UK consumers now have the option of coffee pod recycling in more than 600 Asda stores.
Those looking for coffee pod recycling can return their Podback bags through Asda’s ToYou parcel service, in a move the organisers of the scheme hope will result in less waste from the industry.
Coffee pods are not suitable for recycling through traditional routes, due to their small size and because they contain organic material, meaning a dedicated programme of this nature is required. Podback is already available via several other retailers’ stores, including those operated by Morrisons, Pret a Manger, and Aldi in the UK.
The free-to-use Podback service was set up by Nestle and Jacobs Douwe Egberts in 2021 to make coffee pod recycling easy and convenient for consumers across the UK. Working with specialist partners, the Podback coalition of companies ensure the coffee grounds are transformed by anaerobic digestion into renewable energy and soil improver, while the aluminium and plastic from the used pods is reprocessed into other goods.
Drinks cans, building products, and garden furniture can all be made from the would-be waste.
Asda and Podback hope the new coffee pod recycling partnership will allow people to return their used pods as part of their regular shopping routine.
Beth Fowler, senior manager, healthy & sustainable choices at Asda, commented: “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. By offering the collection and recycling service with Asda ToYou and Podback, we hope that we can make recycling more convenient than ever when shopping with Asda.”
Rick Hindley, executive director at Podback, remarked: “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.”
[image credit: Green Retail World]
