Coffee pod recycling points are rolling out to more than 200 Co-op stores following a trial between the retailer and coffee pod recycling service Podback.
The initial 30-store trial, launched in November last year, saw residents return eight tonnes of pods in Co-ops, equivalent to over 500,000 used pods.
The roll-out of the expanded trial is now underway, with dedicated Podback recycling points being installed in Co-op stores located across the south-west of England and South Wales.
Commenting on the expansion of the partnership, Podback Executive Director Rick Hindley said: “We’re confident that our partnership with Co-op stores in local high streets and communities is going to make a significant positive contribution to our ongoing work to provide simple and convenient ways to recycle coffee pods.”
Podback accepts plastic and aluminium beverage pods sold by its member brands, which customers can recycle at over 1500 drop-off points across the UK.
As part of the scheme, plastic and aluminium are recovered and recycled by UK-based reprocessors and coffee grounds are transformed into biogas renewable energy and soil improver for agriculture.
The 2025 trial was launched in Co-op’s ‘sustainability showcase stores’, which are designed to test and demonstrate new ideas, technologies and solutions that can reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.
Scott McHarg, Head of Sustainability, Co-op, commented: “We’re focussed on delivering social value to our members, customers and communities on the issues they care about, and support them in making sustainable choices and reducing their environmental impact.”
“We’re delighted to see the Podback trial succeed and grow; it provides an easy and convenient way for communities to make small changes to their everyday life that can create a positive and lasting impact for our planet and natural environment.”