Tim Hortons bans reusable cups over coronavirus concerns

Tim Hortons is temporarily banning the use of reusable cups at its restaurants due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the company said Friday. (Getty)

Tim Hortons is temporarily banning the use of reusable cups at its restaurants due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the company said Friday.

The decision complicates the company’s revamped Roll Up the Rim contest, which begins next week.

Encouraging the use of reusable cups is a key part of the coffee and doughnut chain’s new Roll Up the Rim contest. Throughout the duration of the contest, which begins March 11, any customer that brings in a reusable cup and uses the app will receive three “rolls” on the app. Tim Hortons also planned on giving away 1.8 million reusable cups for free, a move the company said was part of its “10-year commitment to change consumer perceptions and habits towards using reusable cups.”

The company said Friday it will still give customers who bring in a reusable cup three “rolls” on the app, but guests will be provided a recyclable paper cup. The reusable cup giveaway is being delayed until later this year.

“Although experts continue to indicate a low risk in Canada, we are taking a measured, reasonable approach and will continue to monitor, evaluate and update our procedures should it become warranted,” the company said in a statement Friday.

Tim Hortons also said that it is sourcing extra gloves, hand sanitization gel and other cleaning materials “should we need them in the coming months.”

Both Starbucks and Second Cup said Thursday that they are temporarily banning reusable cups, but would continue to honour any discounts associated with the environmentally friendly measure.

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