a difference between cups for hot and cold beverages?
Yes, our decision making process is different for hot and cold beverages. For iced or cold beverages, however, plastic is a perfect fit. Plastic cups and lids are usually pretty easy to recycle, as well. Drop them in your community curbside recycling program where they can be broken down and re-used in new products. This reduces demand for raw materials (less new plastic needs to be created) because PET1 / PETE1 plastic can be used to make products like bottles, carpet, and apparel.
The "recycling" symbol found on coffee cups and lids
Before you recycle, check the numeric symbol stamped into the product for guidance. Note numbers like "1" or "4" on the label, which correspond to the specific type of plastic and the recycling method required. Then compare those numbers with the literature provided by your local curbside trash or recycling provider so you'll know how to dispose of them correctly.
Consider printing the handout from your trash company and posting it near your trash and recycling bins, so it's easy to refer to.
Consider ordering "for here" for a more sustainable option
At most Klatch Coffee cafe locations, you can order your drink "for here" and we'll serve it in a proper cafe mug. That means no paper or plastic waste all all - plus, it's great to take a few minutes to sit down, relax and enjoy your drink from a proper mug when time permits.
Bring your own mug for a discount
Many cafes, including Klatch Coffee, offer discounts to customers who bring their own cup or mug. If you aren't local to a Klatch Coffee cafe, consider asking your favorite local cafe if they offer this option. It's another sustainable, impactful choice you can make.
What about straws?
Klatch Coffee uses "Sip Lid" style lids on both hot and cold beverages. "Sip Lids" eliminate the need for straws, reducing plastic waste. Straws are available on request for customers who want them.
