Starbucks Enables Use of Reusable Cups for Drive-Thru and Mobile Orders

Starbucks announced today a new program enabling customers to use personal, reusable cups at all company-operated and participating licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada, including for drive-thru purchases and mobile orders made through the Starbucks app.

According to Starbucks, the announcement makes the company the first U.S. national coffee retailer to accept reusable cups for mobile and drive-thru orders, and supports the company’s goal, set in 2020, to reduce waste to landfills by 50% by 2030. Starbucks announced a series of plans in 2022 to provide its customers globally with reusable cup options, with an aim to enable customers in the U.S. and Canada to use personal reusable cups for every visit, including café, drive-thru and mobile order and pay, and has set a 2025 goal for customers globally to have access to a reusable cup option for every visit.

Michael Kobori, Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“At Starbucks, we envision a future where every beverage can be served in a reusable cup. Offering customers more options to use a personal cup when they visit Starbucks marks tangible progress towards the future.”

Under the new program, customers can place orders for all drinks and sizes in their personal cups, including all standard sizes and hot, iced, and blended beverages, with baristas using a new, custom beverage craft smallware with standardized lines partners need for measurements. At the drive-thru, customers can let the barista know that they want to use their reusable cup, and the barista will collect and use the cup with a contactless vessel, while on the app, a “Personal Cup” selection will be available under the “Customization” button when ordering.

Kobori added:

“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.”