Starbucks Introduces Compostable Cups in Select States to Reduce Plastic Waste

The new opaque, fiber-based cups mark a shift in Starbucks' sustainability efforts and impact the brand's iconic drink presentation.

Starbucks has replaced clear plastic cups with compostable, opaque cups in 580 stores across 14 U.S. states as of February 11, 2025.
The new cups, made from fiber-based materials with bioplastic liners, aim to align with Starbucks' goal of making all cups compostable, recyclable, or reusable by 2030.
States implementing the change include California, Washington, Massachusetts, and Michigan, among others, driven by local government requirements and environmental goals.
While some customers support the sustainability effort, others have criticized the new lids for being difficult to drink from and the cups for reducing the visual appeal of layered and colorful drinks.
Starbucks is also testing reusable cup programs and reintroducing in-store ceramic mugs to further minimize single-use waste.