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How do I recycle my pods at home?
Sign up for the service through the Podback website and order your FREE recycling bags.
Podback will send you two rolls of bags for recycling your aluminium OR plastic coffee pods along with an instructional leaflet. If you use NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto pods you will also receive a storage caddy. You will automatically be sent more bags after 6 months.
There are two different bags, a white one for aluminium and a green one for plastic. Aluminium and plastic pods MUST be kept separate so they can be sent to the correct reprocessing facility.
Fill your bag as instructed. Put your bag(s) out on your fortnightly textiles and electricals kerbside collection date OR if your live in a rural area book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
Why do I need to tell you what pods I use?
Aluminium and plastic pods are sent to different recycling facilities, so it is important that they are collected separately. If you use both types of pods, you will need to register for both when you sign up for the service.
How long will it take for the recycling bags to arrive?
Your bags will be sent to you within 7 - 10 working days. Once you have your bags, you can start using them straight away. Simply follow the instructions and place the bag out for collection on your fortnightly textiles and electricals kerbside collection date. If you live in a rural area book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
What brand of pods are included as part of Podback?
Currently there are 11 brands supporting the scheme:
Nespresso, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, Starbucks by Nespresso, Starbucks by NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, TASSIMO, L’OR, Cru Kafe, Artisan Coffee Co, Allpress Espresso, Colonna Coffee, Café Palmieri by Jomad Coffee, Pret a Manger.
Together these brands represent over three quarters of the UK market.
Podback's ambition is to expand the programme to include all coffee pod brands using plastic or aluminium pods in the UK. If your brand is not currently a member, why not contact them and suggest they get involved?
When do you expect other brands to join Podback?
Podback’s mission is to create simple and easy ways for people to recycle coffee pods, whatever the brand.
Currently, there are 11 brands involved. Podback is keen to expand the programme so there is a single system for pod lovers to use across the UK. Podback is in active discussions about membership with more brands and retailers, so that every part of the coffee pod sector is involved in the programme.
What types of pods are accepted at the kerbside?
All aluminium and plastic pods from participating brands can be recycled with Podback:
Nespresso, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, Starbucks by Nespresso, Starbucks by NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, Tassimo, L’OR, Cru Kafe, Artisan Coffee Co, Allpress Espresso, Colonna Coffee, Café Palmieri by Jomad Coffee, Pret a Manger.
All these brands are accepted and can be recycled through the Podback programme. This includes coffee, hot chocolate and tea pods. You can find out more on the Podback website
Can I recycle hot chocolate and tea drinks pods?
Yes, you can recycle any type of pods from these brands, including hot chocolate and tea pods:
Nespresso, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, Starbucks by Nespresso, Starbucks by NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto, TASSIMO, L’OR, Cru Kafe, Artisan Coffee Co, Allpress Espresso, Colonna Coffee, Café Palmieri by Jomad Coffee, Pret a Manger
Can I put aluminium and plastic pods in the same bag?
No, the different types of pods must be kept separate so they can be sent to the correct reprocessing facility. There are two different bags, a white one for aluminium pods and a green one for plastic pods.
If you use both aluminium and plastic pods you should request both types of bags when you sign up for the service on the Podback website.
Can I include the packaging my pods came in inside the collection bags?
No, please do not place the packaging your pods came in inside the collection bags. Check how to recycle these items locally.
Why do I need a caddy for the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto pods?
These pods tend to hold more liquid. When you sign up for the Podback service you’ll be asked which brand of pods you use so the correct recycling bags can be sent to you.
NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto users will also be sent a drainage caddy. The caddies enable excess liquid to drain more easily and help users to store pods between collections. Full instructions are provided with the caddy.
Simply transfer the pods to the Podback kerbside recycling bag when they are ready for collection.
Will you replace my NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto caddy if it’s broken?
Yes. Please contact Podback directly and they will arrange to send you a replacement caddy.
Where and when should I put my bags out for collection?
Once your bags are full, please place them out for collection on your fortnightly textiles and electricals kerbside collection date. If your live in a rural area, you’ll need to book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
Do I need to remove the used coffee grounds before putting them into the collection bag?
No, you can put the whole pod straight into the recycling bag. The coffee grounds are removed from the pods as part of the recycling process. The coffee is then treated by anaerobic digestion which creates renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver.
Please drain any remaining liquid from your used pods before putting them in your recycling bag.
Top tips for used coffee grounds that may be left over in your machine:
- Pop your spent coffee grounds in a little pot and place in your fridge to help capture all those unwelcome odours and smells.
- Feed hungry plants by either adding to your compost heap or placing on top of the soil, which helps keep those pesky little slugs, snails and ants at bay.
- How many Podback bags can I get collected?
How many Podback bags can I get collected?
We can collect as many bags as you want. Once your bags are full, please place them out for collection on your fortnightly textiles and electricals kerbside collection date.
If you live in a rural area, you’ll need to book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
If you run out of bags, you can order more from the Podback website
How do I order free Podback kerbside recycling bags?
You will need to sign up for the Podback service to get bags. The service is free. Podback will send you two rolls of bags for recycling your aluminium OR plastic coffee pods along with instructions. If you use NESCAFE Dolce Gusto pods you will also receive a storage caddy.
I have finished my supply of kerbside collection bags, how can I get more?
Please visit the Podback website and use the contact form to order an additional roll of kerbside collection bags.
How many used pods will fit into the recycling bags?
The number of pods will depend on the brand of pods you use. Follow the instructions on the bag and fill it to the dotted line, and please make sure you’ve drained any liquid.
Can I use any type of bag to return my used pods at the kerbside?
No. To take part in the kerbside recycling collection scheme you must use the recycling bags provided for free by Podback. The Podback bags help Crest’s crew to easily identify the bags and put them in the correct container on the van. It also helps them to be sorted for reprocessing more easily. It’s quick to sign up and order kerbside bags from the Podback website.
I live in a block with communal bins, can I still take part in the scheme?
Yes. Please book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
You can also use the Drop Off service, which allows you to drop off filled bags to your nearest Collect+ store. To order your free recycling bag visit the ways to recycle section of the Podback website. If you request a Drop Off service, you will be sent a Collect+ recycling bag specifically for this type of collection. Collect+ bags are free but there may be a delivery charge. Please follow the instructions on the Podback website.
What happens if I live in a flat?
You can still recycle your coffee pods – if you usually get a fortnightly textiles and electricals collection, put your Podback bag out on the same day. If you don’t have this collection on your calendar, please book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
I live in a flat and use a shared bin. Can I still participate?
You can still recycle your coffee pods – sign up and order kerbside bags from the Podback website then book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
My bags haven’t been collected. How do I arrange for a missed pod collection?
If your pods have not been collected, please check your collection day first. Your Podback bags are collected on the same day as the textiles and electricals pink and purple bags.
If we’ve missed your bags, you can report a missed collection on our website or by calling our Advice Team on 01492 575337.
Please make sure your bags only contain coffee pods and are not filled with liquids. It may be that the crew had to leave the bags as they contained the wrong materials. If the bags do contain the wrong materials or lots of liquid, please remove these before putting them out for collection.
Can I take my own pods to the Household Waste and Recycling Centres?
No, please do not take your pods to the Household Waste and Recycling centres. You can only recycle your coffee pods through our kerbside collection service. You can sign up to this free service at the Podback website.
Why are there different ways to return your coffee pods for recycling?
Podback has been created in partnership with the biggest names in coffee pod systems, Nespresso, NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto and TASSIMO to develop a single, simple and easy to use recycling system across the UK. Podback is working with Conwy County Borough Council and Crest Co-operative to include coffee pods as part of the household recycling service.
The Drop Off recycling returns system allows Podback to offer a service across the UK. Podback is working to increase the number of local Drop Off points to give people more options to recycle their pods.
Kerbside collections: To use the kerbside collection service, residents need to sign up and order free recycling bags from the Podback website. Do not use any other types of bags for this collection.
Aluminium and plastic coffee pods need to be kept separate as they are reprocessed at different facilities. The bags have been designed so that you can tie them easily to contain the pods. They make it easy for the collection team to identify the types of pods and put them in the correct container at the depot ready for reprocessing.
When you have a full bag of used pods, please put them out for collection on your fortnightly textiles and electricals kerbside collection date. If you live in a rural area, you’ll need to book a collection by calling Crest on 01492 596783.
Drop Off collections using Collect+: To use the Drop Off service, residents must order Collect+ bags from a Podback member brand or supporting retailer. More information on how to get a bag is available on the Podback website
These bags have been designed so that they can be easily sealed to prevent leaks when being returned via Collect+.
Collect+ bags are free but there may be a delivery charge. Please follow the instructions on the Podback website.
Please be aware – you cannot use these bags for kerbside collections.
What happens to my used pods?
After collection, the coffee pods are taken to specialist reprocessing plants in the UK. The coffee grounds are removed, then the plastic and aluminium will be transformed into new products, including beverage cans, car components, building products or plastic garden furniture. The coffee grounds are processed by anaerobic digestion, which creates renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver.
Where will the pods be processed and recycled?
The recycling process takes place in the UK, so your pod doesn’t have to travel far before it’s transformed into something new. Aluminium pods are reprocessed at Tandom Metallurgical Group Ltd. in Congleton, near Stoke-on-Trent. Plastic pods are reprocessed by Bright Green Plastics in West Yorkshire.
Are the bags recycled as part of the recycling process?
Podback uses different types of bags depending on the collection service – kerbside or drop off. The bags must be able to store used pods in the home without leaking, and then must be able to survive the journey from your household to the reprocessing plant.
The bags supplied by Podback for kerbside collections (aluminium and plastic pods) and Collect+) (aluminium pods) are recycled by a facility in East Yorkshire which specialises in recycling flexible plastics, such as food wrappers and films. The facility produces plastic pellets which are used in a wide range of manufacturing industries.
The green bags used for plastic pods sent through Collect+ are not currently recyclable. These bags are currently sent for energy recovery. However, following successful trials in 2022, Podback will be introducing a new Collect+ bag for plastic pods which is fully recyclable by the reprocessor in East Yorkshire. We expect that all Podback bags will be recycled in this way by early 2023.
Wouldn’t it be better if people didn’t use pods at all?
Coffee is a very personal taste and Podback believes that every consumer should have the choice to drink it in their favourite way; whether this is through instant, roasted, ground or by using pods.
Podback is focused on making this choice for consumers as sustainable as possible by offering them an easy way to recycle their coffee pods. Nespresso has conducted life cycle analysis studies of different types of coffee, which show that one of the biggest environmental impacts comes from the way it is prepared. These studies show that coffee pods are more sustainable compared to other methods, because they only use the exact amount of coffee beans, water and energy required to brew one cup.
However, Podback knows that more needs to be done to ensure that all pod packaging is captured and recycled, which is exactly why Podback has been launched.
Why is Podback using so many different types of plastic bags to collect the pods?
Kerbside collections: There are two different bags, a white one for aluminium and green one for plastic. Aluminium and plastic pods MUST be kept separate to that they can be sent to the correct reprocessing facility. The bags help the collection team identify the types of coffee pods and put them in the correct container at the depot ready for reprocessing.
Drop Off collections using Collect+: There are two different Collect+ bags, a white one for aluminium and a green one for plastic. Aluminium and plastic pods MUST be kept separate to that they can be sent to the correct reprocessing facility. These have been designed with special seals to prevent any liquid leaking out when they are sent through the Collect+ system.
What’s is the carbon impact of the Podback scheme?
The carbon footprint of the service is very important to us. We are working with Podback and partners to make sure the service is as efficient as possible.
What do I do if I no longer require the Podback service?
Simply contact Podback and they will make sure your details are removed from the Podback register and let you know what to do with any spare bags or the drainage caddy.