Something’s brewing: New kerbside coffee pod recycling service comes to Central Bedfordshire
Monday, 29 January 2024
We're one of the first councils in the region to offer kerbside recycling for people using aluminium and plastic drink pods.
Used coffee pods in Central Bedfordshire can be turned into cans, car parts and construction materials.
The new coffee pod recycling service, set to be a hit with the growing number of people who regularly use pods at home, launched on Monday 29 January. It's free to use and will work for coffee, tea and hot chocolate pods from most widely used brands (check if yours is included).
The scheme supports our aim to reduce waste, increase recycling, and save resources by giving materials a second life. It’s being delivered in partnership with Podback, a not-for-profit recycling organisation. The pods are recycled in the UK, with the plastic and aluminium used to make new products, and the coffee grounds treated to produce renewable energy (biogas) and make soil improver.
You can recycle your plastic or aluminium coffee pods at home by signing up for free on Podback's website. You'll be sent a supply of Podback recycling bags to put your pods in and filled bags can be put out on your usual refuse collection days, with your usual collections. Residents living in flats can participate by using the Podback Drop-Off service.
Counillor Mary Walsh, our Executive Member for Planning and Waste added:
We’re delighted to be working with Podback who, at no cost to residents or the council, will help many thousands of us to reduce our waste and minimise our impact on the environment. I would encourage anyone who uses coffee pods at home to sign up for this free scheme.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience said:
We’re committed to thinking about sustainability and our environment in everything we do as a council.
A staggering 800 million coffee pods were bought in the UK last year and anyone in Central Bedfordshire who does, can now enjoy their flat whites and frothy lattes knowing there is a convenient recycling option.
Podback Executive Director, Rick Hindley, said:
We are pleased to be working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council to offer residents the option to recycle coffee pods as part of their council’s regular service. Recycling with Podback means tonnes of used pods will be removed from the household waste stream every year and the aluminium, plastic and coffee will all be given a new life.