Canadian Doughnut Chain Unveils Dedicated Trash Bin For Used Coffee Cups

November 4, 2008 12:04 p.m. EST

Toronto, Ontario (AHN) - In response to Toronto's plan to push for a reduction in food packaging, doughnut chain Tim Hortons announced Monday it will place dedicated bins for coffee cups on its outlets in Toronto. The cups will later be recycled into roofing paper or cardboard boxes.

Tim Hortons senior vice president of corporate affairs Nick Javor said the move is in response to diners' queries or suggestions for less packaging and recycling of used food packaging.

The chain had a problem disposing its coffee cups because Toronto's recycling system could not handle the plastic covers of the paper coffee cups. Because of the problem, Tim Hortons tapped Turtle Island Recycling Corporation to collect the used coffee cups and recycle it for other uses.

The city council is slated to unveil on Tuesday measures to reduce trash produced by Toronto business establishments. Among the expected measures it will recommend are a discount for diners who bring their own mugs. But it will likely exclude taxes on plastic grocery bags and throw-away coffee cups which will be protested by Toronto businesses and residents alike.

Many city residents have expressed apprehension levying a tax on plastic bags and coffee cups will open the floodgates for Toronto to slap taxes on other commodities or services. City Mayor David Miller assured residents he does not plan to tax plastic bags and coffee cups.