McDonald’s trying to ban plastic straws from UK restaurants

McDonald’s has decided to ban plastic straws in UK restaurants as a means to cut down on waste. McDonald’s UK announced that a small chunk of its 1,300 locations in Britain will be switching over to biodegradable paper straws in May, as part of a trial run.

In the meantime, plastic straws will be available behind the counter and will be offered to customers upon request.

“Customers have told us that they don’t want to be given a straw and that they want to have to ask for one, so we’re acting on that. Straws are one of those things that people feel passionately about, and rightly so and we’re moving those straws behind the front counter,” said Paul Pomroy, chief executive officer of McDonald’s UK.

The plastic straws McDonald’s offers are 100 per cent recyclable, but the company claims most customers simply throw them away. Pomroy believes their biodegradable replacements, therefore, will solve a growing problem — not only within the fast-food industry but other areas as well.

McDonald’s is currently working toward recyclable drink lids, which Pomroy calls “the only thing left for us to move forward on.”