Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, with over 400 billion cups drank per year. With so much coffee being brewed daily, that results in a massive amount of used coffee grounds being produced. The average coffee drinker can generate around 1 pound of wet grounds per month. While some people simply throw their used grounds in the trash, repurposing these grounds is a much better option. The key to being able to reuse coffee grounds is properly storing them in a designated container.
Why Save Used Coffee Grounds?
Fresh coffee grounds are rich in nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and copper This makes them very beneficial for plants. Used grounds can be added directly to compost piles or used as fertilizer for gardens Coffee grounds help retain moisture and suppress weed growth when used as mulch around plants. The coarse texture of wet grounds also makes them a gentle abrasive that can be used to scrub surfaces or exfoliate skin. Grounds are great for starting campfires and can even be incorporated into homemade soaps and candles. With so many ways to repurpose used coffee grounds, it’s worth investing in a good storage container.
Choosing the Right Coffee Grounds Container
There are several factors to consider when selecting a container for wet used coffee grounds
-
Airtight seal – A tight seal prevents moisture from getting in or the strong coffee odor from getting out Plastic containers with snap-shut lids or stainless steel jars offer the best seal
-
Opaque – Used coffee grounds will quickly develop mold if exposed to light. Choose an opaque container made of plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic.
-
Size – Pick a container size based on your weekly coffee consumption. For 1-2 pounds of wet grounds per week, a 2 quart container is ideal.
-
Easy to clean – The container should be nonporous and simple to rinse out. Plastic and stainless steel are the easiest to keep clean.
-
Durable – Withstand daily use with a sturdy container made of hard plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic.
-
Accessible – Select a container that’s easy to open and scoop from. Avoid narrow openings.
Types of Coffee Ground Containers
There are several suitable container types for used coffee grounds:
-
Plastic containers – Durable, affordable, lightweight and come in various sizes. Can absorb odors over time.
-
Stainless steel containers – Odor-blocking and nonporous but more expensive. Typically smaller sizes.
-
Ceramic containers – Attractive for countertop but prone to breaking. Must be opaque.
-
Compost bins – Special compost tumblers allow easy composting of used grounds.
-
Burlap sacks – Inexpensive breathable option but less durable and airtight.
-
Metal cans – Used large folgers-type coffee cans work but take up lots of space.
Tips for Storing Used Coffee Grounds
Proper storage keeps used coffee grounds fresh and mold-free:
-
Empty the grounds container frequently, at least every 2-3 days.
-
Rinse the container every 1-2 weeks with mild detergent to prevent odors.
-
Use baking soda – sprinkle some in the bottom of the container to absorb odors.
-
Keep the container in a shaded spot like under the sink to prevent light exposure.
-
Store in an inconspicuous place like a pantry since it won’t smell good. The garage or shed work too.
-
Never pack wet used grounds tightly into a container – always leave plenty of airspace.
Recommended Coffee Ground Containers
Based on key selection criteria like airtight seals and easy cleaning, here are top-rated used coffee grounds containers:
-
OXO Pop Container – Airtight plastic container with pop-open button and easy to scoop shape. Fits 2 quarts.
-
Chef’s Planet Stainless Steel Container – Odor-blocking stainless steel jar with flip-top lid and measurement markings. 1.3 quart size.
-
Simpli-Magic Compost Bin – Dual-chamber compost tumbler with rotating drum to easily mix in grounds.
-
Grower’s Edge Burlap Coffee Bag – Inexpensive 3-pound breathable burlap sack good for garden use.
-
Tightvac Coffeevac – Vacuum-sealed stainless steel canister that keeps grounds fresh for weeks. 1.5 quart capacity.
No matter what type of container you choose, be sure to utilize your used coffee grounds through composting or other eco-friendly projects. Check the container frequently for any moisture buildup. With the right storage methods, used coffee grounds don’t have to be wasted. They can be a nutritious and abrasive reusable resource around your home and garden.
You Might Also Like
Co-authored by:
Community Q&ASearch
- Question How long do I need to wait until I can eat the grounds?
Community Answer You cant eat coffee grounds, they would not be pleasant and are not edible. If you want to actually eat coffee, you might try making a dessert like tiramisu, coffee-flavored cake or coffee-flavored wafers. Or, you can buy chocolate-covered coffee beans. - Question How do you know when the grounds are completely dried? How do you know if youve over dried the grounds?
Community Answer The grounds are completely dried when they are golden brown. Over-dried grounds would be crumbly and dark. - Question Can the coffee grounds be stored in the refrigerator?
Bill Bill Community Answer The refrigerator is not such a good place for coffee, so do not store coffee in fridge.The fridge is not the place to store coffee in any form, ground or whole bean even if in an airtight container. It isnt cold enough to keep your coffee fresh, and because coffee works as a deodoriser, it will absorb all the aromas in your fridge.
Using Coffee Grounds As Fertilizer For Tomatoes | Why Use Coffee Grounds As Fertilizer
FAQ
How do you store used coffee grounds?
-
INTEGRIS Healthhttps://integrishealth.orgCreative Ways to Use Old Coffee Grounds | INTEGRIS HealthAug 31, 2022 — Store in an airtight container. To store wet coffee grounds, scoop them into an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator. The cold temp w…
What is the best container to store coffee grounds in?
Coffee canisters with rubber or silicone gaskets and lids with airtight seals are fine for ground coffee. Ground coffee deteriorates faster than whole beans, but protection from air, moisture, and light slows the process either way. However, vacuum sealed containers are not a good match for ground coffee.
How do you dispose of used coffee grounds?
Leftover coffee can be pored down the drain. To avoid staining the sink, run water immediately. Leftover coffee grounds can be put in the garbage. You can also compost them. You can also add them to soil to feed earthworms. Earthworms love them!
How to stop used coffee grounds from going mouldy?
Store in an airtight container. To store wet coffee grounds, scoop them into an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator. The cold temp will keep them from sprouting mold until you’re ready to use them.