Asda And Podback Recycle 20 Million Coffee Pods In First Year Of Partnership

Since the partnership launched in January 2025, more than 250,000 Podback bags have been returned via Asda’s ‘toYou’ counters, the retailer noted.

This is the equivalent of approximately 290 tonnes of material, ESM Magazine reports.

The Asda Longwell Green outlet in Bristol is among the highest-performing, with coffee lovers returning an average of 51 bags per week.

The retailer boasts of the most extensive network of Podback return points compared with any other UK retailer, and claims to be the only supermarket supporting Podback in Northern Ireland.

Beth Fowler, senior manager for healthy and sustainable choices at Asda, said, “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.”

Coffee Pod Recycling

Coffee pods are difficult to recycle through kerbside collections as they are small and contain organic residue.

The partnership allows customers to collect their used coffee pods in Podback bags and deposit them at any participating Asda ‘toYou’ counter.

All returned pods are recycled in the UK, with coffee grounds converted into renewable energy and soil improver.

The aluminium and plastic are transformed into new products such as drinks cans, building materials, and garden furniture.

Rick Hindley, executive director of Podback, said, “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.”