We are working with Podback, the pod recycling service, to help residents to recycle plastic and aluminium coffee pods.
Podback is a nationwide, not-for-profit, coffee pod recycling service created by the biggest names in coffee pod systems, Nespresso, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto and Tassimo, to give people who enjoy the quality and taste of coffee pods simple and easy ways to recycle them.
How to recycle your pods
At the recycling centre
Recycling Centres accept used coffee pods, look out for the Podback containers on-site.
You can save your pods in any bag or box. If you use plastic and aluminium pods, please save these separately. At the Recycling Centre, just tip them loose into the relevant Podback container.
Drop-off in-store
There are also Podback drop-off points in local supermarkets. You will need Podback bags to recycle in store:
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Use the Podback checker to find your local drop-off point.
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Click or tap on your chosen location for details on how to recycle and follow the link to order your free recycling bags.
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Allow 7 to 10 working days for delivery.
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When your bag is full, seal it and drop it off next time you’re at the supermarket.
Types of pods that can be recycled
Using Podback recycling bags, aluminium and plastic pods can be recycled for:
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coffee
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tea
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hot chocolate
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milk
Aluminium and plastic pods from Podback participating brands can be recycled.
Together these brands represent over 80% of the UK market. Podback’s ambition is to expand the programme to include all coffee pod brands using aluminium or plastic pods in the UK.
If your brand is not currently a member, why not contact them and suggest they get involved.
What happens to the pods once collected
The pods you recycle with Podback are taken to specialist aluminium and plastics reprocessing plants in the UK. They don’t have to travel far to be transformed into something new.
Aluminium pods are reprocessed in Cheshire. Plastic pods are reprocessed in Yorkshire.
They are shredded to remove the coffee grounds, then transformed into new products including:
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beverage cans
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car components
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plastic garden furniture
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building products
The coffee grounds are processed by anaerobic digestion, which creates renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver.
Frequently asked questions about Podback
You can also visit Podback: Frequently asked questions.
1. Can I recycle any brand of coffee pod?
Podback was created by coffee pod brands to give their customers across the UK a free recycling service; so if your coffee pod brand is a member of Podback you can order your free recycling bags and use the service.
To find out if your brand is included please visit Podback: Recycle checker.
2. Can I recycle hot chocolate pods and tea drink pods?
Yes, Podback accepts tea, milk and hot chocolate pods made by their member brands.
3. Do I need to remove the coffee grounds before recycling?
No, there is no need to scrape out your pods.
At the recycling plant the pods are shredded to remove the coffee, and this is recycled with other food waste to create energy (biogas) and a soil improver for farmers.
4. Where is my local drop-off point?
To find your local Podback drop-off point visit Podback: Recycle checker.
You will see a map of local drop-off points. Click on your chosen drop-off point for details of how to recycle.
Podback will be adding more drop-off points in the coming months, so please check online when you're ready to recycle.
5. How do I get Podback bags?
You can order your free Podback bags on the Podback website.
Bags are also available from the customer services desk at Morrisons supermarkets, and from Podback member brand websites.
6. Can I take my coffee pods to the recycling and reuse centres?
Yes, look out for the Podback containers and take your pods along next time you book a trip to the Recycling Centre.
You don’t need a Podback bag, just save your pods in any bag or container.
If you use both aluminium and plastic pods please save these separately. Just tip your pods loose into the relevant Podback container on site.
7. Who pays for the Podback recycling service?
Podback is a not-for-profit service, funded by the coffee pod brands. All funding for the new coffee pod collection services is provided by Podback.
It is an excellent way for us to expand our recycling service at no additional cost to residents.
8. Are the bags recycled as part of the recycling process?
The recycling bags supplied by Podback for kerbside recycling are made of recycled material and are fully recyclable.
They are baled by the reprocessor and sent to a facility in Yorkshire which specialises in recycling flexible plastics, such as food wrappers and films. The facility produces plastic pellets which are used in a wide range of manufacturing industries.
9. What is the carbon impact of the Podback scheme?
The carbon footprint of the service is very important to us. We are working with Podback and partners to make sure the service is as efficient as possible.
Coffee pods have traditionally been difficult to recycle through existing collection services due to their size, weight and wet coffee grounds.
The Podback service helps us divert coffee grounds and valuable resources from landfill or energy from waste.
10. What do I do if I no longer require the Podback service?
You can cancel the Podback service through your online account.