Best Compostable and Recyclable Coffee Pods for Home

Nothing gets me out of bed in the morning better than the smell of coffee brewing. I’m forever grateful for my single serve machine that helps wake me up with just the thought of that first, hot, sip. I don’t have a coffee brand that I am dedicated to. I like to try new ones often, but there are two things I am picky about. It has to be organic. And it has to be eco-friendly, which is why I search for compostable or recyclable coffee pods to buy for home.

I did the research for you and found the top brands that offer compostable pods. I also highlight a few companies that pride themselves in sustainability and use plastic that you can recycle at your curb. but will explain how all Keurig K-cups are recyclable these days.

I also found two companies that offer coffee that is brewed like tea. I never even knew that existed so excited to share!

What Does Fully Compostable Mean?

According to Steeped Coffee, compostable means that a product is capable of disintegrating into natural elements in a compost environment, leaving no toxicity in the soil. The certification is for commercial/industrial/municipal compostable facilities, which are places where the perfect balance of heat, moisture, and oxygen is created to break down organic and plant-based materials.

Note, home composting is not a certification these companies can achieve that this time.

Compostable Coffee Pods

Cameron’s Coffee

100% compostable EcoPods are made with plant-based materials, consisting of a compostable mesh filter, a compostable ring, and a compostable paper lid.

Tayst

100% compostable pods that uses a lid made with a combination of paper & other 100% compostable materials, compostable inks to make it fancy. Plus their revolutionary ring has no plastic. It’s made from a blend of bioresins from renewable sources and coffee chaff (bean skins). The coffee is held in a bio-based mesh. 

San Francisco Bay Coffee

OneCUP pods are BPI® certified compostable. Their pods are made entirely of cellulose (paper/fiber/tree materials) and plant-based resources such as canola seeds, cornstarch, cassava, sugar cane, beets, etc.

Organic Coffee Co is their organic line using the same OneCUP pods.

Glorybrew

Their 100% compostable pods are made with a compostable lid and ink system. A unique brown outer ring made completely from bio-based materials that also breaks down. The compostable mesh filter is made using renewable bio-based materials.

Beaniac

PURPOD100, their BPI Certified pod technology, has been designed to completely break down. The ring, lid, filter, and brewed coffee grounds will turn into nutrients for the soil.

Steeped Coffee

Brew just like a tea bag. No machine is needed and it tastes just as good!

Steeped bags are made using a renewable, plant-based, non-GMO, certified commercially compostable material, which includes the filter, string, and tab.

Steeped Pack packaging is made using compostable and renewable materials.

Recyclable Coffee Pods

Here are a few brands with an eco-conscious mind.

Marley Coffee

EcoCups have less lidding material and recyclable cups and filters.

Fresh Roasted Coffee

Coffee pods are recyclable as is the internal and external packaging. The filters are compostable.

Purity

Pods are recyclable BPA-free plastic.

Sachets (like brewing tea) are biodegradable and made from plant-based material.

Ekocups

Their patented recyclable capsules are made with recyclable materials.

Are Keurig K-Cups Recyclable?

Yes! In recent years all Keurig K-Cups are produced to be 100% recyclable. They are made with polypropylene (#5 plastic) because it is widely accepted for curbside recycling. They have also been rolling out easy-peel lids so that we can dispose of the foil top first and not worry about it being difficult to come off, like in the old days.

More Ways to be an Eco-Friendly Coffee Drinker

1. Use your own reusable coffee pod. Pack these stainless steel or plastic K-cups with your coffee grounds each morning. Rinse and reuse again.
2. Bring your own coffee cup and coffee sleeve when you buy your coffee out.
3. Remember to compost your coffee grounds.

Coffee pods have come a long way. I remember when they first came out eco-friendly individuals yelled no don’t use! They are bad for the environment! But today many companies put sustainability first and have developed new ways for us to buy compostable and recyclable coffee pods for home.

See my article on the secret benefits of cinnamon coffee. Adding cinnamon is a great booster!

What is your favorite coffee to drink?

Amazon links are affiliate. Steeped Coffee sent me the product free for review.