December 19th, 2025
Monroe County will welcome paper and plastic to-go cups
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
County Executive Adam Bello announced today that paper and plastic to-go cups are now accepted as part of Monroe County’s recycling program. This expansion offers households the opportunity to recycle their clean and empty paper cups as well as clear and white plastic takeout cups, keeping them out of landfills and allowing them to be converted into new products. It’s estimated that nearly 50 billion paper cups - like those used for fountain sodas, hot and iced coffee drinks - are disposed each year in the U.S.
“We’re proud to expand our recycling program and include paper and plastic to-go cups in our list of acceptable materials,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “We are able to offer our community a valuable opportunity to conserve resources and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills."
“Including paper and plastic to-go cups in the list of accepted recycling materials is a strong step forward in our commitment to keeping valuable resources out of the landfill and circulating into new products,” said Mike Garland, Director of the County’s Department of Environmental Services. “It’s also a great opportunity for residents to visit Monroe County’s recycling website, refresh their knowledge on what belongs in the recycling cart, and help boost recycling efforts across our community.”
The Monroe County Recycling Center (MCRC) opened in 1992 to accept residential recycling from haulers across the community. The facility, owned by Monroe County and operated by WM, sorts and bales recovered items, which are sold to processors and manufacturers to convert into new products, diverting waste from landfills and advancing the circular economy.
To prepare paper and plastic to-go cups for recycling, residents are asked to empty any remaining contents, put lids back on, and place them loose in their recycling carts. Any straws and stirrers should be disposed in the trash. Colored plastic party cups (like SoloTM cups), foam cups, and biodegradable plastic cups are NOT accepted for recycling.
“Thanks to Monroe County, this update makes it easier for residents to do the right thing today while building a cleaner, more sustainable Rochester for future generations,” said City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Families can now create more full-circle moments at home by helping ensure everyday items get turned into new products, keeping waste out of landfills and benefiting our entire community.”
Residents may also bring recycling for drop off to the WM/Monroe County ecopark open Wednesdays from 1pm-6:30pm and Saturdays 7:30am- 1pm. The ecopark will be closed Wednesday December 24 for the holidays.
To learn more about Monroe County’s recycling initiative and see a list of all acceptable curbside recyclables, visit www.monroecounty.gov/recycling.
