WM Now Accepts Paper and Plastic Cups in Evans Recycling Program

WM Now Accepts Paper and Plastic Cups in Evans Recycling Program

Good news for Evans residents: WM has expanded its recycling program to accept both paper and plastic cups, marking a significant step forward in local and national sustainability efforts.

This update is part of a nationwide initiative involving major brands and industry leaders working together to make to-go cups widely recyclable across the country. As companies move away from foam products, more are adopting recyclable paper and polypropylene (PP) cups, making this change both timely and impactful.

To better serve communities like Evans, WM has invested more than $1.4 billion between 2022 and 2026 to upgrade facilities with advanced sorting technology—enhancements that now allow these cups to be properly identified and processed. This expansion also supports a growing demand from U.S. manufacturers who rely on recycled paper and PP materials to produce new products.

What’s Accepted

Residents can now place the following in their curbside recycling carts:

• Paper cups for hot and cold beverages (e.g., coffee cups with sleeves, soda cups)

• Plastic cups made from polypropylene (PP) (e.g., cold drink cups used for soda and iced coffee)

What’s Not Accepted

Please do not place the following items in your recycling cart:

• Foam cups (Styrofoam)

• Rigid polystyrene (#6)

• Lids, straws, or stoppers

Preparing Cups for Recycling

To ensure materials can be effectively processed:

• Empty all liquids

• Remove straws, stoppers, and any food residue

This expansion is an exciting step toward a cleaner, more sustainable community. Evans residents can feel confident knowing their everyday beverage cups now have a second life through recycling.

To learn more about recycling in Evans - including how customers can receive a discount for budling trash and recycling services - please go here.