A Starbucks store is certified as a “Greener Store” when it successfully meets 25 required standards, as verified by an outside auditor, across eight environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship and waste diversion. The standards were developed in partnership with the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a> and SCS Global Services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“The Greener Stores journey is truly a Starbucks-wide effort, from our store designers and construction teams to software developers who ensure we can collect sustainability data on a global scale to our store partners (employees) who encourage customers to use reusable cups or Grounds for Your Garden,” says Grace Yoo, Starbucks Greener Stores global program manager.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Most of them look no different from any other Starbucks store,” Yoo says, “but there are Greener Stores quietly opening and operating all throughout the world, with unglamorous details like energy-efficient dishwashers, water-saving faucets, and carefully thought-out waste diversion signage to help do our part in mitigating the effects of climate change.”&nbsp;

As of April 2023, Starbucks has certified more than 3,500 Greener Stores in the U.S. and Canada. This month, 88 Greener Stores were certified in 18 additional markets around the world, such as Argentina, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. Starbucks goal is to certify 10,000 Greener Stores around the world by 2025. &nbsp;

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What makes a Greener Store?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Water Stewardship&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the 2023 Greener Store of the Year in Los Angeles, Starbucks is piloting a water-reclamation project that takes the residual moisture from the store’s ice machine and water-filtration system – that would normally flow into the sewer – and diverts it instead into four 55-gallon storage tanks. Every time the store’s toilet flushes, it uses water from those tanks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The store has reclaimed about 2,500 gallons of water from January through March 2023, and is using about 27 gallons per day, on average, of reclaimed water to flush the toilets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“Out West, in an area where water usage and water rights dominate the headlines, we’re stepping up and trying to help with the problem,” says Matt Robitaille, Starbucks construction program manager who helped design, build and install the system.&nbsp;

Partner Engagement&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more than a year, Becca Rollins, store manager in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has used a reusable cup every day at her store. She knits reusable-cup cozies for her store partners and regular customers, and encourages a back-of-house competition for each partner to track their reusable cup use. Last fall, she even presented a letter to regular customers Russ and Sally, a retired couple who bring their own cups and silverware every time they visit, for being sustainable customers. She estimates they’ve saved 1,500 single-use items from the landfill. She’s also an advocate in her district for the&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2021/starbucks-grounds-for-your-garden-rooted-in-a-mission-to-help-local-communities-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grounds For Your Garden</a> program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“About a year ago, I started taking some things a little more seriously as far as imprint and making planet-positive decisions,” Rollins says. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in this world by everything that goes on. Just focus on the most good that you can do. It matters.”&nbsp;

Greener Store practices have helped Starbucks save almost $60 million in annual operating costs in the U.S., including 30 percent water savings and 25 percent energy reduction when compared to historic store practices. These include efforts such as retrofitting store lighting to LEDs; installing more energy-efficient appliances like Advansys dishwashers and ENERGY STAR certified batch-type ice makers; and standardizing energy-use schedules and heating/cooling temperatures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite challenges to implementation, such as differing rules and availability in each city and town, Starbucks recycles in more than 8,000 company-operated stores across the U.S. More than 3,000 have both recycling and compost services. In Greener Stores, the goal is to align the different rules around waste in each municipality with the workflow and best practices inside each store. That means clear signage around what items go in what bin; the use of an internal Recycling App that sets clear expectations around what things are picked up and when; and locating waste receptables where they can be most efficient – for example, putting a compost bin next to the warming ovens to catch all the parchment paper used to heat up food.&nbsp;

Being smart and efficient about waste can help Starbucks direct less waste to landfills, says Pete Schultze, a district manager in the San Francisco Bay Area who has five Greener Stores in his portfolio. “Taking care of the environment and sustainability, it’s important to our partners,” he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Greener Stores feature a number of renewable energy projects such as <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/find-an-ev-charger-at-starbucks-stores-from-seattle-to-denver/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EV charging</a> and onsite solar that help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Responsible Materials&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks Greener Stores limit the use of volatile organic compounds, such as paints, coating, adhesives and sealants that can be harmful for the environment and degrade air quality. Other requirements mean mercury-free lighting installed in stores, which increases light quality and also helps eliminate harmful materials that could end up in landfills. &nbsp;

Starbucks is also starting work on an Embodied Carbon Initiative, which will measure, track and assess the lifetime carbon emissions necessary to build, transport and eventually dispose of all its equipment and building materials. The goal, says Jodie Clarke, senior project manager in Global Store Development, is to create new standards, influence more earth friendly practices throughout the supply chain and educate suppliers through a <a href="https://starbucksglobalacademy.com/greener-stores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Global Academy sustainability course</a>, that recently received positive recognition from the <a href="http://biden%20administration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biden administration</a>. &nbsp;

One of the newly-certified international Greener Stores – <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/stories/2022/top-5-things-to-see-at-starbucks-new-store-in-antigua-guatemala/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Antigua, Guatemala</a> – is located inside a preserved and restored UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic, courtyard-style building uses local art, local furniture and local materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We refurbished what was already there. We didn’t pour new concrete. We didn’t buy new steel,” says Erica Saraff, senior project manager, Global Store Development-Sustainability. “It’s open-air, so no HVAC system, which is a huge source of electricity use. Using local supplies also means savings on transportation costs.” &nbsp;

“Everything that we’ve built into a Greener Store is a little step,” Saraff says. “When you’re talking about one dishwasher, or one recycling bin, or one light fixture, that’s small. But we have thousands of stores, and all those small things that you do - as a partner, as a customer - make an impact because of our scale. &nbsp;

“If we’re all doing something better, it becomes a much bigger better.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks is committed to certifying 10,000 Greener Stores around the world by 2025. Learn more about what makes a Greener Store.

What’s inside a Greener Store?

Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

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As part of our planet positive commitment, we’re eliminating single-use cups in our Seattle office’s Starbucks café

We set a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">bold aspiration</a> to become a resource positive company – to store more carbon than we emit, to eliminate waste, and to conserve and replenish more freshwater than we use. This aspiration included setting ambitious targets to cut our carbon, water and waste footprints in half by 2030. Making it easier for customers to use reusable cups is one part of our plan to reduce single-use cup waste. At SODO 8, the Starbucks café located in Starbucks Seattle office, we are leading the way by eliminating single-use cups—100% of beverages served will be in reusable cups.

Introducing the SODO 8 Reusable Cup Program

All beverages served in SODO 8 will now be provided in a reusable cup, helping to eliminate the single-use cups that are sent to landfill. Customers have the option of bringing their own cup or participating in the Borrow-a-Cup program.

The Borrow-a-Cup program works as follows:

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These reusable cups are suitable for both hot and cold drinks, and are available in Tall, Grande and Venti sizes. Not only are these cups 100% recyclable, but due to the innovative material, they do not require a cardboard sleeve, further reducing waste.

Why is Borrow-a-Cup at SODO 8? SODO 8’s unique location in the Starbucks Seattle office is a great way for us to live our values and for us to get rapid feedback so that we can make changes to improve the program. The Borrow-a-Cup program helps reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill while maintaining the Starbucks Experience that our customers expect. By 2030, we anticipate reducing our landfill waste by 50%.

Is Borrow-a-Cup a test? While the program is a test, Borrow-a-Cup is anticipated to be a permanent feature at the SODO 8 store. We’re interested in feedback from store partners (employees) about how well Borrow-a-Cup fits into existing operations and what adjustments are required. We are also eager to learn about customer habits and opinions about the cup itself, such as: How quickly are they returned? Do customers rinse the cups prior to return? Do they enjoy drinking from the cup? We are also testing the impact on operations of retaining an external company to sanitize the cups offsite.

When will Borrow-a-Cup be available across the country? The program is still in its early stages while we refine the process. So far, Borrow-a-Cup is only being tested in a few Starbucks locations around the world. Meanwhile, customers may bring clean, personal cups to our cafés and receive a discount on their beverage.

How are the cups cleaned? Once the cups are returned to the store, they are commercially washed and sanitized to Starbucks high standards. They are then visually inspected for a final check.

Find out more about our planet positive commitments to cut our carbon, water and waste footprints in half by 2030.

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As part of our planet positive commitment, we’re eliminating single-use cups in our Seattle office’s Starbucks café.

Starbucks Launches Innovative 100% Reusable Cup Program Inside Seattle HQ

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Let the fa la la continue! Starbucks beloved holiday beverages are back, along with seasonal food, merchandise and the new <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-newest-holiday-drink-iced-sugar-cookie-almondmilk-latte/">Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte</a>. To keep the cheer going, Starbucks is offering a free limited-edition reusable red cup on Nov. 18 to customers who order a handcrafted holiday or fall beverage at participating U.S. stores. Quantities are limited, while supplies last. The red cup giveaway is available <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/ways-to-order/">however </a>you order, including mobile order and pickup, curbside pickup and through delivery on Uber Eats.*

“As we build on our strong start to the holiday season, we’re delighted to bring back our reusable red cup giveaway for the fourth straight year,” said Brady Brewer, chief marketing officer for Starbucks. “The reusable red cup has become a tradition for customers each holiday season and is a step towards reducing single-use cup waste as we work towards our planet-positive goals.”

This year’s reusable cup honors <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/fifty/">Starbucks 50th anniversary</a> and is made with 50 percent recycled content.&nbsp;Its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/redcupdesigns/">gift-inspired design</a> features Starbucks classic holiday red, with playful swirls of shimmering ribbon dancing against a starry sky.

This offer is good with any handcrafted holiday or fall beverage (hot, iced or blended) at participating stores in the United States, including: <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123563/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmacchiatos">Apple Crisp Macchiato</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes#:~:text=Espresso%2C%20steamed%20milk%20and%20rich,Hot%20Coffees%20%2F%20Caramel%20Brulee%20Latte">Caramel Brulee Latte</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/873068661/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes">Chestnut Praline Latte</a>, &nbsp;<a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/471/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-drinks%2Fhot-chocolates">Hot Chocolate</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123139/iced">Irish Cream Cold Brew,</a> <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/521/hot">Peppermint Hot Chocolate</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/496/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas">Peppermint Mocha</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123113/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Fcold-brews">Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/418/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes">Pumpkin Spice Latte</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123591/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Ficed-lattes">Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122483/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-drinks%2Fhot-chocolates">Toasted White Hot Chocolate</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122482/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas">Toasted White Chocolate Mocha</a>.

Note: <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/293/whole-bean?parent=%2Fat-home-coffee%2Fwhole-bean%2Fmedium-roast">Starbucks Christmas Blend</a> brewed coffee and Christmas Starbucks Reserve™ are not included in this offer.

Promoting the use of reusables is a key part of Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">ongoing commitment</a> to reduce single use cup waste and goal to reduce waste by 50 percent by 2030.&nbsp;Starbucks offers a $.10 discount for customers who bring their own clean reusable cup into the store** for their beverage.

*Check the Uber Eats app for availability and restrictions.

** Starbucks is currently testing safe options for allowing personal reusable cups in the drive-thru, but for now personal reusable cups are only accepted inside stores.

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Photos by Connor Surdi and Joshua Trujillo

Lineup of Holiday-themed reusable cups on countertop

Continue the cheer this holiday season on Nov. 18 with a limited-edition reusable red cup, free with the purchase of any handcrafted holiday drink.

How to get your free 2021 reusable red holiday cup at Starbucks on Nov. 18

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On June 22, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-brings-back-personal-reusable-cups-to-starbucks-cafes-in-the-us/">Starbucks introduced</a> a new contactless procedure to allow customers to use their clean, personal reusable cups in-stores. From August 3 – 16, at participating stores, each time a customer orders a beverage to be served in a clean personal reusable cup, Starbucks will donate $1 to Ocean Conservancy to support Ocean Conservancy’s work toward solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. A personal reusable cup can be used at participating stores ordered in-store* for any beverage – coffee or handcrafted. Starbucks will donate up to $1 million to Ocean Conservancy. *Excludes mobile order and pay and drive thru.

“Ocean Conservancy is proud to partner with Starbucks as they welcome personal reusable cups back into participating stores. Companies like Starbucks have a major role to play in reducing ocean plastic pollution,” said Edith Cecchini, Project Director, Corporate Strategy and Policy. “Single-use cups and lids are among the most common types of trash found on our beaches. By encouraging customers to bring in their own reusable cups, Starbucks is helping to reduce the amount of waste produced in their stores giving their customers a simple way to help the ocean. Every action makes a difference.”&nbsp;

“Starbucks is pleased to bring back personal reusable cups to help reduce single-use cup waste and to support those customers who bring in their own cups by contributing to the pioneering work of Ocean Conservancy,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer.

At Starbucks, pre-COVID 80% of beverages were enjoyed on the go. However, the company has long been innovating to encourage customers to adopt reusable cups. Earlier this year, Starbucks piloted a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/seattle-starbucks-stores-go-even-greener-this-earth-month-with-new-borrow-a-cup-program/">Borrow a Cup program</a> in Seattle to test the validity of a small-scale cup share program. Since the 1980’s we have offered the option for customers to enjoy their beverage in For Here Ware or bring in a personal reusable cup for a discount. And the company continues to make progress around the world. In June, Starbucks EMEA announced they will offer a reusable cup share program in all Europe, Middle East and Africa stores by 2025. Shortly after in July, Starbucks South Korea launched a Borrow a Cup program in stores and recently committed to eliminating single-use cups by 2025. Starbucks will continue to test and learn from programs geared toward reducing single-use cups, a key part of the company’s <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">ongoing commitment</a> to reducing waste by 50% by 2030.

Only clean cups will be accepted; Starbucks baristas will not be able to clean cups for customers. The company is currently testing safe options for allowing personal reusable cups via the drive thru and mobile order and pay orders, but for now personal reusable cups will only be accepted when placing an order in stores.

How to bring personal reusable cups back to Starbucks

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Ocean Conservancy Contact Information: Madeline Black Communications Coordinator <a href="mailto:mblack@oceanconservancy.org">mblack@oceanconservancy.org</a> 202.280.6232 https://oceanconservancy.org/

Now, from August 3 – 16 Starbucks will donate $1 to Ocean Conservancy each time a customer orders a beverage to be served in a clean personal reusable cup.

Starbucks partners with Ocean Conservancy to welcome reusables back in stores

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Starbucks&nbsp;keeps the summer&nbsp;vibes going with&nbsp;colorful&nbsp;drinks&nbsp;and&nbsp;an&nbsp;Uber Eats deal&nbsp;

Beginning&nbsp;Tuesday, June 22, Starbucks is&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-brings-back-personal-reusable-cups-to-starbucks-cafes-in-the-us/">safely reintroducing personal reusable cups</a>&nbsp;across company-operated stores in the U.S.&nbsp;just in time for the peak summer months.&nbsp;Prior to COVID-19, 80% of Starbucks beverages were enjoyed on the go, and as customers kick off their summer activities, the company is welcoming reusables back into stores.

There are plenty of ways customers can have their most colorful summer yet&nbsp;with&nbsp;their favorite&nbsp;reusable cup in hand,&nbsp;including Starbucks vibrant seasonal beverage menu items, and a new&nbsp;deal available exclusively on Uber Eats.

Vibrant &amp;&nbsp;Refreshing Beverages

Starbucks customers love to enjoy peak summer months with a colorful, vibrant Starbucks Refreshers® beverage, from the customer-created fan-favorite <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122275/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-drinks%2Fstarbucks-refreshers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pink Drink</a>, to the eye-catching magenta <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122725/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-drinks%2Fstarbucks-refreshers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mango Dragonfruit Starbucks Refreshers beverage</a> and the newest options to join the lineup <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-adds-two-new-vibrant-green-drinks-to-summer-menu/">last year</a>: the bright green <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123247/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-drinks%2Fstarbucks-refreshers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers</a> and the non-dairy <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123248/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-drinks%2Fstarbucks-refreshers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star Drink</a>. Here are five fun facts about Starbucks most colorful beverage platform:

Cold Coffees to Cool Down&nbsp;&nbsp;

Whether you prefer it unsweetened&nbsp;or with&nbsp;a rich cold foam, Starbucks also has plenty of cold coffee options to sip on this summer. For Cold Brew lovers looking for something a bit extra, the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122795/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Fcold-brews" target="_blank">Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew</a> offers a&nbsp;savory-yet-sweet&nbsp; sense of refreshment, while the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2121859/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Fcold-brews" target="_blank">Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew</a>&nbsp;– which joined the Starbucks menu <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-launches-new-non-dairy-iced-shaken-espresso-beverages-and-oatly-oatmilk/" target="_blank">earlier this year</a>&nbsp;– features Starbucks® Cold Brew coffee accented with vanilla flavor and topped with a delicate float of house-made vanilla sweet cream that cascades throughout the cup.&nbsp;For those looking for something a bit smoother, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2121912/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Fnitro-cold-brews" target="_blank">Nitro Cold Brew</a> is available nationwide and&nbsp;offers&nbsp;a sweet flavor without the sugar, plus a cascading velvety crema.&nbsp;

Customers looking to get their favorite iconic Starbucks beverage delivered this summer can save when they order&nbsp;on Uber Eats on Thursday (June 24).&nbsp;Spend $10 or more on&nbsp;a&nbsp;Starbucks delivery on Uber Eats and receive $5 off at checkout&nbsp;to enjoy any summer beverage, including the new <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/new-starbucks-strawberry-funnel-cake-frappuccino-is-your-ticket-to-summer/" target="_blank">Strawberry Funnel Cake Frappuccino</a>! No promo code required.*&nbsp;

And, starting&nbsp;Thursday, July 1, and every Thursday through the end of July, customers can get $0 delivery fees on orders $10+ from Starbucks on Uber Eats. Other fees apply. See the Uber Eats app or <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.ubereats.com/brand/starbucks" target="_blank">Uber Eats delivery locator</a> for availability and restrictions.&nbsp;

*Valid only on June 24, 2021 while supplies last. Other fees apply. See the Uber Eats app for availability and restrictions.

Summer Vibes in the Grocery Aisle&nbsp;

For those who love Nitro, enjoy&nbsp;the new on shelves&nbsp;Starbucks Dark Cocoa Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew, also available online and where you buy groceries nationwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more about Starbucks summer food and beverage menu items available in U.S.&nbsp;stores, visit <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/featured" target="_blank">https://www.starbucks.com/menu/featured</a> and Starbucks summer highlights, visit <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/2021-starbucks-summer-highlights/">https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/2021-starbucks-summer-highlights/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are plenty of ways customers can have their most colorful summer yet with their favorite reusable cup in hand, including Starbucks seasonal beverage menu items.

Starbucks Welcomes Back Personal Reusable Cups and Highlights Summer Beverages

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There are plenty of ways customers can have their most colorful summer yet with their favorite reusable cup in hand, including Starbucks vibrant seasonal beverage menu items.

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Personal reusable cups return to Starbucks stores in the U.S. on June 22.

Here’s the step-by-step guide to our simple, safe and contactless procedure.

Customer adoption of reusable cups is one part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to reduce single-use cup waste and goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030.

Beginning June 22, Starbucks is safely reintroducing personal reusable cups across company operated stores in the U.S.

As part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to prioritizing partner and customer safety, the company developed a completely contactless, new method – eliminating any shared touch points between the customer and Starbucks partners (baristas).

Bringing back personal reusable cups is a key part of Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">ongoing commitment</a> to reduce single-use cup waste and goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030. At Starbucks, pre-COVID 80% of beverages are enjoyed on the go. To encourage customers to choose reusable and reduce single-use cup waste, Starbucks will continue offering customers a $.10 discount on their beverage of choice.

Starbucks held extensive trials and has adopted this new process, using a ceramic mug to transport the reusable cup through the bar, in EMEA and Asia Pacific to reintroduce reusable cups with confidence.

Only clean cups will be accepted; Starbucks partners will not be able to clean them for customers. In addition, the company is currently testing safe options for allowing personal reusable cups via the drive thru, but for now personal reusable cups will only be accepted in stores. Starbucks will also be reinstating For Here Ware for customers who choose to enjoy their food and beverages in-store where indoor dining is available.

Cleanliness of cup is checked by your barista, retain your lid

Reusable is placed in a ceramic mug

Beverage is made, contact free

At the hand-off, pick up your cup

Pop on the lid, and you’re good to go

Efforts to reduce single-use cup waste is not new to Starbucks. We have offered the option for customers to enjoy their beverage in For Here Ware or to BYOC (bring your own cup) for a discount since the 1980s. And yet, the majority of our beverages in the U.S. are served in single-use cups, with only a small amount being recycled or composted due to waste processing infrastructure limitations.

Starbucks continues to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/seattle-starbucks-stores-go-even-greener-this-earth-month-with-new-borrow-a-cup-program/" target="_blank">explore scalable options</a> to reduce single-use cup waste and has acted through powerful partnerships – including our work with Closed Loop Partners and their NextGen Consortium and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment – to research and test solutions that will make our cups, lids and straws easier to recycle and compost. This complements our work with municipalities to improve recycling and composting infrastructure.

Starbucks continues to make progress against this goal around the world. Earlier this month, Starbucks EMEA announced they will offer a reusable cup share program in all <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/emea-cup-share-program-2025/">Europe, Middle East and Africa</a> stores by 2025. In July, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-korea-announces-aspirations/">Starbucks South Korea</a> will launch Borrow a Cup program in stores and recently committed to eliminating single-use cups by 2025.

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Here’s the step-by-step guide to our simple, safe and contactless procedure.

Starbucks brings back personal reusable cups to Starbucks cafes in the U.S.

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Two-month borrow-and-return trial will run in five Seattle stores as part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to reducing single use cup waste and goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030.

Trial program allows customers to order their beverage in a reusable cup, each replacing up to 30 disposable cups.

Company partners with Seattle-area service, Ridwell, to offer customers an at-home option to return their borrowed cup.

The Starbucks cup is iconic. And while technically, Starbucks cups can be recycled under the right circumstances, they can only be used once. We know that needs to change.

“Promoting reusability is an important part of Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030</a>,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer. “We understand the interdependency of human and planetary Health, and we believe it is our responsibility to reduce single use cup waste.&nbsp; We will lead the transition to a circular economy.”

The challenge is how to make choosing reusables as convenient as you expect from Starbucks – no extra steps – especially with 80% of Starbucks beverages being enjoyed on the go.

Building on learnings from single-store tests this Fall and Winter, Starbucks is scaling its Borrow A Cup program to five stores in Seattle from March 30 to May 31, 2021. The program provides customers the option to receive their beverage in a reusable cup and return it at a participating store’s contactless kiosk or at-home through a Seattle-area service called <a href="https://www.ridwell.com/starbucks">Ridwell</a>.

1. Order your beverage in a reusable cup and pay a $1 deposit.

Customers can order their hot or cold beverage in a newly designed reusable cup in-person at a participating Starbucks Café or Drive-Thru or via Mobile Order and Pay. Customers simply tell their barista they would like their drink in a reusable cup and then pay a $1 refundable deposit.

2. Return the cup and receive a $1 credit and 10 Bonus Stars.

When customers are done, they scan their cup at a participating store’s contactless return kiosk located in the lobby or drive-thru and drop the cup in the designated opening in the kiosk. Then, they scan their Starbucks App to receive a $1 credit to their Starbucks Rewards account, in addition to 10 Bonus Stars.

3. Each cup is professionally cleaned and sanitized.

Starbucks continues to observe <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/#:~:text=The%20company%20continues%20to%20observe,touch%20surface%20areas%20as%20frequently.">elevated cleaning and sanitizing protocols</a> that meet or exceed public health guidelines and can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. For the Borrow a Cup program, Starbucks has partnered with GO Box, a reuse system operator and service provider, to collect borrowed cups from stores daily, professionally clean and sanitize them using commercial dishwashing equipment, and put them back into circulation within 48 hours. "Reducing waste through reuse is an important way to support a transition to a more circular economy. Since our launch in 2010, GO Box has been working to develop systematic processes and infrastructure to scale reusable packaging for food and drink to go,” said Jocelyn Gaudi Quarrell, CEO, Go Box. “We're thrilled to be partnered with Starbucks to ensure the Borrow A Cup program is a safe and sustainable choice for your favorite beverage."

Partnership with Ridwell

Starbucks partnered with <a href="https://www.ridwell.com/starbucks">Ridwell</a>, which offers a home pick-up service for reusable and hard to recycle items, to give customers a second option for returning their borrowed cup. Ridwell customers can place their reusable cup from the Starbucks Borrow A Cup program in a custom, reusable cup bag and place it in their Ridwell bin for easy pickups from their front door.&nbsp;

“We are so excited to be partnering with a fellow Seattle company dedicated to making reuse possible at a much bigger scale,” said Caroline&nbsp;Stanford, Ridwell Marketing Vice President. “Our members have told us they overwhelmingly prefer to shop with businesses that are invested in sustainable practices - if we can crack the code with programs like Borrow a Cup there is such a huge opportunity to reduce the waste footprint in our communities.”

This work&nbsp;is not&nbsp;new to Starbucks. We have offered the option for customers to enjoy their beverage in For Here Ware or to BYOC (bring your own cup) for a discount since the ‘80s.* And yet, the vast majority of our beverages in the US are served in single use cups, with only a small amount being recycled or composted due to waste infrastructure limitations.

In addition to exploring scalable options to reduce single use cup waste, we have also acted through powerful partnerships, including our work with Closed Loop Partners and their NextGen Consortium and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, to increase&nbsp;our impact and to research and test solutions that will make our cups, lids, and straws easier to recycle and compost. This complements our work with municipalities to improve recycling and composting infrastructure.

“Starbucks Borrow A Cup program is an important step in advancing circular packaging solutions and reuse models that reduce our reliance on single-use materials and keep valuable resources in play for as long as possible,” says Kate Daly, Managing Director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. “As a Founding Partner of our NextGen Consortium, which advances the design, commercialization and recovery of sustainable packaging alternatives, Starbucks is helping to pave the way for a waste-free future for the foodservice industry.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks continues to make progress globally, as well. For example, Starbucks Korea just announced a commitment eliminate single-use cups from all Korean stores nationwide by 2025.

More on Starbucks global journey to find a more sustainable cup can we found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-greener-cup-timeline/">here</a>.

*Starbucks is not yet accepting personal cups in the U.S. and Canada. The decision to pause personal cup use was made early in the pandemic and continues today as the health and well-being of our partners and customers remains top of mind and our highest priority.

Two-month borrow-and-return trial will run in five Seattle stores as part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to reducing single use cup waste and goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030.

Seattle Starbucks Stores go even greener this Earth Month with new Borrow A Cup program

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In support of the company’s goal to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">reduce waste by 50 percent by 2030</a>, Starbucks is shifting away from single-use plastics, championing the use of recycled content, and promoting reusability, driven by a broader shift towards a circular economy.

To learn more, read on for an at-a-glance look at Starbucks Greener Cup milestones:

Tests<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/starbucks-emea-cups-share-pilot-phase/"> new returnable cup program</a> in the company’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa region – allowing customers to opt for a reusable in the same way they would a single-use cup.

Pilots borrow-and-return <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-launches-a-reusable-borrow-a-cup-program-at-three-stores-in-singapore/">reusable cup program in Singapore</a>.

Rolls out <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/oatly-oatmilk-coming-to-starbucks-nationwide-in-the-us/">oatmilk nationwide in all U.S. stores</a>.

Pilots borrow-and-return reusable cup programs in the <a href="http://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/seattle-starbucks-stores-go-even-greener-this-earth-month-with-new-borrow-a-cup-program/">United States</a>, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-korea-eliminates-disposable-cups-at-12-stores-in-seoul/">S. Korea</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-japan-announces-circularity-innovations/">Japan</a>. Commits to offering reusable cup program in all stores in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region by 2025.

Fully transitions four stores in S. Korea to a reusable cup format and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-korea-announces-aspirations/">commits to the full discontinuation of disposable cups</a> nationwide by 2025.

Expands its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2021/starbucks-circular-cup-expands-to-30-countries-across-europe-middle-east-and-africa-recycling-450000-cups/">Circular Cup</a> program to 30 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa, recycling 450,000 cups.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2021/starbucks-canada-eliminates-all-plastic-straws-and-brings-back-personal-reusable-cups/">Eliminates all plastic straws in Canada</a> and introduces a new paper straw.

Completes <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-rollout-of-new-strawless-lids-throughout-u-s-and-canada/">rollout of strawless lids</a> in the U.S. and Canada.

Began <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-trials-a-nextgen-cup-solution/">in-market testing of a more sustainable cup technology</a> from the NextGen Cup Challenge.

Rolls out&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2020/starbucks-rolls-out-5-cent-paper-cup-charge-across-germany/">5-cent paper cup charge in Germany,</a> with 100 percent of proceeds going to the World Wildlife Fund.

Starbucks markets across Asia begin the new year by phasing out plastic straws, including Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Announces new sustainability commitment to be <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-multi-decade-aspiration-to-become-resource-positive/">resource positive</a>, including goals of reducing carbon, water, and waste 50 percent by 2030; signs the <a href="https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/our-work/activities/new-plastics-economy">Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment</a>

Announces the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/closed-loop-partners-announces-12-winners-of-the-nextgen-cup-challenge/">winners of the NextGen Cup Challenge</a> and a commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/greener-cups-fewer-straws-and-tracing-your-coffees-journey-via-app/">conduct market tests</a>&nbsp;with the cup technologies in select stores.

Conducts the first-ever&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/starbucks-uk-launches-first-ever-airport-reusable-cup-trial-at-gatwick-airport-in-london/">airport reusable cup trial</a>&nbsp;at London’s Gatwick Airport to drive consumer behavior around reusables.

Introduces&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/say-hello-to-the-lid-that-will-replace-a-billion-straws-a-year/">improved strawless lid</a>&nbsp;made with 9 percent less plastic in several markets in the U.S. and Canada.

Launches&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2019/uk-cup-fund-boosts-recycling-by-35-million-paper-cups-per-year/">UK Cup Fund</a>&nbsp;recycling program in the United Kingdom with environmental charity, Hubbub.

Eliminates straws in all Starbucks stores in S. Korea through strawless lids and paper straw alternatives.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2018/starbucks-rolls-out-5p-paper-cup-charge-to-all-stores-across-britain/">Rolls out 5p paper cup charge</a>&nbsp;in Starbucks stores across Britain, with proceeds dedicated to efforts to reduce plastic pollution across the U.K.

Co-founds the&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/starbucks-and-closed-loop-to-develop-recyclable-compostable-cup-solution/">NextGen Consortium</a>, a partnership convened by Closed Loop Partners to improve recycling infrastructure and launch the NextGen Cup Challenge to develop a widely recyclable, compostable and/or resuable cup.

Announces commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-to-eliminate-plastic-straws-globally-by-2020/">eliminate plastic straws globally by 2020</a>&nbsp;and launches innovative strawless lid for cold beverages.

Completes global rollout of&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/earthsleeve-global-rollout/">new cup sleeves</a>, which are made from less paper and more post-consumer fiber.

Offers a $1 reusable cup in the U.S. and Canada, and a £1 cup in the United Kingdom to help reduce cup waste.

Rolls out&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2012/new-starbucks-earthsleeve-blends-performance-with-environmental-sensibility/">cup sleeves</a>&nbsp;made from less paper and more post-consumer content, saving nearly 100,000 trees each year.

Hosts second Cup Summit in Boston and announces Paper Recovery Alliance with the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

Hosts first Cup Summit in Seattle, inviting local governments, cup manufacturers, recyclers, and stakeholders to find a comprehensive recyclable cup solution.

Introduces a new polypropylene plastic cup that uses 15 percent less plastic than previous cups and emits 45 percent less greenhouse gas during production.

Launches the retail industry’s first hot beverage paper cup with 10 percent post-consumer recycled fiber (PCF).

Develops a cup sleeve made from recycled content to help eliminate the practice of double cupping.

Establishes a relationship with the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund to explore ways to reduce the environmental impact of its cups.

Woman with long curly hair drinks Starbucks Pink Drink from a reusable cup outdoors

Starbucks Greener Cup Timeline - Starbucks Stories

Read on for an at-a-glance look at Starbucks Greener Cup milestones.

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Starbucks Greener Cup Timeline

On your next coffee run, pick up a thoughtful gift while you sip on your favorite holiday beverage like the <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/496/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas">Peppermint Mocha</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/517/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Flattes">Caramel Brulée Latte</a> or <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2122482/hot?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fhot-coffees%2Fmochas">Toasted White Chocolate Mocha</a>. From cold cups and color-changing cups to coffee-themed ornaments and stocking stuffers, Starbucks lineup of seasonal gifts is the perfect way to share a little joy with those on your gift list.

Holiday Color Changing Cup (16 oz.)

Starbucks new Holiday Color Changing Cup offers a festive twist to the fan-favorite drinkware, transforming from green to red when the cup contains hot liquid. 

Color Changing Hot Cup Set (6-pack, 16 oz. each)

Starbucks new 6-pack of Color Changing Hot Cups are detailed with candy cane prints that change colors when the cups contain hot liquid. Gift them or switch up your daily coffee routine with a different cup for nearly every day of the week!

Reusable Cup