At CUSA Tea & Coffee, our mission has always been simple: to make it easy to enjoy premium tea and coffee wherever life takes you — without compromising on quality, convenience, or the planet. And while our single-serve sticks make brewing effortless, we know sustainability doesn’t stop when your cup is empty.
That’s why we created the CUSA Tea & Coffee Stick Recycling Program — a simple, rewarding way for you to join us in reducing waste and turning used sticks into something new.
Why We Launched the Stick Recycling Program
Sustainability has been at the heart of CUSA since day one. But here’s the challenge: while our tea and coffee sticks are lightweight, durable, and perfect for on-the-go brewing, most local recycling programs don’t accept them due to their mixed-material composition.
We didn’t think “throw it away” was a good enough solution — so we found a better one.
Through our partnership with TerraCycle, we’re able to collect used CUSA sticks and transform them into durable materials for products like decking, playground equipment, and outdoor furniture. Together, we can keep thousands of sticks out of landfills and give them a second life.
How It Works: Recycling Made Simple
Joining our stick recycling program is straightforward, rewarding, and impactful. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Collect Your Sticks
After enjoying your tea or coffee, set aside the empty sticks. There’s no need to rinse them — a small amount of powder residue is fine — but be sure they’re completely dry before packaging.
Step 2: Package and Return
Once you’ve collected at least 100 sticks, place them in your original CUSA mailer (designed for reuse with an additional adhesive strip) or any sturdy envelope. Ship your package to:
CUSA Tea & Coffee
1510 E 11th St
Loveland, CO 80537
We recommend collecting a minimum of 100 sticks because the shipping cost for 100 to 500 sticks is typically the same. Sending them in larger batches helps reduce shipping costs and ensures the process remains efficient and sustainable.
Step 3: Receive Your Reward
After mailing your sticks, email us your tracking number. Once your shipment is received, we’ll add 500 CUSA Points — a $5 credit toward your next order — to your account as our way of thanking you for supporting our sustainability efforts.
What to Send — and What to Skip
Send: Used CUSA tea and coffee sticks (dry, no liquid)
Don’t send: Outer boxes, labels, or other packaging. Those materials can be recycled or composted through your local programs.
And yes — international customers and APO/FPO addresses are welcome to participate too. Sustainability has no borders.
Beyond Recycling: Our Commitment to the Planet
Our recycling program is just one part of a much bigger sustainability mission. At CUSA, we’re continually working to minimize our environmental footprint in every way we can:
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Our boxes are made from recycled paper and are fully recyclable.
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Packaging materials are either commercially compostable or recyclable.
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Tea leaves and coffee grounds are composted after production.
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Our headquarters operates at 90% zero waste, and our manufacturing facility is powered by solar energy.
We believe every step matters — from the way we source our ingredients to the way we package, ship, and now, recycle.
Join Us in Brewing a Better Future
Every cup of CUSA tea or coffee is already a choice for convenience and quality. Now, it’s also a choice for the planet. By participating in our Stick Recycling Program, you’re not just sipping sustainably — you’re part of a growing community committed to doing better for our Earth.
So, the next time you enjoy your favorite blend, don’t toss that stick. Save it. Send it. And help us turn small actions into big change.
Learn more and start recycling here
