Recycle

Where Can I Recycle Keurig Coffee Pods?

Reader: Dear GPB, are my Keurig coffee pods recyclable? I got the Keurig as a wedding gift a few years ago and am starting to wonder about the convenience.

Sincerely, Questioning my Coffee Addiction

Where can you recycle Keurig Coffee Pods

Dear Questioning: Ahh, Keurig. A convenience that brought us single-serve, weak coffee. Co-founder John Sylvan came out saying that he even feels bad he created these mini caffeine monsters.  The plastic resin type is probably OK, but then there

In theory, the plastic pod resin is probably OK for Philadelphia’s single-stream recycling. However, you’d have to empty the coffee grounds (hopefully into a compost bin) and foil cover. And then your efforts would likely be for nothing: the pods are so small in size, that they’d likely fall through the screens at the MRFs (the short term for the recycling/ Materials Recovery Center).

Also, plastic chemicals like BPA can seep into food when it’s heated. I don’t know about you, but I like my coffee with almond milk – not traces of any plastic chemicals. I’d prefer not to risk it in my morning java.

Sorry if I burst your coffee bubble, but don’t fret! You can still be redeemed.

A French press coffee maker from Bodine will cost you $30-40 and can make single-serve coffee in 10 minutes. (You just need to heat up the water in a tea kettle and let the water + ground coffee absorb for 5 minutes.) Plus, the quality is far superior.

Readers, how did you cut single-serve coffee pods from your life? Any advice?

 

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Recent Posts

Want to show voters what’s possible? Take them on a boat.

Ahead of Election Day, Camden County water advocates took residents onto the Delaware River to…

2 days ago

We’re hiring a Revenue and Partnerships Lead

Do you care about sustainability, journalism, and making a positive impact? Read more. Green Philly…

2 days ago

Midterm election results, climate preparedness toolkit, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Environmental changemakers celebrated at SustainPHL 2026 Awards. Green…

1 week ago

More than just rain: Understanding South Jersey’s flooding problem

Communities need to prepare to avoid future disasters. This story was originally published by South…

1 week ago

Here are the SustainPHL 2026 Award Recipients

Meet the latest changemakers to take home the awards At a time when sustainability is…

2 weeks ago

Vigil for Academy, Indigenous garden restoration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Activists hold march and vigil for Academy of…

2 weeks ago