Podback FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The below are some FAQs to provide you with some further information. If you click on the + against each FAQ, you will open them to read the answers.
How do I recycle my pods at home?
Sign up at Podback and order your free recycling bags. As part of this process, you will be asked to create an account. This will allow you to reorder more free bags when needed.
Podback will send you two rolls of bags (26 bags or six months’ supply) for recycling your aluminium OR plastic coffee pods along with an instructional leaflet. If you use NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto pods, you will also receive a storage caddy and instructions how to use it.
There are two different bags, white for aluminium and green for plastic. Aluminium and plastic pods MUST be kept separate so they can be sent to the correct reprocessing facility.
Fill your bag as instructed. Put the bag(s) out on top of your refuse or recycling bin by 7am on your normal collection day.
If you live in a flat, you can still participate by using the Podback Drop Off service.
Why do I need to tell you what pods I use?
Pod manufacturers make pods from both aluminium and plastic which are sent to different recycling facilities. It is important that they are collected separately using the correct Podback kerbside bags.
If you use aluminium and plastic pods, you can request both types of bags when you create your online Podback account. If you change the type of pod you use, you will be able to update this on your account. Please note, you will need to wait 24 hours after initially creating your account before updating your pod preferences.
How long will it take for the recycling bags to arrive?
Bags are sent by Royal Mail and should arrive within 7 - 10 working days. Once you have your bags, you can start using them straight away. Fill your bag as instructed. Fill your bag as instructed. Put the bag(s) out on top of your refuse or recycling bin by 7am on your normal collection day.
How many kerbside bags will I receive?
When your first sign up for kerbside recycling you will be sent two rolls of bags. There are 13 recycling bags per roll. This is typically sufficient to last a household for six months.
What brand of pods are included as part of Podback?
The following brands (for coffee, tea and chocolate pods) are members of Podback:
- Nespresso
- NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto
- Tassimo
- ALCAFE (Aldi)
- Aldi Specially Selected
- Allpress Espresso
- Artisan Coffee Co
- Colonna Coffee
- Cru Kafe
- Difference Coffee Co
- Illy Caffe
- L’OR
- Little’s
- Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters
- Pret a Manger
- Roastworks Coffee
- Starbucks by NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto
- Starbucks by Nespresso
Together these brands represent over three quarters of the UK market. Podback’s ambition is to expand the programme to include all coffee pod brands using plastic or aluminium pods in the UK.
If your brand is not currently a member, why not contact them and suggest they get involved?
What types of pods are accepted at the kerbside?
All aluminium and plastic pods from participating brands can be recycled with Podback:
Aluminium pods
- Aldi Specially Selected
- Allpress Espresso
- Artisan Coffee Co
- Colonna Coffee
- Cru Kafe
- Illy Caffe
- Little’s
- Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters
- Nespresso
- Pret a Manger
- Roastworks Coffee
- Starbucks by Nespresso
Plastic pods
- ALCAFE (Aldi)
- Difference Coffee Co
- L’OR
- NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto
- Starbucks by NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto
- Tassimo
All these brands are accepted and can be recycled through the Podback programme. This includes coffee, hot chocolate and tea pods. You can find out more on the Podback website
Can I put aluminium and plastic pods in the same bag?
No, the different types of pods must be kept separate so they can be sent to the correct reprocessing facility. There are two different bags, white for aluminium pods and green for plastic pods. If you use aluminium and plastic pods, you can request both types of bags when you create your online Podback account. If you change the type of pod you use, you will be able to update this on your account. Please note, you will need to wait 24 hours after initially creating your account before updating your pod preferences.
Can I include the packaging my pods came in inside the collection bags?
No, please do not place the packaging your pods came in inside the collection bags. Check how to recycle these items locally
Why do I need a caddy for the Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods?
These pods tend to hold more liquid. When you sign up for the Podback service you’ll be asked which brand of pods you use so the correct recycling bags can be sent to you. Nescafé Dolce Gusto users will also be sent a drainage caddy. The caddies enable excess liquid to drain more easily and help users to store pods between collections. Full instructions are provided with the caddy. Simply transfer the pods to the Podback kerbside recycling bag when they are ready for collection.
Will you replace my Nescafé Dolce Gusto caddy if it’s broken?
Yes. Please contact Podback directly and they will arrange to send you a replacement caddy.
Where and when should I put my bag out for collection?
Once your bag is full, please put the bag out on top of your general waste or recycling bin by 7am on your normal collection day.
Do I need to remove the used coffee grounds before putting them into the collection bag?
No, you can put the whole pod straight into the recycling bag. The coffee grounds are removed from the pods as part of the recycling process. The coffee is then treated by anaerobic digestion which creates renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver.
Please drain any remaining liquid from your used pods before putting them in your recycling bag.
Top tips for used coffee grounds that may be left over in your machine:
- Pop your spent coffee grounds in a little pot and place in your fridge to help capture all those unwelcome odours and smells.
- Feed hungry plants by either adding to your compost heap or placing on top of the soil, which helps keep those pesky little slugs, snails and ants at bay.
How many Podback bags can I get collected?
We can collect as many full bags as you have. Fill your bags up to the dotted line. Once your bag is full, please put the bag(s) out on top of your refuse or recycling bin by 7am on your normal collection day. If you run out of bags, you can reorder by logging into your account on the Podback website
How many used pods will fit into the recycling bags?
The number of pods will depend on the brand of pods you use. Follow the instructions on the bag and fill it to the dotted line, and please make sure you’ve drained any liquid.
Can I use any type of bag to return my used pods at the kerbside?
No. To take part in the Podback kerbside recycling service you must use the recycling bags provided for free by Podback.
The Podback bags help Cherwell’s recycling crews identify the bags easily. It also helps them to be sorted for reprocessing more effectively.
It’s easy to sign up and order kerbside bags from the Podback website
My bags haven’t been collected. How do I arrange for a missed pod collection?
If your coffee pod bags have not been collected, please place them out for collection on the following week. If for any reason you find that the pod bags have been missed once again, then please contact us at customer.service@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
Please make sure your bags only contain coffee pods and are not filled with liquids. It may be that the crew had to leave the bags as they contained the wrong materials. If the bags do contain the wrong materials or lots of liquid, please remove these before putting them out for collection.
What happens if I have an assisted collection?
If you have an assisted collection, pods will be collected from your usual collection point. Please make sure the pods are placed on top of the bin.
Can I take my own pods to the Household Waste and Recycling Centres?
No, please do not take your pods to the Household Waste and Recycling centres. You can only recycle your coffee pods through our kerbside collection service. You can sign up to this free service at the Podback website
Why are there different ways to return your coffee pods for recycling?
We know that the most convenient way for people to recycle is by using their local authority recycling service, and Podback’s priority is to work with councils across the UK to enable them to collect pods alongside other materials.
Podback is working with Cherwell District Council to facilitate kerbside collections of pods, as part of their household waste and recycling services.
Kerbside collections
To use the free kerbside collection service, you need to sign up and order Podback recycling bags from the Podback website.
Please do not use any other types of bag for this collection although Podback drop off bags will be accepted as a one-off.
Drop off
If you buy a new machine this
may contain a Podback bag.
This has been designed for the
drop off service, available through Yodel. Cherwell District Council will accept this drop off bag on their kerbside collection as a one-off; but we ask you to sign up for the free service and you will then receive a supply of bags for recycling your pods through this service in the future.
Alternatively, you could give the drop off bag to a friend or family member who isn't able to use a kerbside recycling service!
Please remember
Aluminium and plastic coffee pods need to be kept separate as they are reprocessed at different facilities. The bags have been designed so that you can tie them easily to contain the pods.
They make it easy for the collection team to identify the types of pods and put them in the correct container at the depot ready for reprocessing.
Once your bag is full, please put the bag(s) out on top of your refuse or recycling bin by 7am on your normal collection day.
If you live in a flat, you can still participate by using the Podback Drop Off service.
Where will the pods be processed and recycled?
The recycling process takes place in the UK, so your pod doesn’t have to travel far before it’s transformed into something new. Aluminium pods are reprocessed at Tandom Metallurgical Group Ltd. in Congleton, near Stoke-on-Trent. Plastic pods are reprocessed by Bright Green Plastics in West Yorkshire. Watch our live video to show how your pods are processed
The recycling bags supplied by Podback for kerbside recycling are made of recycled material and are also fully recyclable. They are baled by the reprocessor and sent to a facility in East Yorkshire which specialises in recycling flexible plastics, such as food wrappers and films. The facility produces plastic pellets which are used in a wide range of manufacturing industries.
What do I do if I no longer require the Podback service?
Simply contact Podback and they will make sure your details are removed from the Podback register and let you know what to do with any spare bags or the drainage caddy.
More frequently asked questions are also available on the Podback website.