American beverage company Starbucks has started accepting reusable cups for drive-through and mobile orders across its stores in the US and Canada. 

All the company-operated and participating licensed stores in these countries will allow customers to use their clean personal cups for orders, making it the first company to do so, Starbucks claimed.

This initiative is part of Starbucks' commitment to reduce its waste by 50% by 2030 and marks a significant step in the company's efforts to encourage the use of reusables and minimise single-use plastics. 

It builds on the successful reusable cup pilot, conducted last year at 200 drive-through Starbucks stores in Colorado, US. In California (also the US), the test was conducted in 12 Starbucks stores in the cities of Napa and Petaluma. 

The company has carried out more than 20 reusables tests in its stores around the world. 

The process is streamlined for mobile orders through the Starbucks app. Customers select the 'Personal Cup' option under 'Customisation' and proceed as they normally would. 

Upon arrival at the store, they then present their cup to the barista at the pickup area.  

To incentivise this eco-friendly practice, Starbucks is offering a $0.10 discount on beverages at participating stores and Starbucks Rewards members in the US will earn 25 Bonus Stars for taking part. 

Starbucks CSO Michael Kobori said: “At Starbucks, we envision a future where every beverage can be served in a reusable cup. Offering customers more options to use a personal cup when they visit Starbucks marks tangible progress towards the future.

"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.”