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Starbucks testing reusable cups in California

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August 14, 2023

Starbucks has launched a reusable cup test in 12 Starbucks stores in Napa and Petaluma, California, allowing customers to bring their own cups to fill orders through Oct. 22. They may also "Borrow A Cup" from Starbucks, or choose to use a "For Here Ware," a reusable ceramic or glass cup for customers who opt to sit and stay in a cafe.

Starbucks teamed up with Turn Systems for the test, using the company's high-tech collection bins to understand cup return behavior. Customers who bring personal cups will receive the standard 10 cents, and Starbucks Rewards members will receive an additional 25 Bonus Stars. When they return the borrowed cups, guests 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," Amelia Landers, Starbucks VP of business strategy, partner and customer solutions, said in a company press release. "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."

Reusables help drive progress toward Starbucks' commitment to cutting waste in half by 2030. The chain recently updated its target to include a commitment for all customer packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable, according to the release.

Starbucks has conducted reusable tests in over 25 markets with more planned in the year ahead. The test in California is the latest Starbucks test in the U.S. with additional tests completed in Colorado and ongoing in Arizona. The 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," Tonya Palacios, the Starbucks district manager who leads the stores conducting the test, said in the release. "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."

Innovation inspired by partners

Choosing reusables is a new habit for many customers, according to Starbucks' behavioral science-based research, which found that ease and convenience are foundational to adoption. Personal cup washers were developed in partnership with store partners in the Starbucks Tryer Innovation Lab and created to ensure convenience for customers bringing their own cups. In participating stores across the Arizona State University campus, customers may wash their personal cups or a returned Borrow A Cup right at the counter in the time it takes to complete their order.

Since May, Starbucks has been conducting a 100% reusables test at participating ASU campus stores and every customer who brings in their own personal reusable cup or reuse a Borrow A Cup from a previous visit can receive a $1 discount on their beverage order. Customers may also return their Borrow A Cup to special return bins around campus that were designed by the ASU Circular Living Lab using the equivalent of 1,350 repurposed single-use cups.