Tim Hortons announced on Wednesday it has launched a reusable and returnable cup pilot in Vancouver, following similar testing in Ontario last year.
The program features 10 Tim Hortons locations in Vancouver testing out the pilot, where guests pay a $4 deposit plus tax to get a reusable and returnable cup.
When these cups are returned at a restaurant or 11 extra Return-It stations located across Vancouver at public locations and transit stations, the deposit will be returned via e-Transfer.
The following Tim Hortons locations will be testing out the reusable and returnable cup pilot:
“We’re excited to partner with Return-It on this pilot program as we work towards making all of our guest packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable,” said Paul Yang, Senior Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Tim Hortons, in a statement. “Tim Hortons has been testing a number of ways to scale reusable and returnable packaging systems, as well as increase the recyclability of single-use cups. Through this program with industry partners and the City of Vancouver, we hope to learn and develop innovative solutions for the future.”
Tim Hortons says its pilot with Return-It also will encourage more paper cup recycling to reduce single-use cup waste, built into the same reusable and returnable cup stations at participating restaurants.
The returnable cups are from ShareWares and users need to just scan a QR code to visit a website to get started on the refund process, with Interac e-Transfers taking up to 48 hours to process.
