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Starbucks offering new cups for cold drinks in WA, other states

By
Published  February 16, 2025 4:01pm PST
Starbucks
FOX 13 Seattle

The Brief

    • Starbucks is taking another leap in conservation efforts as they begin moving away from plastic cups.
    • Customers will soon get non-plastic cups when they order cold drinks at Starbucks locations in several states, including Washington.

SEATTLE - Iced coffee and Frappuccino drinkers in select markets will soon notice their orders filled in all-new cups as Starbucks begins moving away from single-use plastic.

The coffee giant began rolling out the new compostable cups on Feb. 11 in 14 states, including Washington. Not all stores in these states will be a part of the transition, however.

New cold cups will be made of a fiber-based paperboard with bioplastic linings. Customers at some stores in Shoreline, Bainbridge and Bellingham will soon see the new opaque cups that feel more like those used for hot drinks.

Recent efforts to bring customers back to a real cafe experience have included suggesting customers use dine-in dishware instead of opting for to-go packaging.

Big picture view:

Starbucks makes the move for two reasons. First, they have a goal set to make all packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2030. Additionally, the company continues to adjust offerings as local governments around the country begin to pass legislation requiring transitions away from single-use plastic--Seattle has been making such moves in recent years.

starbucks cups

Credit: Starbucks

Not all stores are making the switch. However, some stores will be in the following states: 

  • California
  • Washington
  • Hawaii
  • Minnesota
  • Arizona
  • New Mexico
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Maryland
  • Connecticut
  • Virginia
  • South Carolina
  • Colorado
  • Georgia

What they're saying:

For customers who aren't fans of the new compostable cups or prefer to stick with plastic, Starbucks offers alternatives. 

"As an alternative, customers are welcome to bring in their clean, personal reusable cup or order their beverage ‘for here’ to have their beverage served in a ceramic mug or glass," a Starbucks spokesperson said.

The Source: Information for this article comes from reporting from FOX TV Stations, statements from Starbucks, and information from city and state regulatory documents.

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