Coffee fans who love to get their Starbucks fix on a daily basis might have noticed the ‘strange’ symbol on the takeaway cup lid, but what does it exactly mean?
With autumn in full swing, there’s nothing quite like a Pumpkin Spice drink from your local Starbucks to keep you warm. Even if the themed-drink isn’t really your flavour, there are so many alternatives to enjoy ahead of Halloween.
Now if you’re a coffee lover who’s sure to get their daily Starbucks fix, have you ever noticed a ‘strange’ symbol on the cup’s lid? In a post on Reddit, many members of the r/AskUK forum couldn’t help but notice the bizarre recycling sign on the top. The caption read: “What does this strange recycling sign on my Starbucks lid mean?”
Underneath the photo of the Starbucks lid along with its logo, the person added: “Ordered a coffee from Starbucks.
“What does this bottom left recycling sign on the lid mean?” So do you have any idea what it means?
Many people fled to the comments section to share their own theories. One said: “To me, that symbol looks more like ‘goes to landfill’ than ‘recycle’. There is no cycle in those arrows.”
Another added: “It means it’s made from polypropylene which is a Pacific type of recycling centre.”
While a third commented: “These are the delivery lids, for like Uber Eats or whatever. They come in packs with (I think?) Chinese script on them, so I’m guessing the stuff about the Taiwanese recycling symbol is right. Either that, or a Chinese variant of it.”
Meanwhile someone had a similar response: “Can confirm. I live in Taiwan and they use a four-arrow square here.”
And a fifth chimed in: “According to Wikipedia it looks like the Taiwanese recycling symbol, like the three-arrow triangle we are familiar with.”
A “Taiwanese recycling symbol” features four arrows which form a square or circle with a central “8” or “S” shape. It represents the Taiwanese recycling logo used since 1984 to indicate recyclable materials.
This symbol may be found on Starbucks lids, but its presence or absence doesn’t always guarantee a lid is recyclable in your specific location, as local recycling guidelines are essential for determining proper disposal.
It is believed this specific symbol was created to promote environmental awareness and signify recyclable materials in Taiwan.
While it originates in Taiwan, the sign is recognised and used in other countries to denote recyclable materials.
The coffee chain is moving towards more compostable and recyclable materials, but you still need to check local guidance.
You can find more information on Starbucks’ commitment to recycling at their “one cup big change” website, including links to local recycling guidance.