Zero Waste Coffee

Repurposing spent coffee grounds for gardening, cleaning & skincare  

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and in this case, it's spent coffee grounds.  

Normally, coffee grounds are something we dispose of regularly, but did you know they can be repurposed for gardening, cleaning and even skincare? 

For the coffee loving green thumbs 

If you’re a green thumb and/or own a compost bin, you have scored big with the many benefits spent coffee grounds can provide in your home garden.  

 
Fertiliser and mulch 

After you make your morning coffee, don’t throw out the coffee grounds! Because the grounds are nitrogen-rich they make for an awesome fertiliser.  

Before using them in the garden, let the coffee grounds dry out so it doesn’t clump together. You then want to sprinkle a light layer directly over the soil around your plants. Too much can inhibit water absorption so ensure it is evenly dispersed.  

Alternatively, you can add the grounds into your compost bin. Mixed with carbon materials and other organic matter, coffee grounds make for a great mulch, particularly for plants that thrive in acidic soil like blueberries, roses, tomatoes and more.  

Natural pest repellent  

The cherry on top – spent coffee grounds also works as a chemical-free pesticide. Because of its texture and strong odour, the grounds can act as a natural pest repellent, deterring ants, slugs and snails. 

Keeping it clean with coffee 

Thanks to coffee grounds natural degreasing and scrubbing powers. Your kitchen is in for a treat. 

Scrubbing 

With its course texture, coffee grounds have an abrasive quality perfect for tackling dirt and grime. To clean your pots and pans, just fill them about a third of the way with warm soapy water and add a tablespoon of coffee grounds. Grab a non-abrasive sponge and gently scrub away any build up with the soapy coffee mixture. When you're done, just rinse and dry. 

Soaking

Coffee grounds also work wonders as a soaking agent, especially when it comes to tough-to-clean oven racks and grill grates. Simply mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of grounds with warm water in a sink or large plastic bag. Let it soak for about 45 minutes, then use a sponge to wipe away any stuck-on food or grease. Rinse everything off with clean water, and you're good to go. 

Absorb unwanted odours 

Just like baking soda, coffee grounds have natural odour-absorbing properties, making them a great way to freshen up different areas of your home.  

Got a bad smell in your fridge? Simply place a small bowl of dry coffee grounds inside. If you've been chopping onions or garlic, rub a spoonful of coffee grounds between your hands to get rid of the scent. You can even make your own air freshener by filling an old stocking with coffee grounds, tying it off, and placing it in places like your trash cans, shoes, or even your wardrobe. 

Exfoliating coffee body scrub 

You can safely use coffee grounds as a natural and effective body scrub that’s not only sustainable but also simple and budget friendly.  

Its coarse texture is perfect for gently exfoliating your skin, sloughing off dead cells, and leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Coffee grounds are also packed with antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals and promote healthy skin.  

When it comes to DIY coffee scrub recipes, some staple ingredients you can use include coconut oil, rolled oats, salt or sugar. You can even toss in a little vanilla extract if you'd rather mask the coffee scent. 

Coffee Body Scrub Recipe 

½ cup of coffee grounds 

¼ cup coconut oil 

2 tbsp. water 

From here, you can customize it based on your preference. Add either ½ cup of Himalayan salt or brown sugar for some extra exfoliation or go for ¾ cup of rolled oats for a gentler scrub. 

Versatile and zero waste 

Using spent coffee grounds is a win-win – not only for coffee lovers but for the environment too. By reusing your coffee grounds, you’re helping reduce waste and cutting down on landfill. 

Sustainability is a big part of the Aussie coffee scene, so don’t hesitate to ask your local café for a bag of their used coffee grounds, including us... so why not give them a second life?