Reader: Dear GPB, are my Keurig coffee pods recyclable? I got the Keurig as a wedding gift a few years ago and am starting to wonder about the convenience.

Sincerely, Questioning my Coffee Addiction

Where can you recycle Keurig Coffee Pods

Dear Questioning: Ahh, Keurig. A convenience that brought us single-serve, weak coffee. Co-founder John Sylvan came out saying that he even feels bad he created these mini caffeine monsters.  The plastic resin type is probably OK, but then there

In theory, the plastic pod resin is probably OK for Philadelphia’s single-stream recycling. However, you’d have to empty the coffee grounds (hopefully into a compost bin) and foil cover. And then your efforts would likely be for nothing: the pods are so small in size, that they’d likely fall through the screens at the MRFs (the short term for the recycling/ Materials Recovery Center).

Also, plastic chemicals like BPA can seep into food when it’s heated. I don’t know about you, but I like my coffee with almond milk – not traces of any plastic chemicals. I’d prefer not to risk it in my morning java.

Sorry if I burst your coffee bubble, but don’t fret! You can still be redeemed.

A French press coffee maker from Bodine will cost you $30-40 and can make single-serve coffee in 10 minutes. (You just need to heat up the water in a tea kettle and let the water + ground coffee absorb for 5 minutes.) Plus, the quality is far superior.

Readers, how did you cut single-serve coffee pods from your life? Any advice?

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher