Which types of plastic can and cannot be recycled curbside?
Executive summary
Curbside recycling rules vary, but recent moves by WM (Waste Management) show plastic polypropylene (PP) cups and many paper to‑go cups are now being accepted in more curbside programs; WM added PP cups and paper to‑go cups to its universal accepted list and is urging municipalities to follow suit [1] [2]. Local programs still differ: some cities list only #1 and #2 (and sometimes #4 and #5) bottles and tubs as acceptable while advising residents that lids, straws and Styrofoam remain unacceptable [3] [4].
1. What plastics curbside programs commonly accept — and why it matters
Most municipal curbside programs historically focused on PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) bottles and containers because those resins have steady end‑markets and are easy for sorting equipment to identify; some programs also accept containers marked #4 and #5 where markets exist [3]. WM’s recent national change to add polypropylene (PP, commonly resin code #5) cups reflects both increased volumes of PP in the waste stream and upgraded sorting infrastructure and bale specifications that make PP economically viable to collect and sell [5] [2].
2. Recent change: PP cups and paper cups entering curbside lists
WM announced it has added PP plastic cups and paper to‑go cups to its universal accepted recyclables across its collection network, meaning residents in many service areas can now place those cups in curbside carts — WM says automation upgrades and market demand enabled the move [1] [2]. Waste Management and partners say PP cups are “approaching” a Widely Recyclable designation from How2Recycle, which would indicate broad curbside acceptance, while paper beverage cups are trending toward a “Check Locally” designation meaning acceptance varies by community [2] [6].
3. What still shouldn’t go in curbside bins — current exceptions
Even where cups are accepted, common exclusions remain: cup lids, plastic straws, and Styrofoam (expanded polystyrene) cups are repeatedly cited as items residents should not include in curbside recycling [4] [7]. Municipal guidance also warns against plastic bags and flexible film because these “tanglers” wrap around sorting machinery and pose safety and efficiency problems — such items often require separate drop‑off or store take‑back programs [3].
4. Local variation: check your city’s rules
WM’s universal list is a prompt, not an override of local policy: cities and townships set what their curbside collectors will actually accept. For example, Kansas City’s official guidance specifies curbside acceptance of plastics only when they are bottles and tubs marked #1, #2, #4, or #5, and explicitly prohibits items that tangle equipment [3]. Central Arkansas announced it will accept plastic and paper to‑go cups in certain jurisdictions starting Dec. 1, but the change applies only to residents served by specific local programs and officials encouraged others to contact public works for details [8] [4].
5. Why the rules are shifting now — technology and markets
Industry sources say two forces drove the shift: improved sorting and automation at material recovery facilities and stronger end‑market demand for previously marginal resins like PP. WM cites automation upgrades and changes to bale specifications plus partnerships with brand owners and recycling groups as reasons it can expand accepted materials [2] [9]. Trade and industry groups are also working on design guidance to make packaging more recyclable [9].
6. Conflicting perspectives and remaining limitations
Producers and large haulers frame acceptance changes as progress toward circularity and note PP cups could reach broad recyclability labels [1] [6]. Critics or cautious municipal programs emphasize operational limits: not all facilities have the upgraded lines, contamination remains a big problem, and local rules must protect workers and equipment [3]. Available sources do not mention specific statewide mandates that override local decisions; WM is urging municipalities to adopt the change but acceptance remains uneven [1] [2].
7. Practical guidance for residents today
Check your city’s official recycling page or your hauler’s acceptance list before assuming a new material is acceptable — WM’s universal list is influential but not automatically binding for every community [1] [3]. If your service accepts cups, remove lids and straws and don’t include Styrofoam; when in doubt, look up local programs or use drop‑off options for problematic items [4] [3].
Limitations: this overview relies on recent trade and local news about WM’s policy change and municipal guidance in the provided sources; it does not reflect any local rules not published in these results and does not evaluate the long‑term environmental outcomes of expanded curbside acceptance [2] [3].