Why compost matters.
We started 4WKS because we love coffee, and we love Nature. We wanted to use something as small as a pod and as beloved as your morning cuppa to draw attention to the throw-away culture that often goes hand-in-hand with convenience. As humans, we waste a lot... but in Nature, nothing is wasted. Organic waste (think banana peels, apple cores, onion skins, even 4WKS pods) is designed to naturally break down into compost AKA pure gold for the soil.
What does ‘compostable’ mean?
Compostable means that a material can break down naturally into nutrient-rich soil under the right conditions – usually in a compost environment with heat, moisture, oxygen, and microorganisms. Basically, it returns to Nature safely and decomposes into natural elements (like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter) without leaving any toxic residue or microplastics behind.
4WKS coffee pods are certified home-compostable, and are 100% plastic- and aluminium-free. The shell is made from a biopolymer (PHA) produced from natural sources that fully biodegrades to carbon dioxide, water, and compost, creating a circular product: from plant to pod to plant again. In an industrial composting environment, they’ll break down in 12WKS. In home compost, they can take up to 24WKS to decompose.
How do I compost 4WKS?
How do I compost them at home!
Hot Tips (At home)
- Add pods directly to a hot, active compost heap or bin – the warmer and more active the compost, the faster they break down.
- Expose the coffee grounds – cutting open pods or drip bags before composting speeds up the process.
- Balance green and brown materials – mix pods with dry leaves, shredded paper, or cardboard (browns) to maintain balance and avoid odors.
- Turn regularly. Aerating the compost ensures oxygen reaches everything, helping it decompose evenly.
- Check moisture levels. Compost should be damp like a wrung-out sponge, not too wet or too dry.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Do cut or tear open pods to expose coffee grounds for faster breakdown.
- Do mix them with other compostable kitchen scraps and garden matter.
- Do maintain a good balance of greens and browns, and keep the compost aerated.
Don’t
- Don’t worry about separating materials – all parts of our pods are safe for compost.
- Don’t leave compost piles too dry or compacted, as this will slow the process.
Take note
- Some parts of the pods and drip bags may take longer to break down than softer food waste, especially in smaller or cooler compost heaps.
- A hot compost system will give the best results. In colder piles, materials may take several months.
- Composting conditions vary by household, results will differ depending on temperature, balance, and maintenance.
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Where can I return 4WKS for composting?
We’re working hard to expand our drop-off network all over SA. For now, #4WKSReturnsToEarth is limited to Cape Town (and those who compost their pods at home, of course!).
Beyond returning your used pods to any of our partner cafés, SA has some excellent food waste collection companies that play a vital role in ensuring our organic waste doesn’t end up in landfill. If you’re interested in having all of your waste composted, check them out:
Johannesburg
Areas they service:
Dainfern
Fourways
Lonehill
Bryanston
Morningside
Waterfall
And everywhere in-between, pop them a message to request the service in your area.
Message them to find out if they service your area.
Areas they service:
Riverclub
Parkmore
Sunninghill
Fairlands
Killarney/Riviera
Parkhurst/Parkview
Parktown
Boskruin
Floracliffe
Randpark Ridge
Linksfield
Lonehill
Sandton
Honeydew/Northriding
Constantia Kloof
Midrand
Fourways
Northcliff
Cresta
Durban
They service a small number of clients in KZN. Send them an email to check if your area fits in with their collection route.
