Co-op has become the first UK convenience retailer to partner with Podback, the nationwide coffee pod recycling service, to make it easier for customers and members to recycle used pods in-store.
The six-month trial will introduce dedicated Podback-branded recycling units in 30 Co-op stores across southwest England, as well as in the retailer’s three sustainability showcase stores in Leeds, Soham and Northampton. Participating stores can be found via Podback’s online Recycle Checker, while free recycling bags can be ordered from the Podback website or through participating coffee brands. Shoppers simply fill the bags with used pods and drop them at the in-store collection point, where Podback will collect them for processing.
Podback, a not-for-profit initiative created by Nespresso, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto and Tassimo, is the UK’s nationwide coffee pod recycling service. Supported by more than 30 coffee pod brands – representing over 80% of the UK market – the scheme provides simple, convenient ways for consumers to recycle both aluminium and plastic pods. All pods collected are recycled in the UK: coffee grounds are turned into renewable energy and soil improver, while recovered aluminium and plastic are used in new products such as drinks cans, building materials and garden furniture.
Co-op joins a growing list of Podback retail partners, with the drop-off network expanding this year to more than 1,100 retail locations and 260 local authority recycling centres across the country.
Rick Hindley, Executive Director at Podback, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Co-op on this trial. Our mission is to give lovers of pod coffee simple and convenient ways to recycle, and Podback customers throughout the UK have responded positively to the introduction of drop-off points in retail locations because it’s easy to combine recycling with their regular routines. This is another exciting step towards expanding our nationwide recycling network, and we look forward to seeing how this new service develops over the coming months.”
Scott McHarg, Head of Co-op & Property Sustainability, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Podback. Recycling is a topic that our member-owners are extremely passionate about and this new trial is another way we can make it easier for our customers to do the right thing for the planet when shopping in our stores.”
