Home Composting:
How to dispose of our paper-based capsules

As a coffee enthusiast, you can now choose between two eco-conscious solutions at Nespresso: recyclable aluminum capsules or the new home-compostable paper-based capsules*. The paper-based capsules are made almost entirely of organic material and feature an innovative biodegradable protective layer. This layer preserves the exquisite aroma and freshness of the coffee until it is brewed in your cup. Regardless of your choice, the quality of our coffee remains the same. But how does the disposal or home composting of the paper-based capsule work?

Table of Content

1. Composting or Recycling: The Choice is Yours!
2. What is a Home Composter, and Why is it Useful?
3. Step-by-Step Guide for Home Composting
4. Tips and Tricks – How to Succeed with Composting at Home
5. The Different Methods of Composting
6. The New Paper-Based Collection
7. Conclusion: Recycling or Composting
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Paper-Based Capsules

Composting or Recycling: The Choice is Yours!

Do you have a home composter? If so, simply place your used paper-based capsules inside. In Germany, these capsules can be home-composted along with garden and kitchen waste. Disposal via the organic or paper bin is currently not possible in Germany. The capsules are certified by TÜV Austria as “OK compost HOME.” Composting is an easy way to turn your food scraps and garden waste into something useful for your garden.

What is a home composter, and why is it useful?

Home composting or garden composting refers to composting at home. It is a natural process in which micro- and macroorganisms transform kitchen and garden waste into compost. Compost is valuable soil that acts as fertilizer, providing plants with essential nutrients to promote their growth. Adding compost improves soil structure, increases water retention ability, and enhances soil aeration.

Our paper-based capsules are designed to be composted along with your organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags, or coffee. This way, you can not only dispose of your paper-based Nespresso capsules but also reduce your household waste. Recycling waste reduces environmental impact and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers.

Tips and Tricks – How to Succeed with Composting at Home

For successful home composting, it is essential to use a mix of garden and kitchen waste. However, not all biodegradable materials are equally suitable for composting. Onion skins, citrus peels, eggshells, and stale bread should be added sparingly. Meat or fish scraps, dairy products, fat, oil, or pet waste should not be composted under any circumstances.

Compost requires air and moisture. Ensure that the holes in the compost bin are not blocked before adding materials. This supports ventilation and drainage.

At least three times a year, the compost should be turned, rotated, or aerated to allow air to circulate through the pile. Cover it to protect it from rain. To support and accelerate the composting process, occasionally shift the material to bring inner layers to the surface.

After approximately six months, check the mass. If it has become brown and crumbly and starts to smell sweet, the nutrient-rich material is ready for your plants. Keep in mind that composting varies depending on climatic conditions and takes longer at cooler temperatures.

The Different Methods of Composting

Outdoor Compost Bin: Outdoor compost bins are convenient if you have limited space for composting. They are usually made of plastic; the lid and container help retain warmth and moisture, speeding up decomposition.

Outdoor Compost Heap: Ideal for households with large gardens containing trees, shrubs, or a vegetable patch. A compost heap can be created in a shaded corner of the garden without the need for additional equipment.

Worm Composting: Perfect for small-scale composting of household organic waste indoors or on a balcony. It’s a simple and compact way to recycle waste while producing high-quality compost and liquid fertilizer.

In principle, all composting variations are suitable for composting the paper-based capsule. More important than the type of compost are the conditions mentioned in the previous section.

The New Paper-Based Collection

Discover the latest Nespresso innovation and experience unforgettable flavor and exceptional coffee quality with our paper-based capsules in four unique varieties, inspired by the coffee culture of Italy. They were specifically created for our paper-based capsules so you can always rely on the proven coffee quality.

All coffees in the Paper-Based Collection are compatible with Nespresso ORIGINAL machines. This way, Nespresso stays true to its mission of offering coffee lovers the best coffee and cutting-edge technology, providing even more choices for the perfect coffee experience at home.

Ispirazione Aosta – A mild, balanced espresso with fine pastry notes and aromas of nuts and sweet grains, inspired by the flavors of the alpine Aosta Valley.

Ispirazione Sicilia – A bold espresso/ristretto with notes of dark chocolate and grains, inspired by the robust coffee culture of Sicily.

Ispirazione Palermo – An intense and characterful ristretto made of 80% Robusta and 20% Arabica, capturing spiciness, woody notes, and cocoa accents, leaving a long-lasting taste.

Decaffeinato – A dark roasted, decaffeinated espresso

Conclusion: Recycling or Composting

With the Paper-Based Collection, you have an additional option to enjoy responsibly sourced premium coffee in unmistakable Nespresso flavor quality. Choose between recycling aluminum capsules and composting our paper-based capsules. Both options allow you to actively contribute to waste reduction and act more environmentally friendly. With a home composter, you can also promote healthy plant growth and support more sustainable gardening.

No matter which option you choose, the quality of our coffees remains the same. This is the result of 30 years of innovation, expertise, and experience in crafting high-quality coffee. Discover our new paper-based capsules and see for yourself.

*Our paper-based capsules are certified as home-compostable and contain 82% paper. DISPOSAL: Dispose of the capsule in a home composter after use, if available, otherwise in general waste. Do not dispose of it in the paper or organic bin. Dispose of the bag in the yellow bin or yellow sack.