illy has partnered with TerraCycle® to provide an innovative solution to coffee capsule waste. By collecting your capsules after use and shipping them to TerraCycle, you’ll be diverting waste from landfills. Participation in the program is voluntary, and at no cost to illy a casaSM members
HOW TO RECYCLE YOUR IPERESPRESSO CAPSULES
STEP 1
STEP 1
Receive a Recycling Kit free when you sign up for any iperEspresso capsules subscription or you can purchase one on our site.
STEP 2
STEP 2
Collect used iperEspresso capsules in your recycling bag. The bag can hold approximately 80 used capsules. Capsule tins are recyclable through your local municipal recycling program.
STEP 3
STEP 3
Affix the pre-paid UPS shipping label, included in your kit, to the recycling bag. Then seal and schedule a free pick up at www.ups.com or drop-off at the nearest UPS location to you!
What is the iperEspresso Capsule Recycle Program?
What are iperEspresso capsules made of?
Each capsule is made from #5 polypropylene recyclable plastic.
If the plastic is recyclable, why can’t I recycle them with other plastic containers?
While the #5 polypropylene plastic is recyclable, the capsule and the coffee must first be separated and cleaned. In addition, there are no federal mandates in North America for the collection of this or any type of plastic within the municipal waste stream – each municipality has their own set of rules. Therefore we cannot guarantee that the plastic will be reclaimed and recycled if it is added to the municipal waste stream.
What are the environmental benefits?
Our process diverts plastic from landfills, enabling capsules made of #5 polypropylene recyclable plastic to be used to make beneficial products such as park benches, composite lumber and paver stones, while the coffee inside will be composted and added to garden soil. All collection bags used in the program will also be recycled. illy continues to research ways to reduce the amount of plastic used in its current capsules, and to find alternative materials to use in the future.
How do I mail back my capsules for recycling?
Follow these three 3 easy steps to recycle your capsules:
STEP 1: Affix the pre-paid shipping label (provided by illy) on the center of an empty collection bag.
STEP 2: Collect used capsules and place them in the enclosed collection bag. Please send at least 80 capsules per bag (four cans = 84 capsules). Then seal the top of the bag.
NOTE: Please only include individual capsules in the collection bag. The capsule tins are recyclable through your local municipal recycling program.
STEP 3: Ship full collection bags for recycling to Terracycle via UPS. Call UPS at 1-800-742- 5877, toll-free or visit www.ups.com for a complete list of drop-off locations near your home or work.
Do I have to prepare my capsules in any way before placing them in the collection bag?
No, but we do recommend that capsules be stored in a cool, dry place. Please collect a minimum of 80 capsules (equivalent to 4 cans or more) before shipping them to TerraCycle.
How many capsules fit in the recycling bag?
Approximately 80 capsules fit in the bag.
What is illy’s Sustainability Philosophy?
illy is the coffee industry leader in responsible production, pioneering protocols like large-scale, direct purchases from coffee farmers at a guaranteed profit. Over the past 20+ years, our supply chain system has helped transform coffee growing regions around the world, environmentally, socially and economically, raising farmers’ incomes and turning coffee into an opportunity for a better life for the farmers and their families.
Our two-plus decade commitment was recognized in 2011 with a Responsible Supply Chain Process certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), one of the world’s leading certification organizations. illy was awarded DNV’s first-ever certification of a company’s entire supply chain, recognizing that true sustainability must create value for all stakeholders. illy pays all costs associated with this certification, not the farmers – in contrast to many other certification systems, where farmers must invest to become certified and maintain certification. For more information, visit our Sustainability Page
Who do I contact should I have additional questions?
Please call Customer Care at 1-877-469-4559, or email customer.service@illy.com
