Most consumers are unaware that coffee capsules should not go into their yellow recycling container, as they still contain organic material inside. Instead, they must be recycled at specific drop off points intended for that purpose.

According to a 2019 study, only 10% of capsules available on the market were recycled. Without recycling, these discarded capsules cause serious environmental problems.

The new regulations establish that single-use coffee capsules, infusions, broths and other matter used in coffee makers must be made with compostable.