McDonald’s hated ‘eco-friendly’ paper straws cannot be recycled – but axed plastics one can
MCDONALD’S new “eco-friendly” paper straws cannot be recycled.
Plastic ones were axed in all UK branches as part of a green drive — even though the fast food giant has said they were “100 per cent recyclable.”
But The Sun can today reveal an internal Mac memo admits the new paper versions — hated by customers — are not actually recyclable and must be binned and burned.
McDonald’s decision to swap recyclable plastic straws for “eco-friendly” paper versions which cannot be recycled was today branded “a silly stunt.”
It dumped the 1.8 million plastic straws used by its UK restaurants each day as part of a huge green drive.
An insider said: “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.”
MAC GREEN GAFFE
One recycling expert on Sunday said McDonald’s had blundered by trying to appease eco-campaigners.
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.”
Former Climate change secretary Ed Davey said: “It really can’t be that difficult to replace plastic straws. People will be left wondering where this was just greenwash or a monumental cock-up.”
McDonald’s pulled its plastic straws in September and vowed to use paper ones in all its 1,361 branches across the UK and Ireland.
The internal memo admits: “Paper straws are not yet recyclable and should be disposed of in general waste until further notice.”
The final straws
MCDONALD’S fans who hate the “mushy” new paper straws are paying a small fortune for the old plastic versions on eBay.
One seller managed to flog a bundle of 100 unopened McDonald’s plastic straws after 21 bidders pushed the price up to £102.
Another is currently offering bundles of 20 straws for £19.99.
One eBayer tells potential buyers: “Ideal for someone who doesn’t want to suck their milkshake through a wet bit of paper.”
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McDonald’s said on Sunday: “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.”
Sequins rapped
SEQUINS are the latest item under fire from eco-warriors because they are made of nonrecyclable plastic.
The comeback of the sparkly decoration has been slammed by recycling experts who warn against its environmental impact.
Plastic pollution campaigner Natalie Fee, founder of City to Sea, said: “I love a sparkly dress, but covering a dress in plastic cannot be justified if its worn once and discarded.”
Two of the four female finalists of Love Island wore sparkly sequin-adorned clothing and it has seen a comeback in high street stores.
Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman, 52, right, often wears sequins at gala events.
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