ASDA currently offers several different recycling routes rather than one universal recycling bin. Depending on the store, you can recycle portable batteries, battery-containing vapes, small electrical items, some larger replaced electricals, coffee pods and selected soft-plastic packaging.
The important phrase is “depending on the store”. Batteries and vapes are accepted across Asda stores, while electrical take-back, coffee-pod returns and soft-plastic collection can depend on store format or participation.
Use the Item to Choose the Recycling Route
- Batteries: use the dedicated battery recycling point.
- Battery-containing vapes: use the separate vape recycling facility.
- Small electricals: take eligible items to the customer service desk.
- An old electrical replaced by a new ASDA purchase: use ASDA’s electrical take-back scheme.
- Coffee pods: use Podback at a participating toYou counter.
- Selected soft plastics: use an eligible large-store plastics collection point.
All ASDA Stores Accept Portable Batteries
ASDA says all of its stores accept used domestic and portable batteries for recycling.
The recycling bins are normally near the customer service desk or checkouts, although their exact position varies from branch to branch.
Typical portable batteries include the small household batteries used in remote controls, toys, clocks and similar products.
ASDA Also Accepts Vapes Containing Batteries
ASDA currently provides recycling for vapes containing batteries.
Vapes should be placed in the appropriate dedicated collection route rather than mixed into ordinary household rubbish or a standard battery container when the store provides separate bins.
The store’s signage or customer service desk can direct you to the correct container.
Small Electrical Items Under 30cm Can Be Taken Back Without a Receipt
ASDA currently says it will accept any small electrical item measuring less than 30cm on its longest edge for recycling, with no receipt required.
The item should be handed to colleagues at the customer service desk.
This can cover many everyday electrical products with a plug, battery, cable or circuit board.
Express Stores Are Excluded From the Main Electrical Take-Back Scheme
ASDA specifically excludes Asda Express from its main in-store electrical recycling arrangement.
If you are taking an old electrical product back, use a standard eligible ASDA supermarket or superstore rather than assuming the nearest Express branch can accept it.
The ASDA store locator can help you identify a larger branch nearby.
Bought a New Electrical From ASDA? The Old Equivalent Can Be Recycled
If you buy a new electrical item from ASDA, the retailer currently offers free recycling for the old electrical it replaces.
You need to bring the old product to an eligible ASDA store within 28 days of the new purchase and show proof of purchase for the replacement item.
This is different from the small-electrical rule, where an item under 30cm can currently be accepted without a receipt.
A Plug, Battery, Cable or Circuit Board Is a Useful Electrical Test
ASDA describes electrical and electronic recycling broadly as covering items with a plug, battery, circuit board or cable.
Electrical waste should not automatically be placed in general rubbish because it can contain valuable recoverable materials as well as substances that need controlled handling.
Coffee Pods Have Their Own Podback Route
ASDA now offers coffee-pod recycling through its partnership with Podback.
The service is available through more than 600 participating ASDA toYou counters.
Customers collect the used aluminium or plastic pods in the appropriate Podback recycling bag, seal the bag and return it to a participating Asda location.
Coffee grounds are then separated for uses including renewable energy and soil improver, while aluminium and plastic can be recycled into new materials.
Not Every Store Has the Same Soft-Plastic Recycling
Some of ASDA’s larger stores have recycling points for flexible plastic packaging that cannot normally go into every household kerbside collection.
George packaging marked with the relevant return-to-store symbol can currently be returned to participating large stores.
ASDA also reports that part of its own-brand packaging is classified as recyclable through large-store collection rather than normal household recycling.
Check the Packaging Label Before Taking Soft Plastic to ASDA
Not every plastic product belongs in a store recycling bin.
Use the recycling instructions printed on the packaging. If the label says “Recycle at large supermarket” or gives an equivalent store-drop-off instruction, an eligible supermarket collection point may be appropriate.
Rigid plastics, bottles and trays may instead belong in your normal local-authority recycling collection.
Clothing Banks and Other External Recycling Facilities Can Vary
Some ASDA sites have external recycling facilities, charity clothing banks or council-operated containers in their car parks.
These are not necessarily operated under one nationwide Asda recycling programme, so availability can differ substantially between branches.
If you are making a special trip with clothing, glass or another bulky recycling category, check the specific store before travelling.
What Should Not Go Into the Wrong Recycling Bin?
- Do not put electricals into an ordinary soft-plastic bin.
- Do not mix loose batteries with household rubbish.
- Do not put vapes into a general waste bin when a dedicated vape route is available.
- Do not return coffee pods loose when Podback requires the correct sealed recycling bag.
- Do not assume every Asda Express has the same facilities as a superstore.
ASDA Recycling FAQs
Can I recycle batteries at ASDA?
Yes. ASDA currently says all stores accept used domestic and portable batteries for recycling.
Can I recycle small electricals at ASDA?
Yes. Eligible non-Express stores currently accept electrical items measuring less than 30cm on their longest edge without requiring a receipt.
Can I recycle coffee pods at ASDA?
Yes, through Podback at more than 600 participating ASDA toYou locations. The pods need to be returned in the appropriate Podback recycling bag.