re3 is working in partnership with Podback, a not-for-profit recycling scheme created by the UK’s leading coffee pod systems, NESCAFE Dolce Gusto, Tassimo and Nespresso, to trial coffee pod recycling facilities at their Recycling Centres at Longshot Lane, Bracknell Forest and Island Road, Reading.
Residents from Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Boroughs can start recycling their aluminium and plastic coffee pods from 10 July 2023. Pods can be collected and stored at home until householders are ready to take them to the Recycling Centres. Residents must book a slot prior to their visit using re3’s click and tip service. Podback disposal containers will be clearly signed. The pods need to be emptied loose into the appropriate aluminium or plastic pod container. Bags and other packaging must not be included.
Once collected, the coffee pods will be sent to specialist recycling plants in the UK1. The pods are shredded to remove the coffee, then the plastic and aluminium is used to create new products, including packaging, car components and building products. The coffee grounds will be treated by anaerobic digestion to create renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver.
In a joint statement re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board Members: Cllr Karen Rowland, Chairman of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Ian Shenton, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Leisure and Cllr Helen Purnell, Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for the Environment and Community Cohesion commented:
“We are really excited to be working with Podback to introduce another recycling stream at the Recycling Centres for residents. Coffee drinkers can now enjoy their coffee knowing their pods can be recycled and go on to be made into new products, renewable energy and improve the soil. At re3, we are always looking for innovation in responding to the climate emergency. Every innovation helps and it also allows residents the opportunity to take a more active role in tackling the climate emergency.”
Podback Executive Director Rick Hindley says: “It’s great to be able to expand the Podback service to re3’s Recycling Centres. We want to make coffee pod recycling as easy as possible and this new service enables residents to drop off pods when convenient, alongside other recyclables helping to reduce waste and increase recycling.”