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| We take a “total life cycle” approach to solid waste. This means we consider the environmental impacts of the materials we use from initial selection, through production and transport, to use and disposal, including potentials for reuse and recycling. |
According to our studies, much of our restaurant waste is generated behind the counter. It consists largely of organic materials, like used cooking oil, and the packaging in which products arrive at our restaurants, mainly corrugated paper containers. We target our waste management programs accordingly.
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Recycling
What we can recycle depends on the infrastructure, legal rules, and cultures in the local communities where we do business. In many parts of the world, we recycle cooking oils and corrugated boxes. Various additional types of waste may be recycled. McDonald's Switzerland, for example, recycles polyethylene packaging film, newspapers, and used light bulbs and tubes.
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 In-restaurant recycling bins
McDonald’s Japan |
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We are always seeking more and better ways to recycle. For example, we are actively pursuing the conversion of used cooking oil into biofuels for transportation vehicles, heating, and other purposes. Recycling this way reduces not only waste, but demands on non-renewable resources and emissions that contribute to climate change. Australia, Brazil, and several countries in Europe already have active biodiesel recycling programs.
McDonald's Japan is testing the feasibility of collecting and recycling papers cups. Other projects to recycle packaging products are scheduled to begin in Australia and the UK.
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Reusing
Working with our suppliers, we have eliminated millions of pounds of packaging waste by having food and beverage products delivered in reusable containers. In many European countries, Coca-Cola is delivered to our restaurants in a refillable plastic-lined box. In Sweden alone, this innovation saved about 140 tons of corrugated cardboard in just one year. McDonald's Canada has sandwich buns delivered in reusable plastic containers. It has also introduced reusable pallets to move and store products after delivery.
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