Coffee Ground Disposal: Here's the Right Way to Get Rid of Used Grounds

Save your plumbing (and maybe your garden) with these disposal tips

Wondering what to do with old coffee grounds? The best way to get rid of used and unused grounds is to throw them in the trash, but there are plenty of other ways to dispose of them if that’s not an option. Just remember to keep used grounds away from drains because they can cause plumbing clogs and septic tank issues. Keep reading to learn all the best ways to get rid of grounds to help save your home and the environment.

Best Ways to Dispose of Coffee Grounds

Throw all of your used coffee grounds and filters in the garbage. Avoid putting them down the drain or garbage disposal since they can damage your plumbing system. Alternatively, fertilize your garden with your used coffee grounds.

Section 1 of 5:

Disposing of Coffee Grounds Properly

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  1. Step 1 Toss coffee grounds in the trash, not down the drain.
    For a no-fuss solution, just throw your grounds and paper filters in the garbage as you would any other non-hazardous household waste.[1] As a bonus, coffee grounds can absorb odors, so they might help keep your trash from smelling bad.[2]
    • If you have a reusable coffee filter, French press, or another reusable coffee vessel, gently tap it against the side of the open trash can to make sure all the grounds make it inside.
    • To get the last dregs, Reddit user @achilton1987 recommends filling a reusable vessel with a little bit of water, swirling it around, and pouring it into a small metal strainer over a sink. Dump the grounds into the trash.
  2. Step 2 See if there’s a local curbside composting service.
    In some areas, government or private companies provide bins for compostable food waste, including coffee grounds and paper filters. Search online to see if this service is available in your area. Fill the bin they provide with compostable waste, then they pick it up and replace the filled bin with a fresh one.[3]
    • If you don’t want to pay for curbside composting service, keep reading to learn how to build your own compost pile.
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Section 2 of 5:

Can you put coffee grounds in the sink, toilet, or garbage disposal?

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  1. No, you shouldn’t put coffee grounds down any drains in your home.
    Wet and unused coffee grounds don’t break down easily in the garbage disposal and are oily, which means they can cause clogs in your water system.[4] The same goes for toilets and sinks—coffee grounds can coat the bottom of sewer pipes and increase the chances of backup.[5]
    • Coffee grounds are also harmful for septic systems.[6] Not only can they cause clogs, they can harm the healthy bacteria in your tank, preventing them from effectively breaking down organic matter.[7]
Section 3 of 5:

Reusing Coffee Grounds

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  1. Step 1 Toss your coffee grounds into the soil in your garden.
    Coffee grounds contain nutrients that plants need to grow, like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. If you only have a pot of grounds you’d like to reuse, simply empty it into the soil around your plants. Throw away your grounds in different locations each time so they don’t harm your plants.[8]
    • Professional gardener Ben Barkan says there’s “a myth that you shouldn't apply coffee grounds to the soil because it will acidify the soil.” However, “if that's a concern, then you can mix in a little bit of limestone… to reverse the acidification process.”
    • Because it’s naturally acidic, coffee grounds are especially good for acid-loving plants like hydrangeas and roses. However, some plants (like tomatoes) may not react well to them.
    • Try not to apply a large amount of grounds to the top of your soil—the grounds can clog together and prevent water or air from reaching the roots of your plants.
    • The safest way to use grounds in your garden in large quantities is to add them to a compost container or worm bin.[9]
  2. Step 2 Scrub stubborn stains on pots and pans with the grounds.
    Since they’re abrasive and acidic, coffee grounds are good at scrubbing away residue on pots and pans. Combine 2 to 3 tsp (0.33 to 0.5 g) of dried grounds with warm water and dish soap. Scrub the pans with the mixture and a soft sponge until the pot or pan is clean.[10]
    • Coffee grounds may leave behind a brown tinge, so make sure anything you clean with them is stain-resistant.
    • Coffee grounds can clog a drain, so make sure to use a kitchen sink plug or a fine mesh drain basket to collect the grounds, then throw them in the trash.
  3. Step 3 Try exfoliating your skin with coffee grounds.
    For a moisturizing, exfoliating scrub, mix 4 US tbsp (59 mL) of olive oil with 6 tbsp (1 g) of used coffee grounds to make a coarse mud. Massage your face and any areas of dry, flaky skin, then rinse off the grounds and oil with water.[11]
    • If you have oily skin, skip the olive oil. Just massage your face with coffee grounds, then rinse.
    • For larger amounts of coffee grounds, like 1⁄4  c (59 mL), collect them with a drain stopper instead of letting them go down the drain.
  4. Step 4 Dye fabrics and easter eggs with the leftover grounds.
    To make an easy dye with used coffee grounds, spread them on a baking sheet and allow them to dry completely in the sun or in the oven. Boil the grounds in a pot of water, then let it cool slightly.[12] Submerge your Easter eggs, clothes, and fabric in the solution. The longer they sit, the deeper their color will be.
    • When the fabric has finished steeping, put the item in a container of cold water. Add a splash of vinegar to set the color, then let it soak for 10 minutes. Remove and let it dry completely.[13]
    • If you have leftover coffee in your pot you’d like to dispose of, you can [Dye-Your-Hair-With-Coffee|use the grounds and the coffee to dye your hair].
    • Set your oven to 200 °F (93 °C) and put your coffee grounds inside for 20 to 30 minutes. Every 10 minutes, rotate the baking sheet so the grounds heat evenly.
  5. Step 5 Mix expired or unneeded medicines with used coffee grounds.
    The best way to dispose of medicines is with a community drug take-back program. However, if that’s not an option, you can also throw them out with coffee grounds. Put the medicine in a sealable plastic bag, fill the bag with used coffee grounds, then seal the bag and throw it in the garbage.[14]
    • The coffee grounds make the pills less appealing to children or pets, and unrecognizable to anyone who may go through your trash.
    • You can also contact your local pharmacy for information about local take-back programs. If none are available in your area, consider using the coffee ground method.
  6. Step 6 Dry any coffee...
    Dry any coffee grounds you’re storing to prevent mold growth. Cover a baking sheet with newspaper, and scatter the grounds in a layer no more than 2 in (5.1 cm) thick. The thinner you spread them, the faster they’ll dry. If conditions are dry and sunny, let them sit outside for 2 to 3 days to dry.[15]
    • Alternatively, dry them in the oven at 200 °F (93 °C) for a total of 20 to 30 minutes. Every 10 minutes, rotate the baking sheet and check to see if they’re dry.
    • Wet coffee grounds promote mold growth, so any that you’re storing for reuse need to be dried.
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Section 4 of 5:

Throwing Away Coffee Pods

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  1. Step 1 Put single-use plastic coffee pods in the recycling bin.
    Keurig K-Cups, Nescafé Dolce Gusto Pods, Tassimo T-Discs, and other pods made of No. 1 and No. 5 plastics can be emptied, rinsed, and placed in your recycling bin. If your pod comes with a foil layer or plastic filter, separate the layers before rinsing them and putting them in the recycling bin.[16]
    • Open and gently tap the pods inside your trash can to make sure all the grounds are completely removed.
    • Some companies, like Nestlé, send you a recycling box to place your pods in and ship back to them.[17]
  2. Step 2 Send aluminum pods back to the manufacturer for disposal.
    Aluminum pods, like Nespresso’s Original and Vertuo pods, have other materials inside of them that make them difficult to recycle. To solve that issue, pod companies may offer a pod recycling bag or box with a prepaid shipping label. Once you fill the bag or box, just ship it back to the company.[18]
    • If your pods are from Nespresso, you can also take them to a participating store to be recycled.
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Section 5 of 5:

Making a Compost Heap

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  1. Step 1 Place a large lidded compost bin in a shaded dry spot.
    The ideal compost bin or pile is roughly 3 ft (0.91 m) wide, deep, and high, but you can go bigger, too.[19] To deter pests and protect it from wind, cover your bin with a lid or tarp. Keep the bin in a shaded spot in your yard, and make sure it’s far enough from your property line to comply with local codes.[20]
    • For instance, you might need to keep the bin at least 20 ft (6.1 m) from homes and drainage ways, 5 ft (1.5 m) from property lines and fences, and out of sight from the street.
    • Check your city or county government website for your specific local regulations.
  2. Step 2 Start with a layer of coarse branches and twigs to promote air flow.
    Cover the bottom of the bin with a 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) pile of woody materials. That way, the bottom of the heap will still be able to breathe after you’ve added layers of denser materials, like used coffee grounds.[21]
    • This layer also absorbs any excess liquids and elevates the pile away from the ground.
  3. Step 3 Add a 6 in (15 cm) layer of leaves and yard clippings.
    Rake your yard, mow the lawn, and prune your bushes so you’ll have material for your heap's next layer. Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic yard debris will provide your heap with sources of carbon.[22]
    • After you add your food scraps, add more leaves and lawn trimmings, creating layer upon layer of materials.
  4. Step 4 Toss in coffee grounds, fruit and veggie scraps, and eggshells.
    After the leaves and grass trimmings, add any stems, peels, rinds, eggshells, nut shells, vacuum cleaner bag contents, and coffee grounds you have on hand. Mix them up with the grass and leaves, then water the heap.[23]
    • Coffee grounds are a great form of organic matter to add to compost that pretty much every plant will benefit from.
    • Try not to compost meat or bones, animal fat, dairy products, diseased or insect-infested plants, or yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides or herbicides. These substances can create pest problems or render your compost harmful to plants, pets, or people.
  5. Step 5 Dampen the pile when you add dry materials.
    Try to keep the pile moist enough so its surface glistens. You want it damp, but not soggy or flooded. Too much water can cause your pile to rot instead of compost. Water it whenever you add new layers or if it starts to dry.[24]
    • To monitor the temperature of your pile, reach into the middle with your hand. The pile should feel warm, not cold. If it’s cold, you may be watering it too often.
    • In dry conditions, you might need to water it several times a week.
    • To prevent runoff, dig an indentation in the center so the sides slope gently toward the middle of the pile.
  6. Step 6 Turn the pile weekly to speed up decomposition.
    Try to mix the pile as frequently as possible.[25] When you add new layers, mix them into the compost pile instead of just scattering them on the top. Cover the newly added waste with about 10 in (25 cm) of composted material, and remember to reshape the indentation at the center of the pile.[26]
    • Turning the pile will help break down waste faster. After at least 3 to 6 months, the bottom of your heap will break down into a dark, crumbly soil that you can use to fertilize your plants.
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  • Question
    I use pine pellets for kitty litter. They disolve into sawdust when wet. After I remove the solid waste, can I add it to my compost?
    Community Answer
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    Sure. Even the solid waste is a good fertilizer. It is very good for the plants and can promote growth.
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    Can coffee grounds go down the drain?
    Drew Hawkins1
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    No, you actually should never dispose of coffee grounds by pouring them down a sink drain, or even by flushing them down a toilet. They can easily collect and cause a clog in your drain. For a super easy solution, just throw your grounds in the garbage as you would any other non-hazardous household waste. Coffee grounds can actually absorb odors, so they might help keep your trash from smelling bad. You can also reuse them for other purposes. Since they’re abrasive and acidic, coffee grounds are good at scrubbing away residue on pots and pans. But they can leave behind a brown tinge, so make sure anything you clean with them is stain-resistant. You can also make a moisturizing, exfoliating scrub, by mixing a tablespoon of olive oil with 1⁄4 c (59 mL) of used coffee grounds. Massage your face and any areas of dry, flaky skin, then rinse off the grounds and oil with lukewarm water.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What can I do with leftover coffee grounds?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Drew Hawkins1
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    You can reuse them for other things! Coffee grounds are abrasive and acidic, so you can use them to scrub away residue from pots and pans. Just keep in mind that they can clog a drain. If you use grounds to scrub a pot, use a kitchen sink plug with a fine mesh drain basket to collect the grounds, then throw them in the trash. You can also use their natural abrasiveness to make an exfoliating scrub. Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with 1⁄4 c (59 mL) of used coffee grounds and massage your face and any areas of dry, flaky skin. Then, rinse off the grounds and oil with lukewarm water.
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  • Caffeine in coffee can be very toxic for dogs, so make sure that the grounds you’re reusing are out of reach of your pets.[27]
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  • While you can just throw grounds in the trash, there are a variety of ways to reuse them. Reducing the amount of trash you send to the landfill is good for the environment.[28]
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  • Coffee grounds also may kill slugs and keep other insects and pests away from your garden.[29]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/homes-streets-and-property/recycling-and-garbage/how-to-get-rid-of-anything#!rc-cpage=71346
  2. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/how-to-get-rid-of-stinky-household-odors/2018/05/21/12fff0ae-57bc-11e8-8836-a4a123c359ab_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.af36a9887fdb
  3. ↑ https://www.icgov.org/government/departments-and-divisions/public-works/resource-management/love-food-fight-waste
  4. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/garbage-disposals/foods-you-can-cant-put-down-a-garbage-disposal-a1074300549/
  5. ↑ https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/sewer-wastewater/maintain-your-drain/
  6. ↑ https://cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/files/RISWSeptic.pdf
  7. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system
  8. ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/coffee-grounds-for-plants/
  9. ↑ https://mgnv.org/garden-myth-busters/coffee-grounds/
  1. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/a37815279/cleaning-kitchen-coffee-grounds/
  2. ↑ https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/cup-o-joe-diy-facial-scrub/
  3. ↑ https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2019/09/23/coffeedye
  4. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-dye-textiles-with-coffee-tea-108438
  5. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/understandingover-the-countermedicines/ucm107163.pdf
  6. ↑ https://groundtoground.org/2011/04/17/how-to-dry-and-store-used-coffee-grounds/
  7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/recycling/recycle-k-cups-nespresso-capsules-coffee-pods-a3276889649/
  8. ↑ https://content.nestleprofessional.us/story/aroma-freshness-variety-ease-of-use/page/3/11
  9. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/recycling/recycle-k-cups-nespresso-capsules-coffee-pods-a3276889649/
  10. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/how-to-make-a-composter/
  11. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
  12. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
  13. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/how-to-compost/
  14. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
  15. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/how-to-compost/
  16. ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/four-ways-to-better-compost/
  17. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
  18. ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/coffee-grounds-for-plants/
  19. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/united-states-2030-food-loss-and-waste-reduction-goal
  20. ↑ https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/used-appropriately-coffee-grounds-improve-soil-and-kill-slugs

About This Article

Ben Barkan
Co-authored by:
Ben Barkan
Professional Gardener
This article was co-authored by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 123,515 times.
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