INDIANAPOLIS — The nation's largest coffee retailers just announced that customers will be able to use their own cups when placing any order.
Starting Jan. 3, 2024, company-operated and participating licensed Starbucks restaurants across the United States and Canada will give customers the option of using their own clean cup for drinks when ordering inside, in the drive-thru and with the Starbucks app.
"At Starbucks, we envision a future where every beverage can be served in a reusable cup,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks' chief sustainability officer. “Offering customers more options to use a personal cup when they visit Starbucks marks tangible progress towards the future."
In the drive-thru line, customers just need to tell the barista they have their own mug. The cup will then be picked up at the window using a "contactless vessel to ensure hygiene and safety," according to the company's release.
Starbucks says the cups must be clean and less than 40 ounces to be accepted.
Those who choose the option of bringing in their own mug will receive a $0.10 discount on their drink, and rewards members will receive 25 bonus stars.
On the app, there's now a "personal cup" option added to the "customization" button when placing an order.
The "personal cup" option was previously only available for orders made in-person.
It's the company's latest move to shift away from using single-use plastics.
"We know our customers are passionate about the planet, and now, they can join us in our efforts to give more than we take, no matter how they order," Kobori said.
Those who choose to sit and stay in the restaurant can also request a reusable ceramic or glass cup.
All standard size options (short, tall, grande, venti) and beverage types (hot, iced, blended) for drinks at Starbucks are available to order in personal cups.
