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Measure for measure Starbucks philosophy is to continuously seek ways to reduce waste from our system in the first place, whenever possible. In addition to increasing recycling efforts, we take the following measures to reduce waste from our operations.

Waste Audit To better understand the composition and scale of the waste reduction opportunities in our stores, Starbucks conducted a waste characterization study. Results from the study indicated that five materials dominate Starbucks retail waste by volume: cardboard, milk jugs, paper cups, pastry boxes and milk cartons. Based on the findings, Starbucks is exploring additional ways to divert waste through packaging reduction, reuse and recycling.

 Commuter Mug Discount One way Starbucks reduces waste is by encouraging customers and partners (employees) to use reusable mugs. Customers who use their own mugs receive a $0.10 discount. In 2003, customers used commuter mugs more than 13.5 million times, keeping an estimated 586,800 pounds of paper from landfills.

 Grounds for Your Garden Coffee grounds make up the heaviest portion of the waste stream in Starbucks stores. Through the Grounds for Your Garden program, Starbucks encourages reuse of spent coffee grounds by giving them to customers and parks as nitrogen-rich soil amendment.