If you’re a Keurig user, you may have seen news this week that the company is under fire for false recyclability claims. Fear not! We asked Annika, Hive’s head of sustainability and safety, to share her POV on Keurig’s claims, plus what to think about when it comes to choosing a better coffee pod.
Despite being labeled "100% recyclable," Keurig’s K-Cup pods are anything but. The plastic pods aren’t accepted by the country’s largest recycling companies, leading the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to fine Keurig $1.5 million for misleading claims. By attempting to recycle the K-Cups, consumers are unknowingly “wish cycling” which leads to contamination and inefficiencies at recycling centers. While (as far as we’ve found) there are not any coffee pod options that are widely recyclable, the good news is that you can readily find compostable options. You can find compostable options vetted by Hive here.
How do compostable coffee pods work?
Unlike Keurig's #5 plastic pods, compostable pods are made from bio-based materials such as compressed corn starch and bio-resins for all components, from the lid to the ring and mesh filter. Many compostable pods are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) for compostability in industrial environments. BPI certification is the leading third-party verification in North America for products that meet ASTM standards for compostability, ensuring they do not contribute to landfill waste or plastic pollution. Some pods (like Tayst’s espresso capsules for Nespresso machines) are certified under the OK Compost Home program, meaning they are suitable for composting in home composting systems as well, making it an ideal choice for those without access to industrial composting facilities.
Understanding BPI Certification and OK Compost Certifications
- BPI Certification: The BPI Certification Mark indicates that a product has been tested and verified for compostability in a commercial composting environment. Products certified by BPI meet ASTM standards, ensuring they will break down into nutrient-rich compost without leaving toxic residues, such as heavy metals or PFAS, behind. However, BPI certification is strictly for commercial compostability and does not guarantee that a product will decompose in a home compost pile.
- OK Compost Home and OK Compost Industrial Certifications: The OK Compost Home certification indicates that a product can decompose in a typical home composting environment at lower temperatures. This certification assures consumers that a product will biodegrade in their backyard compost heap without the need for the higher temperatures required in industrial composting facilities. On the other hand, OK Compost Industrial certification applies to products that require the controlled conditions of an industrial composting facility, where temperatures range between 55 to 60°C.
Search for a composter near you at FindAComposter.com.
More Benefits of Switching to Plastic-Free Pods
Compostable coffee pods are not only better for the environment, they are also free from the risks that come with plastic packaging. Unlike traditional plastic coffee pods, which may leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, plant-based pods are free from petroleum-based plastics and toxic additives. By choosing compostable coffee pods, consumers can actively reduce their household waste and support safer, more sustainable coffee consumption.
Final Recommendation
We don’t believe it’s safe to assume a Keurig K-Cup is able to be recycled, and may actually be doing more harm than good at your local recycling center. We recommend compostable coffee pods as a transparent and genuinely sustainable alternative for coffee lovers. Look for options like Tayst that are backed up by the stringent standards of BPI and OK Compost certifications.