Ground coffee and recycling – a match made in heaven?

Coffee is a surprisingly versatile commodity, with many more uses than the traditional morning latte. Ground coffee in particular is proving to be a useful resource for gardening and around the home, and – rather than discarding old coffee grounds after use – some households are choosing to take advantage of some of the many opportunities available to adopt a greener, more organic way of life with this natural and commonly-used product.

Green thumbs

Old coffee grounds can be used as a natural alternative to pesticides in the garden. Unlike chemical products, they are safe for households with children and pets, and can keep away many plant-destroying pests such as slugs, snails and ants.

After use, ground coffee can be mixed into soil to double as a fertiliser, and to boost nutrients in the earth. This technique is best used on plants that require an acidic soil to flourish, such as garlic, coriander and gardenia.

Caffeinated beauty therapy

Coffee as a beverage has been around for centuries, but in recent years it has also been used in a more experimental manner – as a beauty treatment. The key ingredient is caffeine, which is purported to help boost the complexion, and invigorate lifeless hair. Some of the ways in which ground coffee is being used in beauty therapy are:

As an exfoliant – the course grounds, when mixed with a little water, are effective at gently removing dead skin from the face and body;
Hair treatments – massaging coffee grounds in after shampooing can boost highlights for brunettes, and help improve the hair’s quality and shine; and
Treatments for cellulite – warm grounds, when mixed with oil and used in a body wrap are claimed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite on thighs and stomachs.

Eliminating household odours

A perfume store will often use bowls of coffee beans in shopping areas, to help buyers clear their nasal passages – the smell acts as a neutralising agent, and allows them to better differentiate between scents. A similar principle applies when using ground coffee around the house, to eliminate unpleasant odours and deodorise areas, such as:

Fridges or freezers – place a small bowl of used coffee grounds at the back, with a few drops of essential oil (vanilla or orange blossom);
Wardrobes and cupboards – allow grounds to dry, and pour them into a small, breathable bag. The grounds will absorb any dry, musty odours; and
Hands – rubbing coffee grounds on hands can help remove the smell from chopping foods like garlic and onions.


Recycling your old ground coffee is an easy way to become more eco-friendly, without breaking the bank. Enjoy a cup, and help the environment.