Recycle a Cup® Instructions

Millions of people across the United States use pod-based coffee brewing systems to create their morning cup of jo. While these machines are undoubtedly convenient, their single-use nature generates a significant amount of waste. With this in mind, you may wonder, “Are K-Pods® recyclable?” Unfortunately, most single-serve coffee cups aren’t recyclable in their original state. This means that many end up in landfills, where they will sit for hundreds of years – or worse, be blown into nearby waterways where they could affect wildlife.

Luckily, there is a more environmentally friendly way to use single-serve coffee pods. With the Recycle a Cup® cutter, you can separate the main components of the cup (the plastic pod, aluminum top, paper filter, and leftover coffee grounds), which allows you to dispose of each part responsibly.

How to Use the Recycle a Cup® Cutter

The Recycle a Cup® cutter makes it easy to recycle your used coffee pods. Simply attach the cutter to the top of the pod, press the green buttons on either side, and twist one full rotation. This separates the top of the pod from the plastic cup. To see the cutter in action, watch our Recycle a Cup® demonstration video above.

Once you’ve separated the coffee pod, follow the steps below to dispose of each part:

  1. Recycle the aluminum top.
  2. Check with your local recycling plant to ensure they can process coffee pod plastic. If they do, place the plastic cup in your recycling bin. If they don’t, you can send your cups to a regional facility. In the event that you’re unable to recycle your coffee pods, you may wonder, “Can you reuse K–Cups® pods?” The good news is that there are many ways to repurpose empty K-Cups®pods at home.
  3. Place the paper filter and leftover coffee grounds in a compost pile or your garden. These elements break down easily and add beneficial nutrients, like nitrogen, to your soil.

Ready to commit to an eco-friendlier coffee brewing routine? With Recycle a Cup®, it’s never been easier to use and dispose of single-serve coffee pods responsibly.

For more information about the Recycle a Cup® cutter or how to recycle your coffee pods, contact us today!