Coffee pods and capsules offer a convenient way to enjoy coffee, but what should you do with them after brewing? With millions of capsules being used in homes and workplaces, recycling them correctly can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. The recycling options available depend on the type of capsule, its material and the recycling services available in your area.

The impact               

As coffee pod use has grown, so has the importance of disposing of used capsules responsibly. If capsules are simply placed in general waste, materials such as aluminium and plastic may end up in landfill or incineration. Recycling, where suitable schemes are available, can help recover these materials and give them another use.

The solutions

There are several ways used coffee capsules can be recycled, depending on what they are made from and the brand you use. Aluminium and plastic capsules may be accepted through specialist coffee-pod recycling schemes, while compostable capsules need to be disposed of according to their specific instructions. It’s important to check the guidance for your particular capsules rather than assuming they can go into your household recycling bin.

Plastic

Plastic coffee capsules should not automatically be placed in household recycling, as local recycling rules vary and many councils do not accept coffee pods in standard collections. Some brands and specialist recycling schemes provide dedicated collection points or recycling bags for used capsules. Always check the recycling instructions for your capsule brand and your local area before disposing of them.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a valuable material that can be recycled repeatedly when it is collected and processed correctly. Used aluminium coffee capsules should be recycled through an appropriate coffee-pod recycling scheme rather than automatically placed in household recycling. Check the instructions provided by the capsule manufacturer or recycling scheme to find the correct collection or drop-off option for your area.

Compostable

Compostable coffee capsules are designed to break down under specific composting conditions, but not all compostable capsules can be placed in a home compost bin or food-waste collection. Some require industrial composting facilities. Always check the packaging or manufacturer’s instructions to find out how your particular capsules should be disposed of.

Want to make a difference but not sure how?

Now, some readers may be wondering, “but how can I recycle my pods?”. Luckily there are a few different ways in which you can help make a difference by disposing of your left over capsules and pods. Here are a few ways you can dispose of yours.

Repurposing

Before disposing of used capsules, some people find creative ways to reuse them for craft projects or decorations. While this can be a fun way to give a small number of capsules a second life, recycling through an appropriate scheme is generally a more practical option for larger quantities of used coffee pods.

Check before you recycle

Recycling options can vary by capsule brand and location, so always check the latest instructions provided by the manufacturer or your local recycling service. Taking a moment to dispose of your used coffee capsules correctly can help ensure that recyclable materials are actually recovered and processed.

Recycling Lavazza a Modo Mio

Lavazza currently provides dedicated recycling options in the UK for A Modo Mio capsules through TerraCycle. The correct method depends on the type of capsule you have, so check Lavazza’s latest recycling instructions before disposal.

• You can bring empty Lavazza pods to AMR Services to be disposed
• Visit the Terracycle website to find out ways to order collection services and special mail-able pouches for used pods to send back to the company for proper disposal.
• Organic pods can be placed in your compost heap.
• The extra coffee grounds can be used as an exfoliate for skin.
• The extra grounds can also be used in the garden as a fertilizer.
• You can use your pods for art projects or other creative projects.

Shameless plug alert. We wrote this article as an educational and awareness piece as we believe in taking responsibility and contributing towards saving the planet. We don't expect anyone to stop drinking Coffee Pods. So shop with us and like us, take your chance to contribute towards saving the planet.