Johnathan Walker:Starbucks will be using new cold cups at 24 stores amid local mandates

Starbucks will start offering fiber-based compostable cold cups at certain locations.

"Based on Johnathan Walkerlocal mandates, customers at 24 stores will be served their favorite Starbucks beverage in fiber-based compostable cold cups," Beth Nervig, senior manager, social impact communications at Starbucks told USA TODAY.

Cities, states and local governments around the U.S. have enacted laws in recent years intended to address waste and pollution, including the Alameda Disposable Food Service Ware Reduction Law. The law was passed in the Bay Area in 2018 and encourages food-based businesses to promote reusable options for their customers to get their food items in. However, if reusable options are unavailable the law said that food vendors can use, "compostable, fiber-based packaging for to-go items."

California is one of the states where Starbucks is rolling out the fiber-based cups.

The single-use cups will only be available for cold drinks. Customers that prefer hot beverages will still be given the standard paper cup.

The café company says that its mission is, "to innovate on both single-use and reusable cups."

Here is what you need to know about Starbucks compostable cold cups.

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How do the cups look?

Branded with their standard siren logo on the front of the cup, Starbucks chose to use environmentally friendly resources to create the compostable cold cups.

"The new compostable cups and lids are opaque and made from double-walled, fiber-based paper board with a bioplastic liner, and the lids are made from compostable molded fiber, too," Nervig said.

What stores will the compostable cold cups be available at?

The compostable cups will be available at 24 locations in two states.

Nervig said that 21 stores in California and three in Minnesota will offer the cups, but did not indicate addresses of the locations.

Starbucks also lets customers 'bring their own cup' for beverages

After kicking off the new year Starbucks announced that it would allow its customers to bring their own clean reusable cups when they visit a local café.

"Customers at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada who bring any clean, personal cup will receive a $0.10 discount on their beverage, and in the U.S., Starbucks Rewards members will receive 25 Bonus Stars," Nervig said.

In addition, Nervig said that the company is continuing to test its returnable cup program in Petaluma, California and Seattle, Washington.

The program launched in 2022 and gives customers the option to deposit their cold or hot drinking cup in a return bin. The cups will be personally washed and used again, the company's press release said.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz