Convenience chain 7-Eleven is hoping to stop 70 million cups from going to landfill by installing recycling stations within 200 of its Australian stores.

Working with specialty Australian recycling service, Simply Cups, 7-Eleven has installed in-store cup collection stations for both its Slurpee plastic cups and all coffee cups.

Founder of Simply Cups, Rob Pascoe, said there is a common misconception that coffee cups can be recycled through regular recycling but this is not the case.

“Takeaway cups are lined with polyethylene which prevents liquids from seeping through the cup, but also prevents the cups being recycled through normal paper recycling facilities,” Pascoe said.

Simply Cups uses special technology to remove the plastic lining so both materials can be recycled.

Angus McKay, 7-Eleven Chief Executive Officer, said 7-Eleven is currently Australia’s second largest takeaway coffee destination and has a responsibility to help prevent cups going to landfill.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Simply Cups to kick start the cup recycling revolution across Australia,” McKay said.

“Our goal is to change the way people think about recycling and encourage other organisations and community members to get on board and install a Simply Cups bin their workplace, park or school, and make a difference to future generations.”

Any brand of coffee cup can be recycled at 7-Eleven Simply Cups stations, not just 7-Eleven branded cups.

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