Co-op boosts coffee pod recycling partnership with Podback
Following a successful trial that collected more than 500,000 used coffee pods, the convenience retailer is extending the recycling initiative to over 200 stores across southwest England and South Wales.
Co-op and coffee pod recycling service Podback are expanding their partnership, with dedicated recycling points set to be installed at more than 200 Co-op stores across southwest England and South Wales.
The rollout follows a six-month trial launched in November 2025 at 30 Co-op locations, including several of the retailer’s sustainability showcase stores. During the pilot, customers returned more than 500,000 used coffee pods, equivalent to around eight tonnes of material.
The expanded network is designed to make coffee pod recycling more accessible by offering collection points in local convenience stores. Co-op said the initiative aligns with its broader efforts to help consumers make more sustainable choices and reduce environmental impact.
Podback accepts both plastic and aluminium beverage pods sold by participating brands. Recovered materials are processed by UK-based recyclers, while the used coffee grounds are converted into renewable energy in the form of biogas and used as a soil improver for agriculture.
The expansion strengthens Podback’s UK recycling network, which already includes more than 1,500 drop-off points nationwide. The organization said the additional Co-op locations will further increase access to coffee pod recycling services in communities across the region.
