Nespresso expands recycling program in Alberta

Nespresso Canada has partnered with Aquatera Utilities Inc. to launch its Green Bag recycling solution in Grande Prairie, Alta. 

The municipality will become the first in Alberta to adopt the program, joining 600 municipalities across Canada. 

Customers can place their used aluminum Nespresso capsules in a fully recyclable green bag and then place them beside or on top of their blue bag at the curb. 

In addition to curbside collection, a drop-off point will also be available in the city. 

Once the bags arrive at the sorting centre, they are sent to a Nespresso recycling partner where the capsules undergo a mechanical process that separates the coffee grounds from the aluminum. The aluminum is recycled, and coffee grounds are transformed into a high-quality compost, used on local farms. 

The full costs of this program are assumed by Nespresso.

"We are excited for the first launch of our innovative recycling solution in Alberta. Since the beginning of 2020, approximately 200 additional municipalities have been able to take advantage of the Green Bag solution, making recycling Nespresso capsules as easy as possible for our customers. This solution is also aligned with the concept of extended producer responsibility while allowing us to reduce the environmental footprint of our operations," said Audrey Rzasa, operations vice president, Nespresso Canada, in a statement.