ASDA has teamed up with coffee pod recycling service Podback, to provide a new way for consumers to recycle their used coffee pods in over 600 of its stores.
Coffee pods are not suited for recycling through traditional routes, due to their small size, and because they contain organic material.
Podback users can now recycle their used aluminium and plastic coffee pods by filling a Podback bag and returning it to the toYou parcel returns service in their nearest participating Asda store.
The free to use Podback service was set up by Nestle and Jacobs Douwe Egberts in 2021 UK. Through the Podback scheme, plastic and aluminium pods are recycled in the UK. The coffee grounds are transformed by anaerobic digestion into renewable energy and soil improver, with the aluminium and plastic used in the manufacture of products such as drinks cans, building products, and garden furniture.
Beth Fowler, senior manager – healthy and sustainable choices, at Asda, said, “We’re always looking for ways to support customers to make sustainable choices when shopping with us. The partnership with Podback is one of many workstreams across Asda’s ESG strategy including broader commitments on packaging reduction, recyclability and recycled content.”
Rick Hindley, executive director at Podback, added, “Our partnership with Asda marks an exciting step forward in Podback’s mission to make sure every coffee pod enjoyed is recycled. Our customers tell us that they want easy and convenient ways to recycle, and the nationwide network of Asda toYou drop-off points means they can now drop their pods off for recycling as part of their regular visit to the supermarket.”
Customers can find their nearest recycling point and order free recycling bags by visiting https://www.podback.org/recycle-checker.
