Starbucks is eliminating plastic cold drink cups in 14 states in favor of compostable cups

Starbucks has decided to stop using plastic cold drink cups in select stores in 14 states and switch to compostable paper cups starting February 11.

The cups are made of fiberboard with bioplastic lining and moulded fiber LIDS, which, unlike clear plastic cups, are opaque and have a texture very similar to Starbucks hot drink cups. Starbucks aims to make all packaging used in its stores reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2030. In addition, Starbucks is encouraging customers to bring their own cups and is starting a program to pilot reusable cups in select cities. Here are the states that are currently using the new cups: California, Washington, Hawaii, Minnesota, Arizona, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maryland, Connecticut, Virginia, South Carolina, Colorado and Georgia.

Because this promotion is actually affected by local regulations, some stores in these states may still be using plastic cups. If local laws allow the use of renewable materials, more Starbucks stores may use the new cups.

For customers who don't like the new cups, Starbucks is allowing customers to bring their own clean containers or choose to use in-store ceramic cups or glasses.