AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
- Starbucks wants to eliminate single-use plastic by 2030 and is already testing ways to do it.
- One location has a cup-washing station that allows users to clean out reusable cups between uses.
- Starbucks is moving forward and experimenting with reusable cups after COVID-19 dampened efforts.
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Bethany Patton steps up to the counter and places her pink mug into a shoebox-sized dishwasher. It spins. It whirs. Water splashes inside. After 90 seconds, the door opens and steam emerges. A barista grabs the mug, dries it, and prepares Patton's order — a 16-ounce Starbucks double espresso on ice.
For bringing her own cup, Patton gets $1 off her drink.