Sustainability

Reusable Cups at Coffee Shops

Some baristas gladly fill and refill reusable coffee cups. Others say, "Sorry, we can't. Health department won't let us." What are the rules?

Reusable cups are permitted at food and beverage establishments, per Northern Nevada Public Health food regulations, if they are refilled in an approved contamination-free process, as specified under Section:050.190 'Using clean tableware for second portions and refills':

C. Drinking cups and containers may be reused by self-service consumers if refilling is an approved contamination-free process as specified under Section 060.130 (A), (B) and (D)

...and Section: 060.130 'Dispensing equipment, protection of equipment and food':

In equipment that dispenses or vends liquid food or ice in unpackaged form:
A. The delivery tube, chute, orifice, and splash surfaces directly above the container receiving the food must be designed in a manner, such as with barriers, baffles, or drip aprons, so that drips from condensation and splash are diverted from the opening of the container receiving the food;
B. The delivery tube, chute, and orifice must be protected from manual contact such as by being recessed;
…
D. The dispensing equipment actuating lever or mechanism and filling device of consumer selfservice beverage dispensing equipment must be designed to prevent contact with the lip-contact surface of glasses or cups that are refilled.

For more information, please visit Northern Nevada Food Regulations.