Co-op is expanding its coffee pod recycling scheme to more than 200 stores across the South West of England and South Wales, following a trial that saw more than half a million used pods returned.
Successful trial leads to wider rollout
The service, provided in partnership with recycling organisation Podback, gives customers dedicated collection points in stores. The retailer said the wider rollout aims to offer more communities a quick and convenient way to recycle used coffee pods.
The expansion follows a 30-store trial launched in November 2025, which included Co-op's "sustainability showcase stores". These stores are used by the retailer to test new ideas, technologies and solutions designed to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. Co-op's latest sustainability showcase store opened in Attleborough, Norfolk, earlier this month.
Trial results and recycling process
During the initial six-month trial, residents returned eight tonnes of coffee pods, equivalent to more than 500,000 used pods. Podback accepts plastic and aluminium beverage pods sold by its member brands, with customers able to recycle them at more than 1,500 drop-off points across the UK.
The plastic and aluminium collected through the scheme are recovered and recycled by UK-based reprocessors. Used coffee grounds are transformed into renewable energy in the form of biogas and soil improver for agriculture.
Partnership and industry support
Podback is a not-for-profit organisation created by Nespresso, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Tassimo, and is supported by major brands, national retailers and independent roasters. Its member brands represent more than 80% of the UK coffee pod market, while customers can also recycle used pods through 300 local authority recycling centres across the country.
Commenting on the expansion, 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."
"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. We're excited to see how our relationship with Co-op continues to develop."
Scott McHarg, head of sustainability at Co-op, said: "We're focussed on delivering social value to our members, customers and communities on the issues they care about, and support them in making sustainable choices and reducing their environmental impact."
"Our stores are created to be more than just a shop, with a range of added services to make everyday life easier for consumers. 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."
