How to recycle coffee capsules and help the environment

  • Coffee capsules should not go into the yellow bin, but rather to specific recycling points.
  • The aluminum and plastic from the capsules are recovered and the coffee is converted into compost.
  • There are more than 6.000 collection points in Spain for different coffee brands.

coffee capsules

In today's society we produce a huge amount of waste every day. Not only in terms of quantity, but also in terms of the variety of materials. We are used to typical waste, such as plastics, packaging, paper, cardboard, glass and organic waste, without realising that there are other types of waste that require specific treatment for recycling.

In this article, we will talk specifically about coffee capsule residueAlthough it may seem that these capsules should go into the yellow container like other packaging, the reality is different. There are special mechanisms developed by companies for the collection and proper treatment of this waste. Do you want to know more about recycling coffee capsules?

Coffee residues

Coffee capsules are not considered packaging according to the Packaging and Waste LawThis is because the capsule is indivisible from the product it contains, unlike bottles, cans or cartons. For this reason, they should not be placed in the yellow container. Due to their mixture of materials, they require an exclusive system for recycling.

To manage this waste, companies such as Nespresso and Dolce Gusto have implemented capsule collection and treatment programs. Since 2011, more than XNUMX capsule collection centers have been established in Spain. 150 collection points for Dolce Gusto and almost 800 for NespressoThe companies say their programs are able to recycle 75% of the capsules sold, although the exact number of customers who return them remains uncertain.

In some cases, recycling of the capsules goes through the Manual emptying of coffee grounds, as it is an important step so that recycling plants can easily treat the materials involved, such as aluminium or plastic.

Recyclable materials

Despite efforts, widespread ignorance about the existence of specific points for recycling capsules remains a problem. A study by the OCU revealed that Only 18% of consumers recycle effectively these capsules, while 73% continue to throw them away in the trash.

At recycling centres, the capsules are processed by separating the materials. The aluminium or plastic is sent to specialised plants where it is reused. Aluminium, being a completely recyclable material, can be used to make more capsules or everyday objects such as pens or watches. The plastic, once crushed, can be used to make benches or playgrounds.

The coffee left in the capsules is used to make compost, which is then used as fertilizer in agriculture. This compost is especially useful for enriching soils damaged by erosion or fire, helping to return vital nutrients to the land.

What are coffee capsules?

recycling coffee capsules

A coffee capsule is a small, airtight container containing a portion of ground coffee, designed for use with specific coffee makers. Capsules, usually made of aluminum or plastic, protect the contents from light, air and moisture, ensuring their freshness until the moment of use.

Although the use of capsules has simplified the preparation of coffee, it has also raised concerns about its environmental impact. increasing volume of waste has prompted various brands to develop recycling solutions.

  • Aluminum is the most commonly used material in capsules such as Nespresso, and is 100% recyclable.
  • Plastic capsules, such as those of Dolce Gusto, can also be recycled, although their environmental impact is greater.

The increasing consumption of these capsules makes recycling a necessity. In Spain, for example, tens of thousands of tons of capsules are consumed every year, which makes their correct management a major environmental challenge.

Where to dispose of coffee capsules?

coffee capsule container

As we have mentioned, coffee capsules should not go into the yellow container or the organic container. The best option is to take them to the specific collection point of the brand you consume.

Nespresso, for example, has more than 4.000 collection points in its own stores, supermarkets, and recycling centers. Dolce Gusto also has more than 100 recycling centers 2.000 points for the collection of their capsules. Brands such as Tassimo and I'or have also implemented similar initiatives.

If you cannot find a collection point nearby, another option is to take the capsules to the grey or waste container, although this is not the ideal solution. In addition, some capsules made of compostable material o biodegradable They also need to be taken to specific clean points or composting facilities.

Some people, to reduce the impact of conventional coffee capsules, opt for reusable capsules, which can be filled with ground coffee and used as many times as desired.

Phases of the recycling process

The coffee capsule recycling process goes through several important phases:

  1. Collection and classification: The capsules are taken to recycling centres where the main materials (plastic, aluminium and coffee) are separated. This is the key step to prevent the capsules from ending up in landfills.
  2. Separating coffee grounds: This step is crucial, as organic coffee grounds cannot be mixed with recyclable materials. Specialized machinery is used to empty the capsules.
  3. Recycling of materials: Aluminum and plastic are melted or crushed into new forms, while coffee is turned into compost that can be used to fertilize agricultural crops.

This system reduces the environmental impact of the capsules, and access to specific recycling programs helps prevent them from ending up in landfills, where they can take decades to decompose.

In addition to the recycling systems provided by brands, more and more consumers are opting for biodegradable and reusable capsules that significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Properly recycling coffee capsules is not only a contribution to caring for the environment, but also a growing trend that more and more people are adopting.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.