Working together for a better environment

Making a true difference

Waste Diversion

Through our work with waste management experts we are able to offer an enhanced paper recycling and/or composting in over 400 of our store locations.  This program includes a range of our quick service packaging including hot drink cups (1), soup containers, timbit and donut boxes, carry-out trays and paper bags.

Since the first in-store enhanced diversion program started on Prince Edward Island in 2000, the program has expanded to offer recycling and/or composting solutions in areas of Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.

While cups and other paper packaging can be recycled and composted, they are not always accepted due to variations in municipal waste diversion programs and waste industry guidelines.   In order to resolve challenges and secure opportunities for more diversion programs, work with local waste management companies is ongoing. 

In 2009, Tim Hortons received an Ontario Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Ontario.  This award recognized our efforts in the area of waste diversion including our enhanced recycling program, coffee grinds and food waste where markets allow.

(1) Hot drink cups include cups for coffee, tea and specialty beverages.

In limited jurisdictions the enhanced recycling program may include polystyrene lids from cups and soup containers.

The paper in our hot drink cups is a renewable resource.  They are sourced from responsibly managed forests (FSC or SFI certified), milled using an elemental chlorine-free process, and printed with water based inks and no added heavy metals.   The inside of these cups have a thin polyethylene liner in order to prevent leakage.   No adhesives are used to form the cup as the polyethylene self seals the seams with heat and pressure.

Waste Reduction

While recycling and composting are great solutions, eliminating packaging in the first place is even better.  Tim Hortons promotes waste reduction through various in-store programs.  We continue to remind our customers about our china mug option for dining in-store and our discount for travel mug users.

Tackling Litter Together

Litter affects us all and Tim Hortons continues to create awareness about the environment, litter, and the importance of keeping our neighbourhoods clean.

Each year, Tim Hortons store owners continue to demonstrate community leadership through sponsoring and supporting clean up and tree planting events across Canada.
Working together to keep our communities clean makes a true difference.

[1] "paper cup" refers to our hot drink cup for coffee, tea and specialty beverages. The paper in this cup is also a renewable resource. Paper is sourced from responsibly managed forests (Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified), milled using an elemental chlorine-free process, and printed with water based inks and no added heavy metals. The inside of the paper cup has a thin polyethylene liner in order to prevent leakage. No adhesives are used to form the cup as the polyethylene self seals the seams with heat and pressure.

[2] In limited jurisdictions the enhanced program may include recycling of the polystyrene lids from cups and soup containers.

[3] www.rco.on.ca