Nespresso expands curbside aluminum coffee pod recycling program to Grand Prairie, Alberta
Nespresso Canada has launched its Green Bag recycling solution in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Nespresso Club members residing in the City of Grande Prairie will now have access to this recycling solution through a partnership with Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Contributing to the sustainable development targets of Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie represents the first municipality in Alberta to adopt the Green Bag solution. Over 600 municipalities across Canada participate in the Green Bag program. This is a simple and effective collection solution to recycle Nespresso aluminum capsules and help municipalities meet their sustainability targets.
"We are excited for the first launch of our 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," says Audrey Rzasa, operations vice-president at Nespresso Canada.
The Green Bag solution allows citizens of Grande Prairie to place their used aluminum Nespresso capsules in a fully recyclable green bag and then place them beside or on top 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 are sent to the sorting centre, they are then sent to a Nespresso recycling partner where capsules undergo a mechanical process that separates the coffee grounds from the aluminum. The aluminum is recycled, and coffee grounds are transformed into compost, used on local farms. This is all without incurring additional costs to consumers or municipalities since the full costs of this program are assumed by Nespresso.
Jackie Clayton, Mayor of the City of Grande Prairie, says that Grand Prairie immediately wanted to be part of the Green Bag program.
"Nespresso's commitment to extended producer responsibility (EPR) showcases the importance of industry led change. I applaud both the City of Grande Prairie and Nespresso for this innovative and sustainable program," says Whitney Issik, Minister of Environment and Parks.
Nespresso Club members throughout Alberta are also able to recycle their used coffee pods with other recycling programs offered by Nespresso. Depending on their location, they can return the black recycling bag to boutiques and participating retail partners and the red prepaid-postage recycling bag through Canada Post.
