Co-op is expanding its coffee pod recycling partnership with Podback to more than 200 stores across the south-west of England and South Wales, following a six-month trial that saw more than 500,000 used pods recycled.
The initial trial, which launched in November 2025 across 30 Co-op stores, resulted in around eight tonnes of coffee pods being returned for recycling.
The grocer and convenience chain is now rolling out dedicated Podback recycling points to additional stores, giving customers and local communities a convenient option for returning used coffee pods as part of their regular shopping trips.
The original trial included several of Co-op’s ‘sustainability showcase stores’, including its store in Attleborough, Norfolk. These locations are designed to test and demonstrate technologies and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency.
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Podback executive director Rick Hindley said the expansion would help make coffee pod recycling more accessible to consumers.
“This is another very positive step for Podback as we expand our nationwide drop-off network, and give more people more ways to recycle coffee pods locally,” he said.
Hindley added that Co-op’s network of stores in local high streets and communities would make a “significant positive contribution” to Podback’s work to provide convenient ways for consumers to recycle their used pods.
Scott McHarg, head of sustainability at Co-op, said the retailer wanted to support customers and communities in making more sustainable choices.
“Our stores are created to be more than just a shop, with a range of added services to make everyday life easier for consumers,” he said.
“We’re delighted to see the Podback trial succeed and grow, it provides an easy and convenient way for communities to make small changes to their everyday life that can create a positive and lasting impact for our planet and natural environment.”
Podback accepts plastic and aluminium coffee pods sold by its member brands. The not-for-profit recycling service currently has more than 1,500 retail drop-off points and more than 300 local authority recycling centres across the UK.
Once collected, plastic and aluminium pods are sent to UK-based re-processors for recycling, while used coffee grounds are processed into renewable energy in the form of biogas and soil improver for agriculture.
Consumers can use Podback’s online recycling map to find their nearest participating drop-off point.
[image credit: Co-op]
