Coffee giant Starbucks has joined forces with Podback, a UK-based coffee pod recycling scheme, to make it easier for customers to recycle their used coffee pods.

This partnership expands on Podback’s existing efforts and offers a convenient solution for the growing number of coffee pod users in the UK.

Effortless recycling for Starbucks At Home customers

Under the new initiative, customers who enjoy Starbucks At Home pods can pick up free Podback recycling bags at any of Starbucks’ 1,250 coffee shops across the UK.

Once filled with used pods, these bags can be dropped off at one of the 6,500 Yodel drop-off locations nationwide. 

For added convenience, Podback also offers kerbside collection for 1.5 million households in 21 UK local authorities.

Building on a shared sustainability commitment

This collaboration strengthens the existing partnership between Starbucks and Podback, showcasing a shared commitment to sustainability.

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The move comes at a crucial time, with an estimated 800 million coffee pods purchased in the UK last year alone.

With Starbucks UK customers already using Podback to recycle our pods at home, we are delighted to offer them an easier way to pick up their bags from our outlets,” said Jacqui Wetherly, sustainability director at Starbucks UK.

“We are committed to our continued journey of reducing the environmental impact of all of our coffee products, from the beans to the milks we use and the way it is served.”

Recycling made simple

“Partnering with one of the world’s best-known coffee brands is a sign of the considerable progress that Podback has made towards establishing a convenient and simple way for people to recycle used pods,” said Rick Hindley, executive director at Podback.

“Starbucks’ support makes it even easier for coffee pod users to start recycling, as they can now pick up a Podback bag at any of Starbucks’ coffee shops across the UK.”

All coffee pods collected by Podback are recycled within the UK.

Used aluminium pods find new life in beverage cans while plastic pods are transformed into various products, including supermarket crates and building materials.

The leftover coffee grounds are subjected to anaerobic digestion, generating biogas and a soil improver.