ASDA and coffee pod recycling service Podback have marked Global Recycling Day by reaching a major milestone – with 20 million coffee pods returned via Asda stores.
Since launching in January 2025, more than 250,000 Podback bags have been returned via Asda’s toYou counters. One store leading the way is Asda Longwell Green in Bristol, where coffee lovers are returning an average of 51 bags per week.
Asda currently has the most extensive network of Podback return points of any UK retailer, and is the only supermarket supporting Podback in Northern Ireland. As coffee pods are small and contain organic residue, they’re difficult to recycle through kerbside collections. Through the Podback partnership, customers can simply fill a Podback bag and drop it at any participating Asda toYou counter.
All returned pods are recycled in the UK. Coffee grounds are converted into renewable energy and soil improver, while the aluminium and plastic are transformed into new products such as drinks cans, building materials and garden furniture.
Beth Fowler, senior manager – healthy and sustainable choices at Asda, said, “Recycling 20 million coffee pods in our first year is a significant milestone for our partnership with Podback. By providing a straightforward, convenient return service in over 600 stores, we are making it easier for our customers to make sustainable choices. As we mark Global Recycling Day today, we want to encourage even more coffee lovers to bring their pods back on their next shop in our stores.”
Rick Hindley, executive director of Podback, added, “The first year of our partnership with Asda has been a very positive experience. We’ve seen the number of pods being returned through Asda toYou grow across the year, proving that if recycling is simple and convenient people will make it a part of their regular routine. We’re now excited to be looking at how we build on what we’ve achieved with Asda as we continue to expand access to simple, effective pod recycling.”
