As one of the most popular coffee companies in the country, Starbucks is no stranger to change. They are constantly switching up their menu and often, it involves seasonal drinks like the Cinnamon Shortbread Latte (or the “CSL”) and the classy Black and White Collection for the start of the new year. However, in most recent news, the latest change at Starbucks has nothing to do with coffee, tea, or anything in between. Instead, the coffeehouse chain plans to install needle disposal boxes in the bathrooms of select locations.
The change is in response to employees’ concerns. According to Business Insider, workers have reported finding blood and used syringes in Starbucks bathrooms. Some employees have even been pricked by the discarded needles, which are sometimes tossed in the trash. This not only increases the risk of HIV and hepatitis exposure, but can create an uncomfortable environment for both employees and customers, too.
In an effort to bring the issue to Starbucks’ attention, workers created a petition on Coworkers.org. The petition calls on Starbucks to install needle disposal boxes in the bathrooms of high-risk locations. As of Monday, January 14th, the campaign has more than 3,800 signatures. The goal is 4,000.
Thankfully, Starbucks is listening to their employees’ concerns. Business Insider reports that Starbucks will begin to test possible solutions. For example, in addition to needle disposal boxes, the company will look into using thicker, heavy-duty trash bags.
“I’m a store manager and though I agree that it may not be ‘aesthetically pleasing’ to the customer’s eye, I worry about my team’s safety and my own when changing trash out in my store,” says one worker on the Coworkers.org petition page. “We have found numerous needles in our store in the last year (one just laying in the middle of the cafe floor of all places!) and, frankly, I’m over it.”
Starbucks is known for making changes all year round…
But as you can imagine, the addition of needle disposal boxes is causing quite a stir on social media.
I 100% am all for Starbucks installing needle disposal boxes in bathrooms.
— Sierra Lorran 🙂 (@siebrosius) January 14, 2019
'Drugs and syringes have become such a problem in @Starbucks bathrooms that the company is installing needle-disposal boxes' https://t.co/oFti9uvANA File under 'sign of the times.' Not a an overdose problem, a drug problem. People are hurting. #addiction #OpioidEpidemic
— Travis Lupick (@tlupick) January 14, 2019
Let your kid go in and get jabbed by a needle that’s in all these bathrooms anyhow and you’ll wish they had a sharps container. Paul, I’m shocked you don’t know how prevalent these needles are EVERYWHERE, now they can dispose properly. It’s not a Starbucks thing.
— Chad Wheeler (@ChadWheeler777) January 13, 2019
I am guessing that the workers who have to clean the bathroom at Starbucks probably come across needles from drug users. In order to protect the employees and customers-having a needle disposal box may help. I don’t think they are trying to attract heroin users as customers.
— johnny magpie (@jmag71) January 12, 2019
Some fast food stores here have needle disposals. It's come in handy for my diabetic relatives a few times, so in theory it can help non-drug users, but it's not a long term solution if drug use is the issue.
— Kat (@neznanvise) January 12, 2019
Here’s to hoping Starbucks workers begin to feel safer at work, regardless of what others think.
