Coffee Pod Recycling Trial Launched in Leeds

New initiative aims to improve recycling options for coffee pod users

A new trial allowing residents to recycle used coffee pods has begun at three household waste recycling centres in Leeds. The scheme is a partnership between Leeds City Council and Podback, a not-for-profit organisation specialising in coffee pod recycling.

Trial locations and collection details

The trial is currently running at the following household waste recycling centres:

• Kirkstall
• Wetherby
• Yeadon

Each site has been equipped with two Podback collection containers: one designated for aluminium coffee pods and another for plastic pods. Residents can deposit coffee, tea, or hot chocolate pods from participating brands into these containers.

Recycling process and environmental benefits

Used pods should be placed loose and intact into the containers. Once collected, the pods are sent to dedicated Podback recycling facilities in the UK. Any remaining coffee grounds or residue inside the pods are processed locally in Yorkshire through anaerobic digestion, producing renewable energy in the form of biogas and a soil improver product.

Additional information and exclusions

• Compostable pods are not accepted in the Podback containers or brown garden waste bins and should instead be placed in home composting bins.
• Other pod drop-off points can be found using Podback’s recycling tracker by entering postcode and pod details on their website.
• A list of participating brands is available on the Podback website.

Statements from officials

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said the timing of the trial was ideal following the Christmas period when many people may have received coffee makers as gifts. He expressed support for the initiative as a way to make recycling coffee pods easier for residents.

Rick Hindley, Executive Director of Podback, highlighted the convenience of the new service, which allows residents to recycle coffee pods alongside other household waste at the centres, helping to reduce waste and increase recycling rates.

Further resources

For more details on the Podback recycling scheme and participating brands, visit Podback’s website. A video explaining the recycling process is available at Podback on YouTube.