How to Use Leftover Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can be used in several ways.

A common use for spent coffee grounds is in the garden, and if used properly can be beneficial to plants, flowers and vegetables. There are several other uses for coffee grounds, though. Collect coffee grounds after brewing your coffee, or call a local coffee shop; many set aside coffee grounds for people who will put them to work.

Things You'll Need

• Coffee grounds

Instructions

1. Add coffee grounds, which are high in nitrogen, to a compost pile, but mix them first with equal parts of dry leaves or shredded paper, which are high in carbon. Optionally, layer them on top of the compost pile, followed by an equal layer of leaves and an equal layer grass clippings.

2. Spread coffee grounds around plants. Cover them with mulch or leaves, or lightly rake them into soil. Coffee grounds will dry out if left exposed to the sun and will repel water, limiting the amount of water the mulched plants will receive.

3. Mix 1 cup of coffee grounds into a bait box to keep worms alive for fishing.

4. Place coffee grounds into open bowls or containers, and place them in a freezer to get rid of spoiled food odors.

5. Place 1/2 cup of coffee grounds down a smelly drain. Slowly pour 5 or more cups of boiling water down the drain.

6. Sprinkle wet coffee grounds into fireplace before cleaning out the ashes. Wet coffee grounds absorb the dust and make cleaning the fire place easier and less messy.

References

• Oregon State University: Coffee Grounds and Composting
• "Reader's Digest": 6 Reasons to Save Your Coffee Grounds
• Coffee Qita: 10 Unusual Uses for Coffee