A TEIGNBRIDGE Co-op store is one of 30 in the south west to offer a service to recycle coffee pods.

The shop at Trago Mills, Newton Abbot, will feature a special recycling unit as part of a trial to make it easier for customers and Co-op members to recycle their used pods.

Co-op has become the first UK convenience retailer to partner with Podback, the nationwide coffee pod recycling service.

The six-month trial will see dedicated Podback-branded recycling units installed in 30 Co-op stores across southwest England.

Recycling bags are available from Podback’s website or through participating coffee brands.

Customers simply fill their bags with used pods and drop them off in-store at the designated recycling points, which Podback will collect for recycling.

The scheme accepts both plastic and aluminium pods from Podback’s 30 member brands.

All the pods are recycled in the UK and coffee grounds will be transformed into renewable energy and soil improver while recovered aluminium and plastic are used in the manufacture of products such as drink cans, building materials, and garden furniture.

Co-op is the latest retail partner to join Podback’s growing drop-off network this year.

Scott McHarg, Head of Co-op and Property Sustainability, said: ‘Recycling is a topic that our member-owners are extremely passionate about and this new trial is another way we can make it easier for our customers to do the right thing for the planet when shopping in our stores.’

Rick Hindley, executive director of Podback, said: ‘Our mission is to give lovers of pod coffee simple and convenient ways to recycle.’