How to Reuse Coffee Grounds and Reduce Waste

Simple, sustainable ways to give your grounds a second life.

Every morning, millions of us brew our favourite cup of coffee and then toss the used grounds straight into the bin. But what if those soggy leftovers could do more?

Coffee grounds may seem like waste, but they’re packed with potential. From deodorising your fridge to enriching your garden soil or even upgrading your skincare routine, used grounds are a surprisingly useful resource.

In this article, we’ll explore practical, low-effort ways to reuse coffee grounds and reduce waste in your home. Whether you’re new to zero-waste living or just looking for easy sustainability wins, this list offers something for every kind of coffee drinker.

In this Article

Why Reusing Coffee Grounds Matters

Used coffee grounds might seem insignificant, but on a global scale, they add up fast. With billions of cups brewed daily, coffee waste is a growing environmental issue that’s easy to overlook.

Here’s why it matters:

The Environmental Cost of Coffee Waste

When coffee grounds are tossed in the trash, they typically end up in landfills, where they break down anaerobically (without oxygen). This process produces methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide.

And it’s not just the grounds, think of all the paper filters, plastic pods, and single-use cups that accompany them. Small as they seem, these daily habits contribute to a much larger waste footprint.

A Simple Way to Practice Sustainability

The good news? Reusing coffee grounds is an easy, low-effort way to reduce that footprint.

Unlike recycling systems that require infrastructure or special programs, this habit starts at home. Whether you repurpose grounds for cleaning, gardening, or skincare, you’re preventing waste and giving your coffee a second purpose.

It’s a practical example of circular living by keeping materials in use and out of the trash.

Creative Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds at Home

You don’t need to be a DIY expert or live off-grid to get more life out of your used coffee grounds. These simple ideas can help you cut down on waste while making use of what you already have.

1. Natural Deodoriser

Used coffee grounds naturally absorb odours. Place dried grounds in a small, breathable container, like a jar with holes in the lid or a mesh sachet and use them to:

Neutralise smells in your fridge or freezer
Freshen up musty drawers or closets
Deodorise gym bags or shoes

2. Gentle Scrub for Pots and Pans

The gritty texture of coffee grounds makes them a gentle abrasive, which is perfect for scrubbing tough spots without scratching surfaces.

Mix with a bit of dish soap to clean greasy pans, stovetops, or grills.
Avoid using on porous or easily stained surfaces, like light-coloured grout.

3. Homemade Fire Starters

Dried grounds mixed with wax make great eco-friendly fire starters.

Mix with old candle wax and pour into paper egg cartons.
Let them harden, then break apart and use for campfires, fireplaces, or backyard fire pits.

4. DIY Coffee-Scented Candles

If you enjoy the smell of coffee, you can stir dried grounds into homemade soy or beeswax candles for a warm, earthy aroma and natural texture.

Garden & Outdoor Uses

Coffee grounds aren’t just good inside the house. They can do real work outside too. Rich in nitrogen and naturally gritty, they’re perfect for gardens, compost bins, and pest control, when used correctly.

1. Natural Fertilizer (With Caution)

Used coffee grounds contain small amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, all nutrients that plants love. But:

Don’t dump grounds directly on soil in large amounts as they can compact and block air/water flow.
Do mix with compost or scatter thinly around the base of plants and water in.

Best for: Acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, azaleas, and blueberries.

2. Pest Deterrent

Many gardeners swear by coffee grounds as a natural barrier:

Sprinkle a ring around garden beds or plant pots to help repel slugs, ants, and snails.
The texture and caffeine act as a mild deterrent.

Note: It’s not a guaranteed pest solution but can be part of a no-chemical defence strategy.

3. Compost Booster

Coffee grounds are considered a “green” material in composting as they are high in nitrogen. Add them along with food scraps, but balance them with enough “browns” like dry leaves, paper, or cardboard.

Tip: Used paper coffee filters can go in the compost too!

Skincare & Beauty DIYs

Used coffee grounds aren’t just for cleaning and composting, they’re full of antioxidants, natural oils, and gentle exfoliants that make them surprisingly effective in beauty routines. Here’s why they work:

Exfoliating Body Scrub: The gritty texture helps remove dead skin and promote smoother, softer skin.
Face Mask Add-In: Naturally rich in antioxidants, coffee grounds may help brighten and protect skin from environmental stress.
Cellulite Scrub: Caffeine may temporarily tighten and firm the skin, improving texture and tone.
Scalp Cleanser: Helps remove product build-up and exfoliates the scalp, which may support healthier hair growth.
Hand Scrub for Gardeners or Cooks: Neutralises strong odours, like garlic or onions and removes ground-in dirt naturally.

Coffee Waste Tips: How to Store and Use Safely

Reusing coffee grounds is simple, but to avoid unwanted mold or odours, it helps to follow a few key storage practices:

Let Them Dry First: Wet coffee grounds can grow mold quickly. After brewing, spread them out on a tray or paper towel and let them air-dry for a day before storing or reusing.
Store in Airtight Containers: Once dry, keep grounds in a sealed glass jar, tin, or compostable bag. This keeps moisture and pests out, especially if you’re storing them in bulk.
Freeze for Later Use: If you’re collecting grounds over time, especially for scrubs or gardening, freeze them in a sealed container to prevent spoilage.
Don’t Use Moldy Grounds: If they smell sour or show signs of white fuzz, compost them instead. Moldy coffee can irritate skin and harm plants.
Use in Moderation: In gardening or composting, too many coffee grounds can throw off balance. Treat them like a supplement, not the main ingredient.

Final Thoughts

Reusing coffee grounds isn’t just a clever hack, it’s a simple, low-effort way to cut down on daily waste. Whether you’re freshening up your fridge, feeding your garden, or adding a sustainable touch to your beauty routine, those used grounds still have value.

By giving your coffee a second life, you’re not only reducing landfill waste, you’re embracing a more resourceful, eco-conscious lifestyle.

Planet Pulse

How to Reuse Coffee Grounds and Reduce Waste