by Cathleene Filmore

Created on: August 23, 2010   Last Updated: August 24, 2010

Coffee grounds are among the simplest of household waste to recycle at home.  Coffee grounds decompose very quickly and have many helpful uses when properly integrated back into the environment.  Coffee grounds can be recycled in everything from gardens to spa treatments.  Continue reading and find out just how easy it is to recycle your used coffee grounds. 

Garden Compost 

Sprinkle coffee grounds in your garden as fertilizer or integrate them into your yard for quick composting.  If you live in an apartment you may try purchasing a handy counter top composter to make easy counter top compost that you can through over the flowers downstairs or donate to a local garden club. 

Spa Treatments 

Coffee grounds can be integrated into excellent at home spa treatments.  Rub used coffee grounds on your thighs for a great at home cellulite treatment or pat leftover coffee grounds under eyes to remove dark circles and puffiness. 

Reuse in Recipes 

You can reuse coffee grounds to make tiramisu or reuse brew coffee grounds and add ice and whipped topping for a light afternoon mocha.  You can even grind them up into a milkshake for a great afternoon iced mocha!  There are several gourmet ice cream and gelato chains that blend coffee grounds into their coffee ice cream flavors. 

Coffee Milkshake Mocha 

2   cups vanilla ice cream

1   teaspoon vanilla

½  cup whole milk

¼  cup chilled coffee

1   tablespoon coffee grounds

Blend and enjoy! 

Dye crafts

Coffee grounds can be used to make fantastic dyes and crafts.  Dye and dry coffee filters to make beautiful paper dolls and angels; “tea stain” white napkins to make them look antique.  Why not ‘tie dye’ t-shirts and skirts using coffee grounds and sell them as a fundraiser for the environment. 

Clean and Deodorize 

Used coffee grounds are great for cleaning and deodorizing around the house.  Used coffee grounds can be used to polish wood furniture.  It hides scratches and the natural oils will work like polish.  Used coffee grounds are also slightly abrasive so they work great to clean pots and pans.  Used coffee grounds can be placed in an open container in the freezer or refrigerator to eliminate odors. 

Sources 

http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/coffeefiltersa rtscraftstideaskidsprojects.html 

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/006475.html 

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