TerraCycle, Keurig team up for coffee pod recycling pilot

OfficeMax Grand & Toy has teamed with TerraCycle for a coffee pod recycling pilot project in southern Ontario.

The
pilot project focuses on Keurig’s K-Cup Packs, small plastic pods
filled with ground coffee that enable the convenience of making one
quick cup of coffee.

Until now, the coffee pods have not been recyclable through retailers
in Canada, but if the pilot program is successful it is expected to
roll out nationally. 

“We launched this program based on the stakeholder feedback that we
received from our associates, suppliers and customers who have
identified waste and recycling as our most important sustainability
issue,” said Serguei Tchertok, sustainability manager for OfficeMax
Grand & Toy.

The coffee pod recycling system will come in three different sizes:
small, medium and large. The cost of the boxes will be $52.99, $96.99,
and $136.99, respectively. The price of the box includes the cost of
recycling via TerraCycle and the prepaid shipping label. When the box is
full, customers can ship the box directly to TerraCycle for
processing. 

“TerraCycle is thrilled that OfficeMax Grand & Toy has partnered
to launch Canada’s first K-Cup Packs retailer recycling program,” said
Nina Purewal general manager of TerraCycle Canada. Their leadership in
helping us eliminate waste speaks to their commitment to
sustainability. We are excited to be able to offer a recycling solution
to this waste steam to consumers.”