Plastic cups made from PET that have the Resin Code (RIC) “1” can be recycled in many curbside and municipal recycling programs. Not all plastic cups have a resin code, so be sure to look and check with your local recycling center to ensure they can be collected.

Highlights. Microplastics were released from different types of disposable drink cups. Violent shaking could cause the plastic cups to release more microplastics. Washing plastic cups before use reduced the risks of microplastic release.

The Dominant Plastic Type: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Clear plastic cups are predominantly made from PET, which stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate. PET is a widely used plastic material known for its clarity, durability, and recyclability.

The most common types of disposable plastic cups type are made from PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, as PET cups are durable and long-lasting. HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is also often used to produce plastic cups as this material can be recycled more easily than PET cups.