Starbucks has now expanded the use of reusable cups for its customers, allowing them to bring their personal cups for all types of orders, including drive-thru and mobile orders. This move is part of the coffee giant’s commitment to reduce waste by 50% by the year 2030, aligning with a broader cultural shift toward reusables and away from single-use plastics.
Beginning on January 3, all company-operated stores and participating licensed stores across the nation will accept clean personal cups. This initiative marks Starbucks as the first national coffeehouse chain in the United States to offer customers the option of using their personal cups for placing mobile orders.
This expansion follows successful tests conducted by Starbucks in various global markets, including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, London, France, and Germany. The company’s extensive trial took place in 200 Colorado stores, where customers have been able to order using their personal cups in drive-thrus since June 2023.
Kate Daly, Managing Director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, highlighted the significance of bringing personal cups, stating, “As we know, the most sustainable cup is likely the one you already own.” She emphasized that this move is a crucial step in reducing single-use packaging waste.
Starbucks previously allowed customers to bring their own cups for in-store orders since the 1980s. However, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company temporarily paused the use of reusable cups for 15 months. It reintroduced the option for customers to bring back reusable personal cups for cafe orders in June 2021.
When utilizing reusable cups at Starbucks, customers ordering at the drive-thru inform the barista about their personal cups. At the pickup window, the personal cup is placed without the lid in a “contactless vessel” to maintain hygiene and safety. For mobile orders through the Starbucks app, customers select “Personal Cup” in the customization menu and present their cup during pickup, ensuring cleanliness and without a lid.
Starbucks assured that during the Colorado drive-thru cup test, the overall drive-thru times remained unaffected by the use of personal cups.
To encourage sustainability, Starbucks rewards customers who use clean reusable cups with a 10-cent discount on their drink. Additionally, members of the loyalty program can earn 25 bonus stars for using these cups, up to three times per day, at participating locations.
As part of its winter menu for 2024, Starbucks has introduced new offerings, including the Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, new potato bakes, and a vanilla bean custard Danish. Returning favorites like the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and Pistachio Latte are also back, and some stores might still have holiday beverages like Peppermint Mocha available.