Paper straws are single-use drinking straws made from paper materials, often used as an alternative to plastic straws. They are commonly found in takeaway drinks and may become soft or soggy after use.
Disposal Options
- Used or Wet Paper Straw – FOGO Bin
- Used or Wet Paper Straw – General Waste Bin
Why
Although made from paper, used paper straws are too small and usually contaminated with liquid or food residue to be recycled. Wet or soggy paper fibres break down and cannot be processed in the recycling system.
Did You Know
Paper straws break down much faster than plastic ones, but they still require energy and resources to produce. Reducing single-use items altogether has a greater environmental benefit than simply switching materials.