Nespresso expands green bag coffee capsule recycling scheme across Quebec

Nespresso’s green bag recycling programme is now available across all Quebec municipalities equipped with a sorting centre and a formal agreement with Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ). This expansion positions Quebec as the second Canadian province to fully adopt the initiative, reflecting broader industry moves towards circular economy practices.

The development follows recent changes in the province’s waste management landscape, including the modernisation of selective collection systems and the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) measures introduced in early 2025.

Through the partnership with ÉEQ, residents in participating areas can recycle their used Nespresso capsules by placing them in a dedicated green bag and depositing it into their household recycling bin. The bags, available at no cost with online purchases, in Nespresso boutiques, and via the Nespresso Club, are designed to simplify the recycling process. Made from aluminium, the capsules are fully recyclable, while the coffee grounds they contain are utilised in Quebec’s biomethanisation processes.

Nespresso, which holds B Corp certification, has been active in promoting recycling solutions that support greater product lifecycle accountability. The company reports that the green bag scheme is currently operational in 1,563 communities across Canada, with partial coverage in provinces such as Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and full coverage in Prince Edward Island.

Carlos Oyanguren, President of Nespresso Canada, said: 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. For over a decade, Nespresso has been playing a key role in reducing waste in the country by implementing innovative recycling solutions. Combining quality and sustainability has always been at the heart of our DNA.

The milestone in Quebec marks a significant progression in Nespresso’s wider efforts to expand the recycling initiative nationwide.