Starbucks customers will be able to fill up their own cups via the company’s app and drive-thru starting Wednesday.
The coffee chain, in an effort to reduce the waste created when other people throw away their cups, has expanded the “personal cups” program to new locations. (It’s been an in-store option for consumers since 1985, but in-vehicle controls and apps make up the majority of the company’s orders. )
Before you grab your Big Bubba cooler, though, it’s worth noting that Starbucks will not accept any cups larger than 40 ounces—and all cups must be cleaned before you bring them to the chain. Drinks will also be made in a custom container to ensure the flavor is consistent—so bringing a giant cup won’t make your venti any larger.
For self-service customers, simply tell baristas you have your own cup. Upon reaching the window, the worker will pick it up “using a contactless container to ensure hygiene and safety. “
Customers who bring their own cup will also get 10 cents on their drink and an additional 25 stars in their Starbucks rewards program.
“At Starbucks, we envision a future where every beverage can be served in a reusable cup,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer, in a statement. “Offering customers more options to use a personal cup when they visit Starbucks marks tangible progress towards the future.”
Starbucks claims to be the only national coffee chain in the U. S. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows its consumers to bring their own cups. The company hopes to have fully disposable cups until 2030, but progress in this direction has been slow, with only 1. 2% of all sales in 2022. Made in reusable containers.