Good News! Paper coffee & to-go cups are now recyclable in Massachusetts. Empty first, then place in your recycling cart. Put lids in the trash.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has announced that paper to-go cups, including coffee cups, are now accepted in curbside single-stream recycling in Bedford and throughout Massachusetts.
How to recycle paper cups correctly:
- Empty all liquids
- No plastics lids or straws (remove and put in trash)
- Place cups loose in your recycling cart
Why did this change?
Paper to-go cups were previously not accepted because they are lined with a thin plastic coating, which older recycling systems could not easily separate from the paper fiber. Recycling facilities across Massachusetts have upgraded their equipment and processing methods. These improvements now allow the plastic lining to be separated from the paper fiber, making it possible to recover and recycle the paper portion of the cup.
Why is MassDEP making this change now?
MassDEP regularly reviews what materials can be reliably recycled statewide. After testing and coordination with recycling processors, MassDEP determined that paper cups can now be consistently recycled throughout Massachusetts' single-stream recycling system.
This update reflects improvements in recycling processing and helps divert more paper fiber from the trash. Thank you for recycling right and helping Bedford reduce waste.
What if I have questions about other material types?
The best tool residents have in the toolbox is the free Recycle Coach mobile app (or Recycle Coach widget on the Town website). In October 2025, the Town partnered with Recycle Coach to bring all the knowledge of the DPW Trash & Recycling folks into the palm of your hand. The "What Goes Where" tool on the mobile app allows residents to snap a photo of an item that you have questions about to see disposal advice right then and there. Download the free Recycling Coach app today on Google Play or in the Apple App Store.
If you prefer to contact DPW Trash & Recycling directly, shoot us an email at trashrecycling@bedfordma.gov or call (781)275-7605 x4261