Richmond residents can now recycle used coffee, tea and hot chocolate pods free of charge at Townmead Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.

The new service has been launched to help make coffee pod recycling as easy as possible in a partnership between Richmond Council and Podback, a not-for-profit recycling service created and funded by the UK's leading coffee pod systems and over 25 coffee pod brands and national retailers. 

Simply collect your used coffee, tea, and hot chocolate pods at home in a reusable bag or container, keeping plastic and aluminium pods separate.

When ready, take them to the Townmead Road Reuse and Recycling Centre. Remember to book a slot prior to going.

There's no need to remove coffee grounds. Empty the pods into the designated Podback containers for aluminium or plastic—these are clearly marked.

Do not include bags or other packaging. Plastic and aluminium pods need to be collected separately, as they are recycled at different facilities.

All the pods collected by Podback are recycled in the UK. They are shredded to remove the coffee, then the plastic and aluminium are 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. 

Podback also offers free plastic and aluminium pod recycling via a Yodel drop-off service.

Additionally, residents using Costa Coffee pods can take advantage of free recycling at select Costa Coffee stores. 

Find out more about how to reduce, re-use or recycle various types of waste and unwanted items locally 

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