Tea Bag Waste Status:
Some are biodegradable/compostable, check package for details.
Tea Bag Package Waste Status:
Most are made from lined paper and therefore not recyclable. (Tip: if they have any sort of lining or look slightly shiny, they are not recyclable)
Alternatives
EASY: Reusable Bags and Loose Leaf Teas
Churchill’s Fine Teas has locations at Rookwood Commons and at Findlay Market. They sell loose leaf tea which you just need a tea strainer to enjoy. When you buy tea at Churchill’s, they give it to you in a plastic bag. You can clean and reuse those bags, or you can bring your own reusable, sealable bag to purchase your tea in.
Easy: Tea Strainers
There are all kinds of tea strainers available! You can get a super standard one like the strainer pictured above or there are fun novelty strainers as well if you want something that will make you smile.