In 2018, McDonalds switched from plastic straws to paper ones in Ireland and the United Kingdom and Australia in an effort to reduce plastic pollution. Followed by the Netherlands in 2020, and Germany in 2021. However, a subsequent investigation by "The Sun" found that the new paper straws were not recyclable. Disabled activists criticized that the shift away from plastic straws is ableist, as certain disabilities result in the loss of gross or fine motor control, thus would prevent a customer from safely lifting, balancing or drinking from a cup.