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

The six-month trial will see dedicated 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. 

Customers fill their recycling bags, ordered from Podback or through participating coffee brands, with used pods and drop them off in-store at the designated recycling points, which Podback will collect for recycling. 

The scheme accepts both plastic and aluminium pods from 30+ member coffee brands, and 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. 

Scott McHarg, Head of Co-op & Property Sustainability, said: “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.” 

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

“Our mission is to give lovers of pod coffee simple and convenient ways to recycle and Podback customers through the UK have responded positively to the introduction of drop-off points in retail locations because it is easy to combine recycling with their regular routines,” commented Rick Hindley, Executive Director at Podback.