A move by McDonald’s to bin instead of recycle paper straws is a temporary measure as it works to find a waste processing solution, the fast food giant has said.
Last year the company replaced plastic straws with paper ones across all of its UK and Ireland restaurants after a successful trial period.
According to an internal memo, the new paper straws are not recyclable and must be binned or burned, The Sun newspaper has reported.
Following criticism of the new straws, which some customers complained turned to mush in their drinks, a McDonald’s spokesman said they were strengthened after feedback.
“While the materials are recyclable, their current thickness makes it difficult for them to be processed by our waste solution providers, who also help us recycle our paper cups,” the spokesman added.
“We are working with them to find a solution, and so the advice to put paper straws in general waste is therefore temporary.
“This waste from our restaurants does not go to landfill but is used to generate energy.”
The move to paper straws came amid growing pressure on companies to reduce single-use plastic products and packaging.
It followed mounting concerns over plastic pollution in the oceans where items such as straws end up harming wildlife such as turtles and fish.
