Starbucks tests reusable cup program in California

Furthering its commitment to sustainability, Starbucks has launched a reusable cup test in 12 of its stores in Napa and Petaluma, California. Now through October 22, customers at these participating stores will be able to bring their own personal cup for in-store or drive-thru, be offered a Borrow A Cup from Starbucks or choose For Here Ware, a reusable ceramic or glass cup for customers who opt to sit and stay in-store.

Starbucks teamed up with TURN Systems for the test, using their high-tech collection bins to understand cup return behavior. Customers who bring in their own clean personal cup will receive the standard cents off with an additional 25 Bonus Stars for Starbucks Rewards members. When a customer returns a borrowed cup, they also have the option to register online with TURN for a chance to win a prize.

“Our latest round of reusables tests around the world contribute to our goal for all customer packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable in the future. We know our partners and customers care about the planet, and we’re proud to offer them ways to join us in in making sustainable choices in their everyday lives,” says Amelia Landers, vice president, business strategy, partner & customer solutions for Starbucks.

Starbucks looks to cut its waste footprint in half by 2030 and recently updated its target to include a commitment for all customer packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable.

The company has conducted reusables tests in more than 25 markets around the world with more planned in the year ahead. The test in California is the latest Starbucks test in the US with additional reusables tests completed in Colorado and ongoing in Arizona. The SODO 8 store inside Starbucks Seattle headquarters has been serving 100% of beverages in reusable cups since March 2022.

“These types of tests are extremely important so that the company can understand all the different ways we can make an impact and move towards goals that we have set for the future,” says Tonya Palacios, Starbucks district manager, who leads the stores conducting the test. “I’m optimistic that we will execute the test at a high level and gather lots of feedback that will influence the next step in reusable cups and our sustainability goals.”