500 billion single-use cups are thrown away worldwide each year.

Global Estimate

Approximately 500 billion single-use cups (primarily disposable coffee and beverage cups made from paper, plastic, or foam) are thrown away worldwide each year. This figure accounts for the vast majority of cups used for hot and cold drinks, as they are typically discarded after one use. Less than 1% of these are recycled, with most ending up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter, contributing to microplastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., about 6.5 million metric tons of CO2 annually from production and disposal).

This estimate is supported by multiple environmental reports and studies, though some variation exists depending on whether the focus is strictly on coffee cups or all beverage cups. For instance:

• A 2023 Gitnux report cites 500 billion disposable cups globally, with 16 billion in the US alone.

• Klean Industries' fact sheet on single-use plastics aligns with 500 billion plastic cups yearly.

• Earlier sources like CleanCup (2019) and Seas and Straws also reference 500 billion, emphasizing immediate post-use disposal.

Regional Breakdown

• Global Estimate: Around 500 billion single-use plastic cups are discarded yearly. This includes cold drink cups (e.g., soda, iced coffee) used at fast-food chains, cafes, and events. The figure comes from reports like Klean Industries and CleanCup, which note that plastic cups dominate single-use beverage containers globally due to their low cost and widespread use.

• United States: Approximately 120 billion plastic cups are thrown away annually, with 50 billion attributed to coffee-related cups alone (Gitnux, 2023; Earth Day Network). The US represents a significant portion of global consumption.

• Recycling Rates: Less than 1% of plastic cups are recycled globally due to contamination, lack of infrastructure, and non-recyclable linings (e.g., polyethylene coatings). Most end up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to 6.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

• Environmental Impact: Plastic cup production consumes vast resources (e.g., petroleum-based materials) and generates significant waste. They break down into microplastics, exacerbating pollution in oceans and landfills.

Regional Insights:

• UK: Around 2.5 billion plastic-lined disposable cups (including coffee cups) are discarded yearly, with only 0.25% recycled (UK Parliament report, 2018).

• Australia: Approximately 1 billion plastic cups, largely from coffee and cold drinks, are thrown away annually (Gitnux, 2023).

• Global South: Data is sparse, but high consumption in urban areas (e.g., Asia, Africa) contributes to the 500 billion figure, driven by fast-food and street vendor use.

Broader Context and Trends

• Environmental Impact: Production requires 20 million trees annually and generates 3.7 billion pounds of manufacturing waste. In landfills, these cups can take centuries to break down, releasing toxins.

• Variations in Data: Some sources report lower figures (e.g., 100 billion in landfills) if excluding non-beverage uses, but 500 billion is the most cited global total for single-use cups.

• Efforts to Reduce: Initiatives like reusable cup discounts (e.g., Starbucks' BYOC program) and bans in places like France aim to cut this number, but global consumption is rising with coffee demand.

For the most current or region-specific data, check environmental organizations like Earth Day Network or Gitnux reports.