Can I recycle k-cups?

cac847

If I rip the foil off of and dump the coffee grinds out of my used k-cups, can they be recycled? Numbers 1-7 are recyclable where I live, but these things aren't labeled.

xnickerx

No.

Per their FAQ's: 

Are K-Cups? Recyclable?

The challenge of protecting the freshness of roasted coffee while using environmentally friendly packaging is one that both Keurig? and the coffee industry are committed to overcoming.  We are very sensitive about the waste created by the K-Cups, and are investigating alternative materials.  Finding a solution for this is a priority for us, and one we hope to have before long.

 

 

CharlottesWeb

Oh that bums me out. I have been composting the coffee grinds and filter and putting the plastic part in our recylce bin.

Jeff & Em

I'm bummed, too.

I've been debating on whether to buy the reusable filter or a reusable top.  

I wonder if you can pop the filter into a K-cup to solve the mixed reviews about the coffee strength and flavor being different?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000DLB2FI?tag=focush-20

Here's a link to the reusable top. 

http://www.my-kap.com/MYK/

 

cac847

I have the reusable filter, it came with the coffee maker at Costco and it's a bit of a PITA to use. It's still more convenient than brewing one cup in a regular coffee maker though. The filter goes inside the grey plastic thing and you snap out the machine's k-cup holder. The filter fits pretty snugly in the plastic thing so I don't think you'd be able to put a k-cup around it and still have it fit. I haven't noticed the coffee being different strengths while using the filter thing, it always tastes the same to me. I think some people just like being coffee snobs

Jeff & Em

cac847:

I think some people just like being coffee snobs

*whew*  That's good to know!  I live in Portland, and I feel left out because I'm not a coffee snob.  But I prefer to be a beer or food or chocolate snob.  Or a pet food snob.  And really, how many kinds of snobby can I be without being a complete b!tch?

I drink coffee super rarely for caffeine and warming up purposes.  And I add a ton of milk (or cream if I have it!  ) and sugar, so I doubt I'd know the difference.  I think I'll try one of the filters once my cups are gone.  Hopefully my MIL will stop sending them to me.  : )

belovedbride07

Interesting...we have a Keurig at work (well, at office A...office B has nasty coffee, but that's another story!), and the k-cups all get collected and taken back by the company that services the machine and keeps us stocked. I wonder why they collect them if they aren't recyclable... I'll keep an eye out and grill the coffee guy for info if I ever see him.

littlefootann

I love my reusable filter. I find it very easy to use. Being a bit of a coffee snob I want good coffee and protect the environment. Throwing those k-cups out every time just killed me. Try Seattle Coffee Works and you'll never go back to k-cups.

junebride060306

I rip mine open and compost the grounds but throw the rest away sadly. I justify it's wasting less still than going and getting a coffee everyday from DD or *$