I’ve been itching to rant about this and share my stories about the inane tantrums I’ve witnessed customers throw over us not being able to take their trash and that comic that was posted a week or so ago inspired me to finally make this post.

A few days ago this man comes through with his partner in his big ol’ truck. He asks me before he’s about to drive away to toss his trash out. I politely decline and say “I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to take trash through the drive-through.” He raises an eyebrow at me and says okay, and as I turn my back I hear him mutter, “I know you’re lying,” and drives away. ?!1!1?1!1?1?1!1!1??1!1!1???1!1?

The story that takes the cake though that I just LOVE to tell people is that I once had a lady come through the DT and order a tea. Easy. Simple. So you would think. She pulls up to the window and I can tell she’s a little frustrated (I wouldn’t blame her if it were due to me stumbling over my words when I was taking her order.) She hands me an empty Starbucks cup and asks me to throw it away. Here comes my spiel.

Me: I’m sorry, I’m not allowed to take trash through the drive-through.

Her: ...But it’s YOUR cup. (Correction lady it is YOUR cup not mine I don’t care if it has the logo on it or not your cooties are all over it so it’s yours)

Me: Yes, but even so I’m not allowed to take outside trash through the window due to our health policy.

Her: Okay then what am I supposed to do with it?

Me: I’m not sure, we have a trash can around the front.

Then she hits me with the most ridiculous line I have ever heard in all my time working at Starbucks so far:

Her: How am I supposed to drive, I have a newborn baby in the backseat, I can’t drive like this!

OH in that case ma’am, sure I’ll take your cup. I gave up on arguing and was like “y’know what, sure, I’ll take it, nevermind.” Meanwhile I’m thinking wtf kind of excuse is that. How dare I jeopardize your newborn’s safety by not offering to take a Starbucks cup from you right?? As I turn back to give her the drink she ordered, she’s shaking her head and muttering to herself, “health policy...” as if she is in total disbelief. You and me both ma’am. Have a great day!

For real... my car is totally messy and I, too have to clear out my cups so I can free up a cupholder sometimes but that trash is MY responsibility. Not the responsibility of the barista at the window. Or ANYONE working at any drive-thru for that matter. Can you not dispose of your own trash on your own time?!!?!!!?!!??!!!