TASSIMO coffee pod recycling

Podback collects aluminium and plastic beverage pods. They are recycled at separate facilities in the UK, but the processes are very similar: Pods are shredded to remove the coffee and the empty pods are reprocessed and used in the manufacture of new products.

• Recycled aluminium is used in the manufacture of beverage cans and car components.
• Recycled plastic is used to make a range of products including building products and industrial packaging.
• The coffee grounds are sent for anaerobic digestion, a process which creates renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver.
• The Podback bags are also recycled by a specialist plastic film recycler. Watch Podback’s videos following the recycling journey of your coffee pods and coffee grounds.

Our recycling process takes place within the UK. Aluminium pods are shredded and then recycled in Cheshire. Plastic pods are shredded and recycled in East Yorkshire. Coffee grounds are recycled at food waste plants close to our recycling plants. Podback bags are recycled in East Yorkshire.

Yes. The bags supplied by Podback 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.

More information can be found in our FAQs.

The number of pods will depend on the brand of pods you use, and can range from 60 plastic (e.g.Tassimo) to 120 aluminium (Nespresso/compatibles). Please fill the recycling bag to the dotted line, ensuring used pods are drained of any liquid e.g. our milk pods.

Yes you can, if they are made of the same material. If you use both aluminum and plastic pods you will need to use separate bags. This is so they can be sent to the correct recycling facility. Please use a green bag for plastic coffee pods - Tassimo. Please use a white bag for aluminium coffee pods - Nespresso compatibles.

We’ll add Podback bags to every order made through our website. The quantity of Podback bags you’ll receive will cover the number of pods in your order. If you require additional bags you can order these directly with an account from Podback.

There is no need to empty your pods, but please drain any remaining liquid from them before putting them in your recycling bag. Coffee grains are removed at the recycling facility, and taken to a food waste recycling plant where they are transformed into renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver. You can watch our short film which explains how this process works, click here.

No. Used pods will only be accepted in Podback bags. There are two kinds of bag, which have each been designed to withstand the demands of the different collection services, either in-store drop-off or local council kerbside. You do not need a Podback bag to use the local authority recycling centre - pods should be tipped loose into the Podback containers. It is very important that the aluminium and plastic pods that you collect reach our recycling partners, and our recycling bags have been designed to ensure this happens.

Yes. The bags supplied by Podback 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.

We’ll add Podback bags to every order made through our website. The quantity of Podback bags you’ll receive will cover the number of pods in your order. If you require additional bags you can order these directly with an account from Podback.

Please use the online Recycle Checker and interactive map to find your nearest recycling points. Here's the link: podback.org/recycle-checker. The map shows local supermarkets and council recycling centres where you can drop-off your pods. Click on
your chosen location for details of how to recycle at that location.

Please follow the instructions on the map screen.  If you have any problems please contact Podback Customer Services team for assistance, providing your postcode.