McDonalds IRELAND currently do not use recyclable containers for their beverages.

Coffee/tea cups & all soft drink containers have a warning on the side that states “Not Yet Recycled”.

I contacted the McDonald’s CEO (Worldwide) Chris Kempvzinski to raise the issue but there was no response.

I next raised the issue with McDonalds CEO UK & IRELAND, Paul Pomroy. I highlighted the fact that many much smaller companies use compostable drink containers, let alone recyclable ones, and found it very surprising that McDonalds IRELAND does not use recyclable drinks containers.

I received a response from Mr. Pomroy’s office which included the following;

“I understand from your email that you have concerns regarding the recycling of our cups and please rest assured this is something we are taking seriously.

We are working hard towards setting up a recycling infrastructure for Republic of Ireland restaurants”.

I responded seeking clarity on how McDonalds are “working hard towards setting up a recycling infrastructure”, outlying a number of queries such as;

1. Have McDonald’s secured a potential recycling site in Ireland?

2. Have McDonalds held meetings with the different recycling companies?

3. What is the approx. timeline before this infrastructure is in place?

The response received from McDonald’s was as follows;

“We have not secured a potential site in Ireland yet, however we are reviewing this with the relevant people and companies.
 
As such, we unfortunately unable to provide the information you have requested and go into specifics at this time but please do rest assured of our best intentions at all times.”

Now, just to clarify, I’m not anti-McDonalds. I enjoy a Big Mac as much as the next person but surely a company which recently reported sales of $6.2 billion dollars can afford to offer recyclable or even compostable cups.

If this petition gains traction, I will also bring it to the Petition Committee of the Irish Government to show more needs to be done to force large companies to become more environmentally friendly on this country.

Every second week, I drag my green wheelie bin outside my house for recycling collection, and my household earnings are a bit shy of $6.2 billion per quarter. So if I can do my bit, McDonald’s can too!

Any support with this petition is greatly appreciated.