BYOC: Starbucks kicks off bring-your-own-cup effort to reduce waste

In an effort to reduce waste, Starbucks says it now will allow customers to use their own cups for drive-thru and mobile orders.

“At Starbucks, we envision a future where every beverage can be served in a reusable cup,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer, in the company's announcement. “We know our customers are passionate about the planet, and now, they can join us in our efforts to give more than we take, no matter how they order.”

RELATED: Starbucks increases U.S. hourly wages and adds other benefits for non-union workers

The new policy was announced Wednesday and immediately went into effect. Starbucks previously tested the idea in Colorado last summer. It promoted the initiative as part of its broader waste-reduction goals. The Seattle-based coffee giant says it aims to decrease its waste by 50% by 2030.

That means customers can now use their own clean reusable cups at any participating stores across the United States and Canada. According to Starbucks' announcement, participation by licensed stores, like those in grocery stores, may vary.

Don't think of this as an opportunity to get too cute with sizes, though; the standard size options (Short, Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenta) still apply.

Customers going through the drive-thru should let the barista know they have their own cup, then hand it over without the lid at the window.

RELATED: 'It adds up.' Consumer group alleges Starbucks' app traps customers into paying more

Customers using the Starbucks app to place an order should see a "Personal Cup" option in the customization menu. When they get to the store, they'll hand over their mug at the pickup area.

In addition to helping to reduce waste, customers who use their own cup will receive a 10-cent discount.

RELATED: Starbucks could be forced to reopen 23 shuttered stores in union case

Similar efforts have been made to reduce waste from single-use cups.

Starbucks previously tested its "Borrow A Cup" program in Seattle. This allowed customers to order their drinks in designated Starbucks reusable cups that were later returned to the stores where they were professional cleaned and used by other customers.

Seattle Public Utilities also kicked off an effort in Seattle last year to offer stainless steel travel mugs to be returned to any participating coffee shop; if the mugs weren't returned to a shop within two weeks, customers were charged $15.