Used tea bags can pose some problems when it comes to recycling. Most often, we hesitate between mixed waste and bio waste. And while the grounds are completely biodegradable, unfortunately the same can’t be said for the teabags themselves. Many of them are made of synthetic materials and are not suitable for the brown bin.
Experts point out that even biodegradable used tea bags made of paper should also go into mixed waste. Due to their nature, recycling them is difficult. The safest thing to do is simply put them together with other, unsegregated waste.
Used tea bags are a problem not only for the environment
The most ecological solution, on the other hand, would be to give up tea in sachets and switch to leaf tea. In this way, we reduce the production of waste. In addition, we reduce the risk that some additional substances will get from the bag into our brew. It is worth being aware that when brewing some teas, microplastics can be released from the bag into the brew.
Deciding on leaf tea, there is no such danger. The problem of where to dispose of the used tea bag is also eliminated.
As for the coffee or tea grounds themselves, they are completely biodegradable and can be thrown into the brown bin without worry. Importantly, coffee capsules should be thoroughly emptied of their contents and then disposed of in the plastic and metal waste container.
