Can You Bring Your Own Cup to Starbucks?

Yes, you can bring your own clean cup to any Starbucks location in the U.S. and Canada. The company accepts personal cups up to 40 ounces, regardless of brand, for both in-store and drive-thru orders. You'll receive a $0.10 discount on your beverage, plus 25 bonus Stars if you're a Rewards member. Your cup must be thoroughly clean, as baristas can't wash it for you, and it needs to be appropriately sized for your desired drink. This eco-friendly choice helps reduce the company's annual use of 7 billion disposable cups. Understanding a few simple guidelines will help you make the most of this sustainable option.

Quick Guide

  • Yes, Starbucks accepts personal cups at all company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Any clean cup up to 40 ounces is accepted, regardless of brand, but must be appropriate for the drink size ordered.
  • Customers receive a $0.10 discount and 25 bonus Stars (Rewards members) for using their personal cup.
  • Personal cups must be clean and free from residue, as baristas cannot wash customers' cups.
  • Customers can use personal cups for in-store, drive-thru, and mobile orders by notifying the barista in advance.

What You Need to Know

Bringing your own cup to Starbucks is a straightforward process that's now available at all company-operated and participating licensed stores across the U.S. and Canada.

You can use any clean cup up to 40 ounces, and it doesn't need to be a Starbucks brand.

When ordering, simply let your barista know you've brought your own cup, whether you're ordering in-store, through drive-thru, or via the mobile app. Customers who bring reusable cups will receive a $0.10 discount on their beverages.

Getting Started With Personal Cups

To start using your personal cup at Starbucks, you'll need a clean container that's no larger than 40 ounces and can be made of any material you choose.

You'll want to make sure your cup is thoroughly cleaned before bringing it in, as baristas can't wash it for you.

Before handing over your cup at the counter, remember to remove the lid, and you'll be ready to enjoy your favorite beverage while helping the environment. You can now use your personal cup for drive-thru and app orders at participating locations.

Cup Size Requirements

When selecting a personal cup for Starbucks, size compatibility is the first essential requirement to contemplate.

Your cup must be large enough to hold your desired drink size, whether it's a 12 oz tall or 24 oz cold venti. For iced beverages, you'll need extra space to accommodate ice. The largest size available at Starbucks is the Trenta at 31oz, exclusively for cold drinks.

Baristas won't fill cups that are too small, as they must maintain standard drink ratios.

Acceptable Container Types

Starbucks' personal cup program welcomes a variety of container types that meet specific safety and design requirements.

You can use ceramic mugs, glass containers, or stainless steel travel cups that are clean and free from residue.

Your container should have a practical design without sharp edges, allowing baristas to easily pour beverages.

Remember to remove the lid before handing it over at the counter.

Customers who bring personal cups will receive a 10 cent discount on their orders.

Cleanliness Guidelines

Since maintaining hygiene is essential for everyone's safety, your personal cup must be thoroughly clean before bringing it to Starbucks.

Baristas can't wash your cup in their sinks, and they'll have to reject dirty containers.

You'll need to hand over your clean cup without the lid, and baristas will use a contactless vessel to prepare your drink, ensuring everyone's safety.

Ordering Through Drive-Thru

Many drive-thru customers can streamline their Starbucks experience by following a strategic ordering process.

When using the drive-thru, start by ordering food items first, as they require longer preparation time.

Follow a specific drink order sequence: temperature, decaf status, size, flavors, milk type, and any customizations.

Don't place mobile orders while in the drive-thru line, as this creates delays.

Mobile Orders Made Easy

The mobile ordering experience at Starbucks puts convenience at your fingertips through their user-friendly app.

You'll select your items, customize your order, and choose your pickup location. The app processes secure payments through various methods, including credit cards and mobile wallets.

You can track your order in real-time, and you'll receive a notification when it's ready for pickup at the designated counter.

Cup Requirements and Restrictions

Bringing your own cup to Starbucks requires meeting several essential criteria to guarantee safety and proper service.

Your cup must be clean, can't exceed 40 ounces, and needs to fit the size you're ordering (short, tall, grande, or venti).

While it doesn't need to be Starbucks-branded, you'll need to remove any lids before handing it to your barista.

Safety and Cleanliness Guidelines

Starbucks maintains rigorous safety protocols when handling personal cups to protect both customers and employees.

You'll need to present a clean cup without its lid at handoff, and baristas will use a contactless vessel to handle your cup.

They won't rinse dirty cups in store sinks, so make sure your cup is clean before arriving.

If your cup isn't clean, it'll be turned away.

Rewards and Savings

Beyond maintaining clean cups, you'll enjoy financial perks when using your personal container at Starbucks.

You'll receive a $0.10 discount on any beverage order, and if you're a Rewards member, you'll earn 25 bonus Stars per purchase.

You can earn these benefits up to three times daily, though they can't be combined with other promotions like Double Star Days.

Environmental Benefits

The environmental impact of disposable cups is staggering: Starbucks alone uses 7 billion single-use cups annually, contributing to widespread waste and deforestation.

When you bring your own cup, you're helping save the 1.6 million trees harvested yearly for disposable cups.

You're also reducing plastic pollution, as most disposable cups contain plastic linings that aren't recyclable in most cities.

Tips for Success

Success with reusable cups at Starbucks requires proper preparation and awareness of the ordering process.

Before heading to the store, make certain your cup is clean and large enough for your drink.

When ordering, tell the barista you're using a personal cup, and hand it over without the lid.

For mobile orders, select the "Personal Cup" option in the app, and for drive-thru visits, mention it when ordering.

Program History

While excelling in the current bring-your-own-cup process is important, understanding how Starbucks developed this program reveals its long-standing commitment to sustainability.

The company launched its reusable cup discount over 30 years ago, partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund in 1996, and created cup innovations like recycled-content sleeves in 1997 and cups with recycled fiber in 2006.

Future Impact Goals

Looking ahead to 2030, Starbucks has set ambitious environmental targets across multiple fronts.

You'll see their commitment through goals of cutting carbon emissions by 50%, reducing waste to landfills by 50%, and conserving half of their water usage.

They're expanding their Greener Stores initiative, aiming to certify 10,000 locations globally by 2025, building on their current count of 6,091 stores.

Wrapping Up

Bringing your own cup to Starbucks isn't just convenient – it's a smart environmental choice that'll save you money. You'll get a $0.10 discount on your drink while helping reduce single-use waste. Remember to bring a clean, leak-proof container that meets Starbucks' size requirements, and you'll be ready to join millions of customers who've accepted this eco-friendly practice. Whether you're visiting the store or using drive-thru, you're making a positive impact with every reusable cup.