Morrisons leads the way: Revolutionising coffee pod recycling across the UK

Morrisons is set to introduce an innovative initiative, collaborating with Podback, a leading pod recycling service, to install coffee pod collection points in over 350 of its stores across the UK. This groundbreaking move aims to revolutionise coffee pod recycling, making it more convenient and accessible nationwide. Scheduled to commence in June, the rollout will empower customers to effortlessly recycle their used coffee pods during their routine supermarket visits.

To facilitate the process, Morrisons offers complimentary Podback recycling bags at its customer service desks. With the introduction of the in-store collection points, customers can simply drop off their filled bags while carrying out their grocery shopping. Zara Safdari, Morrisons’ waste and sustainability manager, highlights the increasing popularity of coffee pods in households and emphasises the simplicity of the recycling process.

Building on the success of previous collection endeavours, Morrisons has already made significant strides in promoting sustainability. Their earlier support for Podback included the provision of free recycling bags in stores, and a trial run of in-store collection points in 29 selected stores in July 2023, which proved to be immensely popular among customers.

Rick Hindley, executive director at Podback, applauds Morrisons’ commitment to simplifying pod recycling and expresses enthusiasm about incorporating a national supermarket into their network of recycling points. This collaboration not only fosters environmental responsibility but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable practices in the retail sector.

Furthermore, Starbucks recently joined forces with Podback, extending the reach of pod recycling initiatives across its 1,250 UK coffee shops. Through the Podback scheme, used pods undergo recycling processes, with materials like aluminium and plastic repurposed for various applications, while coffee grounds are utilised for renewable energy production and soil enhancement through anaerobic digestion. Morrisons’ partnership with Podback signifies a significant step forward in promoting eco-consciousness and fostering a circular economy within the coffee industry.