Asda and Podback have recycled more than 20 million coffee pods through in-store collection points in the first year of their nationwide partnership.

Since launching in January 2025, over 250,000 Podback bags have been returned via Asda’s toYou counters. The retailer now operates more than 600 collection points, forming what it says is the UK’s largest in-store coffee pod recycling network.

The initiative aims to address the challenges of recycling coffee pods through kerbside systems, where their small size and organic residue can complicate processing. Through the scheme, customers can return used aluminium and plastic pods by filling a Podback recycling bag at home and dropping it off at participating stores.

Usage has grown steadily, with some locations seeing strong engagement. Asda’s Longwell Green store in Bristol, for example, records an average of 51 Podback bag returns per week.

Collected materials are processed for reuse, with coffee grounds converted into renewable energy and soil improver, while aluminium and plastic are repurposed into products such as drinks cans, building materials and garden furniture.

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. As we mark Global Recycling Day today, we want to encourage even more coffee lovers to bring their pods back on their next shop in our stores.”

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.”

The partners are now exploring ways to expand the scheme further as demand for accessible recycling solutions continues to grow.