New Bedford Residents Can Finally Recycle Plastic Iced Coffee Cups With Their Lids

Starting this month, New Bedford residents have a little less guilt when grabbing an iced coffee from Grandma's Donuts or Dunkin'.

As of November 2025, the city’s Recycling Department has expanded its guidelines to allow plastic drinking cups with lids attached to be recycled in your recycling cart, something that was previously not accepted.

It’s a small change with a big impact, especially in a city that runs on iced beverages year-round. However, there are still a few rules residents need to follow to keep things running smoothly.

What You Can Recycle Now

Clear plastic lids are now recyclable – but only if they are attached to a clear plastic cup. These cups often come from coffee shops, restaurants, and convenience stores.

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What You Still Can’t Recycle

The update does not include:

• Colored plastic cups
• Foam cups
• Paper cups

READ MORE: Stop Recycling These Plastic Takeout Containers if You Live in Massachusetts

Those still need to go in the trash.

A Few Rules to Follow

To make sure everything gets handled correctly on the recycling line, the city is asking residents to stick to these simple steps:

1. Empty all liquids and ice from the cup.
2. Keep the lid attached and recycle it as one piece.
3. Throw away straws – they’re not recyclable.

The City says following these guidelines helps prevent contamination and keeps materials moving safely and efficiently through the sorting process.

New Bedford continues to make strides in improving its recycling program, and this update is another step toward reducing waste and keeping more plastics out of landfills.

Additional reporting by Aubrey Rodrigues