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Coffee pod recycling in the U.S.: How likely?

A LinkedIn discussion around the likelihood of consumers bringing used coffee pods into a collection center, if given the opportunity, raises a range of issues.

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An article from Packaging World posted on the IoPP LinkedIn group regarding Nespresso Austria’s use of a recyclable, compostable bag for collection of its recyclable coffee capsules stirred up some strong responses, when readers were asked, “How willing would U.S. consumers be to bringing coffee capsules to a collection center for recycling?” One often-cited excuse for low recycling rates in the U.S. is consumer apathy and lack of education and guidance, hence the question from PW Senior Editor Anne Marie Mohan.

While some respondents felt consumers would participate in such a plan, others thought it “not very likely,” if current recycling statistics were any indicator.

Beginning the conversation, R&D Chemist/Microbiologist Thomas Clark, said, “IMHO [in my honest opinion] not very likely, would need to be picked up. Do a high percentage of people bring plastic bags back to the grocery? Perhaps a nickel deposit would be a motivator.”

To this, Principal Consulting Engineer Andy Malcolm, responded, “As a Nespresso user in California, I have been notified that I will have the opportunity to receive a collection bag that holds up to 200 used capsules, which can be dropped off at certain locations (mostly Nespresso retailers) or at UPS. I will have no problem participating in that program.”

Meanwhile, Dan Kelly, Manager, Packaging Design Center at Sealed Air Corp., shared that he believes it comes down to two things: motivation and ease of recycling. “Consumers in America are relatively accustomed to simply disposing of single-use coffee capsules right now. In order to change that mindset, you either need to create a motivation via a deposit or something similar, or you need to make it extremely easy to recycle them via standard curbside collections or another method. Return centers at retailers or UPS locations are good, but the easier you make it for people, the more likely they are to participate.”

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