re3 celebrates 1m recycled coffee pods

Over 1,350,000 coffee pods were recycled at local recycling centres as part of the Podback scheme, which sees recycled aluminium and plastic beverage pods into new products, such as beverage cans and building products.

Due to the collaboration with Podback, the nationwide coffee pod recycling service, the partnership is said to have diverted over 21 tonnes of materials from the general waste stream, helping to reduce the disposal cost and save the carbon footprint.

Collection of aluminium and plastic coffee pods started at the area’s household recycling centres in July 2023. Residents are asked to save pods at home in any bag or container, and tip them loose into the designated Podback containers when they are visiting the recycling centre. Aluminium and plastic pods need to be collected separately, not mixed together, as they are sent to different recycling facilities.

Recycling habits

In a joint statement re3 joint waste disposal board members said: “We are all impressed by the participation of our residents in this service, and we hope that the recycling habit will continue to brew locally in the coming months. Coffee might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but certainly, recycling 1.3 million pods—equivalent to seven pods per household within the first year—is a significant achievement.

“This milestone demonstrates how important it is to recycle every single item and shows how our collective efforts can make a real difference. On this occasion, small items like coffee pods enabled us to divert over 21 tonnes of valuable materials for recycling, saving both resources and money. With Podback funding the service, it remains cost-neutral and provides an excellent way for us to enhance our recycling service for residents.”

Podback executive director, Rick Hindley, said: “Recycling one million pods is an impressive milestone for re3 councils to have reached, and we’re delighted that the Podback service has been so well-received and well-supported by residents across Bracknell, Reading and Wokingham Boroughs.

“With over 80% of coffee pod brands sold in the UK now included in the Podback service, we hope more residents will start saving their pods for recycling and that you’ll soon be marking another collection milestone!”