Co-op is expanding coffee pod recycling points to more than 200 stores following what the group says was a successful trial with Podback, the coffee pod recycling service. The expansion has begun with recycling points being installed in Co-op stores in the south-west of England and South Wales.
Successful Trial Results
The move builds on a 30-store trial launched in November 2025, which included Co-op’s sustainability showcase stores – in places such as Attleborough, Norfolk – designed to test and demonstrate new ideas, technologies and solutions that can reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. The trial saw more than 500,000 used pods returned.
Partnership Response
Podback executive director Rick Hindley said: “This is another very positive step for Podback as we expand our nationwide drop-off network and give more people more ways to recycle coffee pods locally.”
He added: “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.”
Scott McHarg, head of sustainability at the Co-op, said: “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.”
Recycling Process
Podback accepts plastic and aluminium beverage pods sold by its member brands, which customers can recycle at more than 1,500 drop-off points across the UK. Plastic and aluminium are recovered and recycled, and coffee grounds are turned into biogas and soil improver for agriculture.
