Fast food chain McDonald's new paper straws, which were introduced as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic, cannot be recycled, a report claims.
An internal memo, leaked to The Sun , instructs staff to throw them in the bin and they will later be burned.
An insider told the 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 new paper straws, which have replaced plastic in all 1,361 UK and Ireland branches, reports the Miirror have angered some customers who claim they make certain beverages, including milkshake and cola, difficult to drink.
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.”
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