McDonald’s new paper straws – described as “eco-friendly” by the US fast food giant – cannot be recycled. Last year, it axed plastic straws, even though they were recyclable, in all its UK branches as part of a green drive. But the US fast food giant says the new paper straws are not yet easy to recycle and should be put into general waste. McDonald’s says the materials are recyclable, but their thickness makes it difficult for them to be processed. The firm switched from plastic straws to paper ones in its restaurants in the UK and Republic of Ireland last autumn. The straws are manufactured by Transcend Packaging, based in Ebbw Vale, south Wales. But some customers were unhappy with the new straws, saying they dissolved before a drink could be finished, with milkshakes particularly hard to drink. “As a result of customer feedback, we have strengthened our paper straws, so while the materials are recyclable, their current thickness makes it di […]