Nespresso & Dolce Gusto Coffee Capsule
Coffee capsules combining aluminum/plastic shell with moist coffee grounds are non-recyclable as general household plastic/metal waste and must be discarded in general trash bags. However, utilizing free brand collection bags (like Nespresso Recycling Bag) allows 100% resource recycling.
How to Dispose (5 Steps)
- 1
When disposing of whole coffee capsules at home without dismantling, discard them into general trash bags instead of plastic or metal recycling bins.
- 2
If using a capsule opener or scissors to remove the foil seal, scoop out all moist coffee grounds with a spoon.
- 3
Discard extracted coffee grounds into general trash bags (coffee grounds are non-compostable organic waste in most Korean municipalities).
- 4
Rinse and thoroughly dry dismantled aluminum or plastic shells, then separate into aluminum cans or plastic recycling bins.
- 5
Most recommended method: Request a free official recycling bag online, accumulate used capsules, and schedule a free doorstep pickup or drop off at Nespresso boutiques and postal Eco Bins.
Real-World Examples
Whole assembled coffee capsule: Discard in general household trash bag
Dismantled and rinsed capsule shell: Remove grounds and recycle clean aluminum/plastic shell separately
Nespresso Green Recycling Bag: Seal filled bag and request free courier pickup or drop off at boutique/Eco Postbox
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can plastic or aluminum coffee capsules be recycled directly?
A. Separate used coffee grounds into food waste, rinse metal/plastic capsule cups clean, and recycle by material or return to brand recycling programs.
Q. What happens if grounds are left inside capsules?
A. Uncleaned capsules with wet coffee grounds cannot be recycled and must go to general trash.