McDonald's new paper straws that are supposed to be helping the environment cannot actually be recycled, an insider claims.
The fast food giant introduced the new straws to restaurants across the UK in September even though they previously said the plastic ones were '100 per cent recyclable'.
An internal memo is now claiming that the paper versions have to be binned and burned, reports MirrorOnline.
An insider told a national newspaper: “When McDonald’s introduced paper straws it was getting pats on the back for being environmentally responsible.
“But it seems like it was a stunt to appease green campaigners because the things go straight in the rubbish. It’s ridiculously stupid.”
The paper straws have infuriated thousands of McDonald’s customers who claim they make milkshakes hard to drink and dissolve in cola.
The firm has admitted that its plastic straws were “100 per cent recyclable” but said it changed to paper because “more can be done”.
Stuart Foster of plastic recycling charity RECOUP said: “Everyone is switched on environmental discussions but the big firms need time to understand what they’re doing.”
The internal memo admits: “Paper straws are not yet recyclable and should be disposed of in general waste until further notice.”
McDonald’s said yesterday: “We strengthened our paper straws so, while the materials are recyclable, their thickness makes it difficult for them to be processed by our waste solution providers.
“We’re working with them to find a solution so putting paper straws in general waste is therefore temporary.”
Friends of the Earth’s Julian Kirby called on McDonald’s to axe all straws.
He said: “Lips have been a waste-free alternative for millions of years.”
