According to WorldAtlas, the coffee industry in Australia generates as much as $5.8 billion in revenue annually.
But only 5% of Australia's cafés and coffee shops belong to big chains. Many coffee lovers in Australia make espressos from the comfort of their homes—with home espresso makers or pod coffee machines.
Generally, each Australian consumes 1.91 kg of coffee yearly, 75% of which is instant coffee. This makes using coffee pods in Australia and recycling used coffee pods or capsules a priority.
Material Facts
Billions of plastic and aluminium coffee pods are thrown into landfill every year. These coffee capsules take up to 500 years to break down. As awareness of the environmental impact of these practices continues to grow, many brands have taken responsibility for being environmentally friendly.
Canstar Blue reports that only 28% of Australians use coffee pods, which reduces their environmental footprint. If you are not part of that statistic, here's how to recycle used pods to help protect the environment. We group them by pod manufacturing companies and programs in Australia.
1. Nespresso
Nespresso's "seed to sip" approach aims to reduce the environmental impact at every product life-cycle stage. For used capsules, the company's page advises the following to recycle pods:
- Take the used coffee pods to their nearest Nespresso Boutique. The company has 19,000 collection points across Australia; find the closest to you.
- Post the used capsules back to Nespresso facilities through the prepaid Australia Post Recycling Satchel, which is available here. The package costs $4.90, including the postage cost, and fits up to 130 capsules.
- Find Nespresso Recycling boxes in your workplace or communities where you can dispose of coffee capsules.
2. Illy, L’OR, Campos and Moccona
JDE owns these three brands and has an eco-partnership with TerraCycle. Through this partnership, you can recycle your aluminium coffee pods.
First, collect your used coffee pods in a bag, preferably in the cardboard box where you received the products. Each box should hold a minimum of 2kg (200 pods) and a maximum of 70kg.
Once ready, go to the TerraCycle website to print a shipping label. Add the label to your box, seal it, and drop it off at a nearby post office. Alternatively, you can arrange a pick-up by calling the phone number on the email you received your label.
3. Caffitaly
Caffitaly capsules are recyclable too. The company uses polypropylene, which is easy to recycle and has energy production purposes. There is, however, no official process for recycling their coffee capsules.
If you use Caffitaly, wash the capsules to avoid contamination from the proceeds. Then, contact your local council about their recycling procedures. That should help you clarify your next steps.
4. Lavazza
Lavazza aluminium-cased coffee capsules are recyclable. The company has a program with TerraCycle to recycle used pods for free. In its bid to be more eco-friendly, Lavazza has also launched coffee pods made from materials other than aluminium that are compostable in 6 months.
5. Nescafe
Like Lavazza and other pod capsule manufacturers, Nescafe also has a program with TerraCycle to recycle pods purchased from them. To get started, you only need to sign up for the NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto recycling program online.
Once signed up, collect your used capsules in a bag and keep them in a collection box. From here, print a prepaid shipping label online, tape it to the box, and then drop it at your local post office.
6. Expressi ALDI
Expressi Aldi capsules are recyclable. However, the company no longer offers its recycling program. Users must find new local alternatives to recycling their coffee pods. If you have a local aluminium recycling point, consider discussing your recycling needs with them.
Are Coffee Pods Bad for the Environment?
Single-serve coffee pods are convenient and affordable but create a huge environmental problem. Many brands package portioned coffee in aluminium, mixed plastics, silicon rings, and lacquer.
While primarily recyclable, the non-biodegradable belongings of these materials, the intensive manufacturing process, and the waste left after use harm the environment when not disposed of properly.
Darren Sherwood
The Way Forward
Many brands now have partnerships and programs to deal with the capsules they manufacture. Nespresso, Moccona, Lavazza, Illy, Campos, and L'OR have recycling programs with TerraCycle, while other brands, like Expressi ALDI and Caffitaly, rely on local, sustainable recycling programs.
These initiatives, however, rely on customers returning their used coffee pods. The alternative to reducing your environmental footprint is through reusable coffee pods. Essentially, reusable coffee pods can be continuously refilled with ground coffee and repeatedly used to minimise waste.
Before purchasing reusable coffee pods, double-check that the pod or capsule is compatible with your pod coffee machine.
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