The only place that will take the pods for recycling is Asda in Kidderminster which is a 10 mile trip for me to drive. Perhaps you could consider expanding the number of places to take the pods
Company replied
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Review summary
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
What people talk about most
Reviews shaping this summary
Gwynedd Council's recycling leaflet mentioned that coffee pods can be recycled via a company called podback.org. I was really pleased to learn this because I'd been feeling guilty about adding my... See more
Company replied
Great way of recycling coffee pods. Pop into bags provided by podback. Drop off in local participanting Costa which happens to be in my Tesco so very convenient when shopping and when you run out of b... See more
Company replied
Great idea having bags delivered to put coffee pods in. I fill these bags to the required maximum and take them to Waitrose, where there is a collection box. You cannot use this box unless you have a... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Podback: the UK's coffee pod recycling service. We are working with coffee brands, retailers, local authorities and recyclers to give your used coffee pods a new life—from plastic and aluminium turned into new products to coffee grounds used to create renewable energy and soil improver. With a growing network of drop-off points available in supermarkets, coffee shops and recycling centres, we’re working on ways to make recycling pods part of your regular routine. Podback is a not-for-profit organisation, funded by our member brands.
Contact info
Suite 4, 4 Hilliards Court, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QP, Chester, United Kingdom
- podback.org
4.4
Excellent
277 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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I don't drive and I live in a village!
I live in a village with a Co-op and you ended the contract with them a few months ago. I'm 74 and don't drive - so, thanks to you they now go into landfill. Well done Podback!
3 January 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Ann,
Thank you for your feedback.
We acknowledge that this change may not suit everyone and understand your frustration, especially if the nearest drop-off point isn’t convenient. We are actively working with our partners to expand access and improve coverage where possible.
While Yodel may have been convenient to you this change was made following significant feedback from users who experienced challenges with the service, and after careful consideration of how best to manage hard-to-recycle materials going forward.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Excellent Customer Service
When I contacted Customer Service about a pod drop-off site in my local area, they were very responsive!
2 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Thank you for leaving us a shining review! We pride ourselves on offering a great customer service so we're happy we could assist you!
Good service from Podback
I have always used podback for Dolce Gusto pods. When they first changed the system away from drop off at shops and collection by Yodel my nearest recycling point was too far away. I contacted them and received a quick response. The system has quickly improved. I have since dropped off at Costa in Tesco and at my local Morrisons. Costa in Tesco and Morrisons will now give you new bags. The system is now efficient and easy and I recommend it.
3 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello B Moss,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a glowing 5 star review! We are so happy to read that you now find it more convenient to use your local Costa Coffee in Tesco and Morrisons.
We appreciate your support of our mission, that every coffee pod enjoyed is recycled.
Kind regards,
Podback Team
Easier to recycle the pods now
Recent changes mean it's possible to drop off the pods at more locations making it easier to recycle coffee pods.
4 June 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Will,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a glowing 5 star review! We appreciate your support of our mission, that every coffee pod enjoyed is recycled.
Kind regards,
Podback Team
Excellent service
I just want to say how impressed I am with the Podback recycling service. My used pods were handed to the barista in the Costa cafe in Tesco, and new bags were sent to me from Podback, free of charge, by post. These arrived very quickly, and I was kept informed by Podback throughout.
30 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Sue,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased to hear that using the Podback drop-off service at Costa Coffee in Tesco has made recycling your coffee pods easier, and that your bags arrived quickly too.
Thanks for doing your part to recycle – every pod makes a difference!
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Seems to be broken, defunct or deaf to the world
I tried to register with this company but their registration process never completed and so I sent them an email - then another... but no response. I wonder if this a reflection on the quality of the service they offer if you do manage to register!!
26 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Steve,
We appreciate your feedback and recognise that you did not have a quick enough response from our customer service team. They have responded and you should now be able to create an account.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Ruined the Collection Method
Changed the recycling collection method without ensuring adequate replacements were in place. Now 18 mile round trip to recycle which defeats the object. Messaged them and they suggested another location which was 25 miles away. I think my Tassimo machine will end up back in the cupboard
27 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Mr Reed
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry to hear you're disappointed about the Yodel drop-off service ending for Tassimo pods. We made the change after a lot of feedback from people who had issues with it, and after thinking carefully about how to handle tricky-to-recycle materials. We know it might not work for everyone and get that it’s frustrating if there's no easy drop-off nearby. We're working with our partners to make it more accessible where we can.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Not local, not convenient
For the past two years, I have dropped my pods at the local Co-op, in the town centre. Now I have to drive to another town, to a supermarket chain I never use - hardly party of my 'daily lifestyle'. I've read several reviews, complete with replies in the usual corporate drivel. Very disappointing, but I'll try to do the right thing, and make an unnecessary, inconvenient journey.
26 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Terry
We appreciate you have taken the time to leave us a review, we know removing the Yodel drop-off point has made things harder for some people, and we're genuinely sorry it's affected you this way. The decision wasn’t taken lightly — it came off the back of lots of negative feedback about issues with Yodel collections, but we realise that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when your nearest option now feels totally out of step with your routine. We're working with our partners to make it more accessible where we can.
Best Wishes,
The Podback Team
Recycling bags rationed?? Still cant order bags....
Received 3 bags sent from Podback and recycled at local Asda (even walked there-a brisk 30 minutes).
With a bit of a backlog I tried to get more bags for aluminum pods but apparently none available until approx. 7 July.
Thanks for your response but when I select "Order Bags" in my account the response is a message that says "We're sorry but its not possible to order bags from us today....we estimate that you will be able to order more bags using your online account from 05/07/25"
16 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
When you log in to your account and order bags, your are able to increase the number of bags by selecting the + icon. If you need more bags, we have plenty in stock, you can complete the contact us form and we can arrange to get some sent out to you.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Yodel drop offs were everywhere
Yodel drop offs were everywhere - very few ASDA or Morrison supermarkets available unless you drive. Terrible. Podback has turned a walk into a drive when recycling is about doing the right thing. Please return to a drop off service via Collect+.
11 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Iain,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that the change from Yodel to supermarket drop-off points has made recycling less convenient for you.
We understand your frustration—especially when you’ve built good habits around a system that worked well for your routine. The decision to phase out the Yodel drop-off service wasn’t taken lightly. It was based on widespread feedback from users who had negative experiences with Yodel.
That said, we completely recognise that not everyone has easy access to an ASDA or Morrisons, especially without a car. We’re actively working with our partners to improve and expand drop-off access.
In the meantime, we’d encourage you to recycle your pods as part of your regular shopping trips to help avoid additional journeys. But we do appreciate that’s not always possible.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Nearest drop-off 35miles away
Since Yodel stopped taking the Podback recycling I now have to put them in my general rubbish for landfill. My nearest drop-off point is 35miles away.
9 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Paula,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We're really sorry the removal of the Yodel drop-off service has made recycling more difficult for you. Yodel should still be available for you if your nearest drop-off is 35 miles away. Please complete the Recycle Checker and it will show you the interactive map. Please Zoom in on your location and the Yodel get a label option should appear.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
No Yodel podback? Use re-usable pods instead
How have people shown a problem with using yodel to send back their used pods? That is utter nonsense. It was a simple trip to my local newsagents. Now it's a minimum 3 mile trip to a supermarket I never go to. I will be using 3rd party re-usable pods now, so that is how I will be responsible, instead of burning petrol to drop off bags. You have lost my custom and probably a lot more people feel the same.
8 May 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Mark,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and we understand your frustration and decisions to move to reusable pods.
However the decision to move away from Yodel was not taken lightly and if you look at our reviews before January 2025 you will see a number of users that complained about the Yodel service. While it may have been suitable for you and others, there was a significant number of service users that had issues with Yodel stores refusing to take bags and issues printing labels. This and the need to bring pod recycling in-line with other hard to recycle items at supermarkets brought about the decision.
We are working hard to expand our network of drop-off locations and are in talks with other supermarkets and convenience store operators.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts — they have been noted and will be shared with the wider team.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Easy Recycling !
So easy now to recycle my nespresso/L'Or pods now I can pick up a free bag at Morrison's and take it back to their drop off facility. Saves so much going to general waste .
21 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hi Carol,
Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased to hear that using the Podback drop-off service at Morrisons has made recycling your Nespresso and L’or pods easier. It’s great to know it’s helping you reduce general waste too.
Thanks for doing your part to recycle – every pod makes a difference!
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Recycling evolves !
Just looked into recent Trustpilot reviews (since Yodel stopped collections locally ) & see that my initial reaction of frustration was shared by several other contributors .
HOWEVER , I now find that storing up a few full green bags before going to my closest drop off point at Waitrose whilst visiting Maidenhead is the best way of moving with the times !
No longer as close a drop off point as using Yodel , but a perfectly acceptable alternative once tried out. Also no label printing as a bonus !
Presumably many more supermarket drop off points will become available over time.
Hopefully the supply of new bags will still be as simple to replenish (efficient Royal Mail delivery after ordering direct from my Podback account) .
Glad I can still do my bit for the environment .
19 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hi Pete,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a glowing 5 star review! We understand that the service changes we have made are not practical for everyone but we appreciate your support of our mission, that every coffee pod enjoyed is recycled.
Kind regards,
Podback Team
No choice but to put into Landfill
I filled my podback bag as usual, only to discover Yodel are no longer being used for collections. Podback have no drop off locations near to me, so I guess the bag will go into landfill. How is this better for the environment? Why not retain Yodel until Podback has got its act together?
RESPONSE TO PODBACK’S ANSWER
Thank you for your generic response, which I have to say I found quite patronising. If I could have recycled my used pods when shopping did you not consider that I would have done so? You are clearly not actually taking any notice of the large number of one star reviews you are receiving because of this issue, merely trying to defend an ill thought out changeover to a new system which has been implemented to the detriment of a large number of conscientious consumers.
30 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Sandra,
We understand your frustration with the decision to phase out the Yodel drop-off service. This change was made in response to widespread feedback from users who experienced challenges with that option. It was not a decision taken lightly, but one made to bring the service in line with how other hard-to-recycle materials are managed.
We acknowledge that the current drop-off locations may not be convenient for everyone, and we are continuing to work with partners to expand access where possible. In the meantime, we suggest incorporating pod recycling into your regular shopping trips, rather than making a dedicated journey.
We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how this has affected you. Your comments have been shared with our wider team, and they do help shape the direction of the Podback programme.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
no more Yodel drop off service…
I'm sorry that Yodel drop off service is not available from now.. I'm with bicycle only, and it was so good to cycle a few minutes to drop off my pods. now its more than 20 minutes away.
I not gonna do that, I will put it into the general bin from now..
Such a shame..
28 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hi Lajos,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We're really sorry the removal of the Yodel drop-off service has made recycling more difficult for you — especially when you’d found a convenient, bike-friendly option that worked well. We understand your frustration, and it's disappointing to hear this change may stop you from recycling your pods.
This decision was made after reviewing user feedback and the need to bring the service in line with other hard to recycle items. We know it’s not ideal for everyone, but please know that we’re actively working with partners to improve access and introduce more local options where possible.
We genuinely appreciate you taking the time to let us know how this has affected you. Your comments have been shared with our wider team, and they do help shape the direction of the Podback programme.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Change, change, change
A local charity used to collect the pods and receive a small amount for their funds. That was ended so used Yodel which was reasonably convenient. Now that has stopped and only options now seem to be ASDA or Morrisons. OK if you live near one but why should I waster 1/3 to 1/2 gal of petrol to drive to one? Shall put them in general waste now.
15 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Sam,
Thank you for your feedback.
We understand the change to the Yodel service has caused inconvenience for some users, particularly where supermarket drop-off points are not nearby. We're working with partners to expand access where possible, and we genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns.
Just to clarify, Podback has never been part of any scheme that donates money in exchange for pods collected. While we’re aware that some local groups or charities may have previously collected pods independently, these arrangements were not managed or endorsed by Podback.
We know this change may not work for everyone and appreciate your frustration. Your comments have been shared with the wider team as we continue to review and develop the service.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Why did you stop using Yodel.
Why did you stop using a service that worked so well with Yodel. There is now nowhere with in a 15 mile drive to drop off the pods not very environmental friendly.We don't live in a huge city so it's not been thought out very well,, . I have a few bags full of used pods, so it looks like a 2 mile trip to my local tip and chuck them all in a skip. Thanks Podback. If you are committed to recycling would it not be better to have more places to take the returns to before you stopped using Yodel.
14 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We understand your frustration with the removal of the Yodel drop-off service, particularly if you live in an area with fewer supermarket drop-off points nearby. Please be assured this change was not made lightly, and we are continuing to work with our partners to improve access to recycling options across the country.
Due to the distance you state, Yodel may still be available to you. We suggest you complete the Recycle Checker and zoom in on your location. If Yodel does not appear, you will need to use one of our supermarket drop-off options.
We appreciate that this situation is not ideal for everyone, especially in less urban areas, and your feedback will be shared with our wider team as we look at how we can continue to improve the service.
Thank you again for taking the time to get in touch.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
Website is bad why keep up links which…
Website is bad why keep up links which don't go anywhere.Yodel worked well, one post office link goes nowhere, however did manage to find my way into another post office link and got 3 qr codes and can now drop them off at local post office. The only thing is can't remember how I found!
Lost the will now off for a cup of tea gone off coffee!
13 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Trevor,
Thanks for your review – and we’re sorry to hear the website experience left you feeling more in need of tea than coffee!
We appreciate you letting us know about the broken links, and we’d really like to investigate this further. If you're able to raise a support ticket via our website and let us know which link(s) didn’t work as expected, we can make sure they’re fixed. Your feedback helps us improve the experience for everyone, so it’s genuinely appreciated.
We're glad you were able to get your QR codes in the end, even if the journey was a bit roundabout — and we hope you’ll give the coffee another go soon!
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
They have decided to discontinue Yodel…
They have decided to discontinue Yodel due to "customer complaints" and have essentially made my return options null and void. Their map shows closest recycling as over 2 miles away which in actual journey time is an hour in no place I ever go. Very dissapointed and their lacklustre lazy generic response shows they don't actually care and have not bothered to at least find a valid or suitable alternative.
11 April 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Podback
Hello Neil,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We understand your frustration with the decision to phase out the Yodel drop-off service. This change was made in response to widespread feedback from users who experienced challenges with that option. It was not a decision taken lightly, but one made to bring the service in line with how other hard-to-recycle materials are managed.
We appreciate that the current drop-off locations may not be convenient for everyone, and we are continuing to work with partners to expand access where possible. In the meantime, we suggest incorporating pod recycling into your regular shopping trips, rather than making a dedicated journey.
We’re sorry to hear you felt our previous response was generic — please be assured that we do care about all feedback and take concerns seriously. Your comments have been noted and will be shared with the team as we continue to review and develop the service.
Best wishes,
The Podback Team
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