by Judith Willson

Created on: August 17, 2010   Last Updated: October 11, 2010

Like other organic kitchen waste, used coffee grounds can be composted, which is the easiest way to recycle them and reduce the amount of trash going to landfill.  Simply add to your own compost heap or put in an organic-waste recycling bin.  Coffee grounds can, however, also be very useful for a range of other things and it might be worth saving some.

In the garden

Coffee grounds are mildly acidic and can be used to lower the ph of your soil.  If you grow or plan to grow acid loving plants then coffee grounds will make them thrive.  There are also some plants whose flowers change colour according to whether the soil is acid or alkaline and adjusting the ph in places provides a completely different effect.  Since coffee grounds are packed with nutrients they work as a fertiliser at the same time.

Coffee grounds are also thoroughly disliked by a range of annoying pests and can be used as a deterrent.  A fence of coffee grounds around your vegetable patch will put off slugs and unlike similar remedies, such as crushed eggshells, they blend inconspicuously into the soil.

In the home

Coffee grounds make a gentle, dark brown wood stain and are great for freshening up old furniture.  They can also be used like baking soda to absorb stale odours and to scrub surfaces.

In the bathroom 

Here you can utilise the roughness of coffee grounds to make cheap yet effective pampering products.  Mix the grinds with a light moisturiser such as baby lotion and rub gently over your face to exfoliate.  The slight smell of coffee is pleasant and this exfoliator works as well as an expensive store bought one.

For crafts

Dried coffee grounds can be used in various craft projects.  They are a good stuffing material for things like small sewn animals, pin cushions, dolls, and draught excluders.  Dry them in the sun first, and make sure there is no dampness left to prevent mould.

Coffee grounds can be extreme useful and if you need more than you produce then simply ask friends or neighbours to save some for you.  If you end up using a lot, perhaps because you are an enthusiastic gardener, then ask for them from coffee shops or collect at work. 

Resources - More uses for coffee grounds can be found on these sites

 http://www.sustainableenterprises.com/Business/coffe efert.htm

http://grandmastories.net/2010/04/recycling-coffee-2 5-ways-to-recycle-coffee-grounds.html

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