McDonald’s admits paper straws cannot be recycled

Last year, it axed plastic straws in all its UK branches as part of a green drive but the new paper straws, manufactured by Transcend Packaging in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, are not yet easy to recycle and should be put into general waste.

It says that the materials are recyclable, but their thickness makes it difficult for them to be processed.

The straws are manufactured by Transcend Packaging, based in Ebbw Vale, south Wales.

A McDonald's spokesman said: "As a result of customer feedback, we have strengthened our paper straws, so while the materials are recyclable, their current thickness makes it difficult for them to be processed by our waste solution providers, who also help us recycle our paper cups."