McDonald’s USA joins How2Recycle

A member of the SPC since 2005, McDonald’s is the first national restaurant chain to join the program which informs the public about recycling.

“McDonald’s is committed to reducing waste. Labeling our packaging with SPC’s How2Recycle label provides an opportunity to extend the behind-the-counter recycling efforts at the restaurant by helping consumers to determine how to recycle some McDonald's packaging at home​," said Susan Forsell, VP, Sustainability, McDonald’s USA.

Initially, McDonald’s will label its standard paper carryout bags with the “Widely Recycled” version of the How2Recycle Label.

The “Widely Recycled” label indicates that at least 60% of the US population has access to recycle the particular packaging materials used.

The McDonald’s carryout bags will include the additional message, “Recycle if Clean & Dry,” since bags dirtied by grease or food residue are often not accepted in recycling programs.

McDonald’s is also looking at putting the How2Recycle Label on packaging, including its Happy Meal box to educate youngsters about recycling.