Composting Coffee Grounds: How to Turn Your Daily Brew into Black Gold

Every morning, millions of people start their day with a fresh cup of coffee. But after that delicious first sip, what happens to the leftover used coffee grounds? Most of the time, they go straight into the trash, adding to the billions of pounds of food waste sent to landfills each year.

At Blended Bean Coffee, we believe that every part of your coffee ritual should be sustainable—and that includes what happens after the brew. Instead of tossing your used coffee grounds, why not compost them? Whether you’re at home or in the office, composting coffee grounds is an easy way to reduce waste, improve soil health, and support a circular approach to sustainability.

Here’s how to do it.

Why Compost Coffee Grounds?

Coffee grounds are a fantastic addition to compost because they’re rich in nitrogen, a key nutrient that helps organic matter break down effectively. Here are just a few reasons why composting coffee grounds is a great idea:

Reduces Landfill Waste

Coffee grounds make up a significant portion of food waste. By composting, you help keep organic material out of landfills, reducing methane emissions that contribute to climate change.

Improves Soil Quality

• Coffee grounds enhance soil structure, helping with water retention and aeration.
• They provide beneficial microorganisms that support plant growth.
• Over time, composting with coffee grounds helps create nutrient-rich soil that’s great for gardens, potted plants, and even office greenery.

Saves Money on Fertilizers

Instead of buying synthetic fertilizers, composted coffee grounds provide free, organic nutrients for your plants.

How to Compost Coffee Grounds at Home

If you’re already composting at home, adding coffee grounds is simple. If you’re new to composting, don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!

Add Coffee Grounds in Moderation

• While coffee grounds are a great nitrogen source, they shouldn’t make up more than 20% of your compost pile. Too much nitrogen can throw off the balance and slow decomposition.
• Mix used coffee grounds with brown materials like dried leaves, paper, cardboard, or sawdust to maintain a healthy carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.

Include Coffee Filters (If They’re Compostable)

Many coffee filters are unbleached and compostable—just tear them up before adding them to your pile.

Keep Your Compost Pile Aerated

Regularly turning your compost ensures oxygen flows properly, preventing bad odors and speeding up decomposition.

Use Compost in Your Garden

Once your compost is ready (usually in a few months to a year), mix it into garden beds, potted plants, or even as a top dressing for your lawn.

How to Compost Coffee Grounds at Work

Composting in the office might seem challenging, but it’s absolutely possible with a little coordination. Here’s how to make it happen:

Set Up a Coffee Grounds Collection System

• Place a small compost bin or sealed container near the office coffee station for easy collection.
• Label it clearly: “Used Coffee Grounds Only” to avoid contamination.
• Consider including compostable coffee filters to minimize extra waste.

Find a Composting Solution That Works for Your Office

Depending on your workspace, you have a few options:

• Office Garden Compost: If your company has an outdoor space, composting coffee grounds can help maintain office plants or a community garden.
• Local Composting Programs: Some cities offer food scrap collection services that accept coffee grounds. Check if your workplace can participate!
• Employee Take-Home Program: Encourage employees to bring home collected coffee grounds for personal composting.

Educate and Encourage Participation

• Share a quick guide on how employees can compost at home.
• Highlight the environmental benefits of composting coffee grounds.
• If your workplace uses a lot of single-use coffee pods, consider switching to a more sustainable coffee brewing method, like a French press or pour-over.

Learn about more ways to sustainably drink coffee at work

Other Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds

If composting isn’t an option, coffee grounds still have plenty of alternative uses. Here are a few creative ways to put them to good use:

Natural Fertilizer

Sprinkle coffee grounds directly into soil as a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants like tomatoes, roses, and blueberries.

Pest Repellent

Coffee grounds deter ants, slugs, and snails when sprinkled around plants or doorways.

Odor Neutralizer

Keep a bowl of dried coffee grounds in your fridge, trash can, or car to absorb unwanted odors.

Cleaning Scrub

The rough texture makes coffee grounds a natural scrub for pots, pans, and even hands after working with strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions.

DIY Skincare

Coffee grounds are a great exfoliant for homemade face and body scrubs. Mix with coconut oil for an all-natural skin treatment.

Final Thoughts: Small Habit, Big Impact

At Blended Bean Coffee, we know that small sustainable actions—like composting coffee grounds—can make a big difference. Whether you start composting at home, set up a system at work, or simply use coffee grounds for gardening, you’re reducing waste and giving back to the planet.

So next time you finish a cup of coffee, don’t toss those grounds. Compost them, repurpose them, and let your daily brew do more than just wake you up—it can help grow something new.