Asda and Podback recycle 20 million coffee pods in first year
Key takeaways
- Asda and Podback recycled over 20 million coffee pods in the first year of their partnership, with more than 250,000 Podback bags returned.
- The scheme offers a convenient recycling solution for consumers by allowing them to return used pods at Asda toYou counters.
- Recycled pods are processed into new products, supporting circular economy goals.
Asda and Podback have recycled more than 20 million coffee pods through Asda stores in the first year of their partnership across the UK.
Asda’s in-store return points are proving an “easy and reliable” approach to recycling used coffee pods. As coffee pods are small and contain organic residue, they can pose a challenge to curbside recycling. Through the Podback partnership, customers can fill a Podback bag and drop it at the participating Asda toYou counter.
The companies share that over 250,000 Podback bags have been returned via toYou counters since January 2025. At Asda Longwell Green in Bristol, UK, shoppers are reportedly dropping off an average of 51 Podback bags every week.
Beth Fowler, senior manager for healthy and sustainable choices at Asda, says: “Recycling 20 million coffee pods in our first year is a significant milestone for our partnership with Podback. By providing a straightforward, convenient return service in over 600 stores, we are making it easier for our customers to make sustainable choices.”
Aluminum and plastic recycling
According to the companies, the coffee grounds are transformed into renewable energy and soil improver, while the aluminum and plastic are used to create new products, such as drink cans, building materials, and garden furniture.
Rick Hindley, executive director at Podback, says: “The first year of our partnership with Asda has been a very positive experience. We’ve seen the number of pods being returned through Asda toYou grow across the year, proving that if recycling is simple and convenient, people will make it a part of their regular routine. We’re now excited to be looking at how we build on what we’ve achieved with Asda as we continue to expand access to simple, effective pod recycling.”
Last year, Co-op also partnered with Podback to collect coffee pods for recycling across Southwest England.
