Tim Hortons to test reusable cup and food packaging that customers returned to be washed

Tim Hortons says its latest efforts to be more sustainable and reduce waste is the first of its kind in Canada.

The chain will begin testing reusable and returnable cups and food containers that can be returned to participating Tim Hortons restaurants to be washed and issued out again.

Customers would pay a small deposit for the containers, which they’d get deposited once returned.

Once returned, they’re professionally cleaned and sanitized by Loop, a zero-waste platform, before being reused and continuing the cycle.

"To really make an impact, we know we need to do something completely different,” said hope Bagozzi, CMO at Tim Hortons.

“That's why we're really excited to be announcing this industry-leading initiative. A first of its kind in Canada that focuses on reusables.”

The pilot test is expected to start in 2021 at select Toronto restaurants and expand to the rest of Canada if successful.