Nespresso Expands Green Bag Capsule Recycling Program Across Quebec
Photo Credit: Nestlé Nespresso/CNW Group
Nespresso Canada has officially expanded its green bag recycling program across all municipalities in Quebec that are equipped with sorting centers and have signed agreements with Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ). According to a press release, the province becomes the second in Canada to implement the program on a full scale, following the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations earlier this year.
The program enables residents to recycle used Nespresso aluminum coffee capsules by placing them in a specially designed green bag and depositing them into their regular household recycling bin, as reported. The green bags are distributed free of charge with every online purchase, in-store transaction, or through the Nespresso Club.
According to the company, the aluminum capsules are fully recyclable and designed to preserve the freshness and quality of Nespresso coffee. The recovered aluminum is repurposed, while the used coffee grounds are directed to Quebec’s biomethanization facilities, contributing to renewable energy generation.
Carlos Oyanguren, President of Nespresso Canada, stated: “The expanded rollout of the green bag program throughout the province has been a Nespresso priority for years. In fact, Quebec was where the green bag program was first launched in 2016. We are proud of the enthusiasm this program has generated among consumers and municipalities, and of being able to make this easy recycling solution available province-wide.”
The program aligns with broader circular economy goals. Maryse Vermette, President and CEO of Éco Entreprises Québec, noted: “This recovery and recycling solution, the result of an agreement between Éco Entreprises Québec and Nespresso and made possible with EPR, is part of the circular economy dynamic. Throughout Quebec, we encourage the public to make the right thing when sorting – for containers, packaging, and printed paper – and this now includes Nespresso aluminum coffee capsules.”
Nespresso, certified as a B Corp, has emphasized its role in supporting manufacturers in managing the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle. The green bag program is now available in over 1,560 communities across Canada, including parts of Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and all of Prince Edward Island.
Industry observers see Quebec’s full adoption of the program as a significant milestone in scaling up producer-led recycling initiatives nationwide.
