Last updated: 20 February 2023
Next review: 20 February 2024
Waltham Forest Council is working with Podback to provide this pioneering new service, enabling you to recycle your coffee (tea and hot chocolate) pods every week as part of your normal kerbside waste and recycling collections.
How do I get involved?
It’s easy to get involved, simply follow the steps below:
- Register and order your free recycling bags on the Podback website.
- Podback will send you two rolls of bags for recycling your aluminium or plastic coffee pods along with an instructional leaflet.
- Once you have your bags, simply follow the instructions, and put the sealed bag on top of your two wheeled green recycling bin on your collection day.
How do I report a missed collection?
You can report a missed collection by completing our online form.
What types of coffee pods can be recycled?
Plastic and aluminium pods can be recycled using separate collection bags provided by Podback.
Visit the Podback website to find out if your pods are accepted as part of this scheme.
Aluminium Coffee Pods

Plastic coffee pods

What happens to the pods once collected?
The coffee pods are taken to a specialist reprocessing plant in the UK to separate the packaging from the used coffee grounds. The plastic and aluminium will be transformed into new products such as beverage cans or plastic garden furniture. The coffee grounds are used to create soil improver and renewable energy.
I live in a block with communal bins, can I still participate in the scheme?
Yes. If you live in a flat or communal property you can use the Drop Off service, which allows you to drop off filled bags to your nearest Collect+ store. To order your free recycling bag visit the ways to recycle section of the Podback website.
Please read our FAQ for more details of the scheme.