Tandom Support Coffee Pod Recycling Scheme

Tandom showcase their capability as a coffee pod recycling expert

It is estimated that 1.2bn coffee pods were bought in the UK in 2021*. Aluminium capsules are fully and widely recyclable, however, it is often believed that aluminium coffee pods are too small to be captured for recycling when items are being sorted. This is not the case. Aluminium coffee pods are easily recycled and thanks to Podback, it’s now even easier for end-consumers to opt away from landfill.

Podback is a first-of-its-kind recycling programme for coffee in the UK. Their new programme allows consumers to take their used coffee pods to their nearest Collect + drop-off point for recycling.

Currently, pods from 11 coffee brands including Nespresso, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Tassimo, L’OR and CRU Kafe can be recycled through Podback. All users need to do is order a recycling bag from the brand online (Soon to be available from supermarkets too!) and drop them off at their local Collect +.

This is when Tandom come in…

We’ve been working with coffee manufacturers such as Nespresso for years now, recycling used aluminium pods and turning them into aluminium ingots for new products – such as beverage cans.

The used, or sometimes non-used waste pods, enter our aluminium recycling centre in Congleton Cheshire to be shredded and separated before they are melted down in our furnaces. The molten metal is then poured into moulds and cooled into blocks which are later used in the manufacture of products – anything from automotive components to recyclable food & beverage packaging.

The used coffee grounds also go through anaerobic digestion – to produce a combination of biogas and soil improver.

For more information on the recycling process we operate to support organisations like Podback, check out the video below (Credit to Podback).