♻️ Close the Loop: Clever Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds
At East View Coffee, we love a great brew—and even better: a planet-friendly approach. That’s why we’re all about closing the loop: turning spent coffee grounds into something useful instead of filling up your trash can. Here are FIVE creative, practical ways to reuse your grounds—with minimal effort, maximum impact.
1. Garden glow‑up: Compost & plant fertilizer
What to do: Mix used coffee grounds into your compost or sprinkle them around plants.
Why it works: Grounds add nitrogen, improve soil texture, and boost drainage. Suitable for acid-loving plants like tomatoes, berries, and azaleas. Coffee is a "green" compost material, so make sure to balance it with plenty of "brown" as well (think dried leaves, wood shavings and cardboard).
2. Pest patrol: Natural bug deterrent
What to do: Line flower beds or pots with dried coffee grounds.
Why it works: Though not as effective as fresh coffee grounds, used coffee grounds repel a whole bunch of pesky pests, such as ants, slugs, and snails. A gentle way to protect tender seedlings.
3. Scents and scrubs: Beauty hacks
DIY body scrub: You've probably seen this one before, but it really works! Mix grounds with a splash of coconut oil or honey to exfoliate—gentle, zesty, and zero plastic packaging involved. Add a drop or two of essential oils to really kick it up a notch.
4. Aroma enhancer: Fireplace & firepit
What to do: Sprinkle dried grounds on embers before you light them.
Why scatter: They release a rich coffee scent—inviting and warm—while masking smokey aromas. Amazing for outdoor gatherings. Bonus: burning coffee grounds also helps deter bugs! When camping, our employee Christina will sprinkle the coffee grounds over the firepit every morning so they are dried up and ready to burn in the evening.
5. Crafts, dye, & room spray
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Natural dye: Brew strong grounds to stain paper, cardboard, or fabric—great for rustic crafts or scrapbook pages.
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Coffee roomspray: Simmer a pot of grounds on the stove (low heat), add citrus peels—your home will smell fresh & fragrant
Why we care 🌎
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Zero‑waste goal: Coffee grounds are organic by nature—recycling them helps keep them out of landfills, where they can release methane. We practice what we preach! Our coffee grounds from the tasting room as well as roasting byproducts are repurposed into compost for local gardens.
Pro tips to keep it fresh and fuss-free
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Let them dry | Wet grounds can mold quickly—spread on a tray or newspaper to air dry before storing or reusing |
| Use within 7 days | Fresh grounds pack more punch—nutrients, smell, and grit all fade over time |
| Don’t mix with non-organics | Avoid tossing in plastics or metals—grounds belong in soil or compost only |
| Label clearly | If you stash dried grounds in cupboards, label them “coffee grounds—reuse!” to avoid confusion |
Final sip: drink it, reuse it, repeat
Coffee’s magic isn’t just in the cup—it’s in its power to give back, too. By reimagining spent grounds as garden gold, cleaning helpers, natural fragrances—and more—you help us weave sustainability through every step of roasting and brewing. It’s simple, effective, and good for the planet.
So when you brew your next cup, smile at the fact that this daily ritual can spark creativity, zero‑waste living, and greener habits. Thanks for being part of our circular coffee family!