Co-op partners with Podback on coffee packaging recycling

Co-op has become the first UK convenience retailer to partner with Podback, the nationwide coffee pod recycling service, to make it easier for its customers and members to recycle used coffee pods in-store.

The six-month trial will see dedicated Podback-branded recycling units installed in 30 Co-op stores across southwest England and in Co-op’s three sustainability showcase stores in Leeds, Soham, and Northampton.

Participating stores can be found via Podback’s online Recycle Checker, and Podback recycling bags can be ordered from its website or through participating coffee brands. Customers simply fill their bags with used pods and drop them off in-store at the designated recycling points, which Podback will collect for recycling.

The scheme accepts both aluminium and plastic pods from Podback’s 30+ member brands. All pods are recycled in the UK: coffee grounds are transformed into renewable energy and soil improver, while recovered aluminium and plastic are used in the manufacture of products such as drink cans, building materials and garden furniture.

Co-op is the latest retail partner to join Podback’s growing drop-off network this year, which has expanded to include more than 1,100 retail locations and 260 local authority recycling centres across the UK.

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, said: “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.”