You will realize that when you brew too much coffee , you produce just as much waste. Yes, we are talking about coffee grounds, filters, capsules and even the filter coffee machines themselves.
But don't worry. Most coffee waste can be composted, recycled or reused.
In this article, we will teach you how to minimize your environmental footprint without compromising your caffeine habit. We will even make you profit in this process.
How are filter coffee machines recycled?
A filter coffee maker is probably the last thing you want to get rid of. There are two reasons for wanting to get rid of a coffee maker: either it no longer works or you are ready to buy a new one. If your coffee machine is still working, don't throw it away. Sell it second hand to someone else or gift it to a friend in need. From an environmental point of view, reusing a kitchen appliance prevents recycling.
On the other hand, if your coffee machine is no longer working, even your friend who needs it most will not want to take it from you. In this case, recycling the coffee machine is an inevitable end.
To recycle coffee makers, you will likely need to take them to a local recycling facility for proper disposal.
Meanwhile, electric coffee machines are e-waste; therefore you should not throw them in the trash.
Here's a great tip for you: There's another great option. Consider upcycling! Upcycling, yes. We tell you to renew a product by giving it a whole new purpose, like turning ripped jeans into denim shorts. You can turn your old coffee pot into a flower pot or irrigation system for your houseplants.
If you want to dispose of a non-electric coffee machine such as a french press , 3rd generation coffee equipment such as pour-over or coffee pots such as soy coffee pot , you can throw it in the recycling bins. In the meantime, make sure it's clean and separate its components by material. So separate it into plastic, glass and scrap metal.
How are coffee capsules recycled?
Unfortunately, not all coffee capsules are created equal when it comes to recycling and ease of disposal.
Let's start with the ubiquitous K-Cups. Green Mountain once promised that all K-Cups would be recyclable. But so far they have not fulfilled this promise. Also, even where K-Cups are recyclable, recycling is not as simple as it seems. You need to peel off the foil cover, pour out the coffee grounds, and then recycle the plastic cup separately. It's no surprise that K-Cups continue to end up in the trash with significant negative environmental impacts.
Fortunately, Green Mountain is no longer the only one when it comes to capsules. If you own a Keurig coffee maker and want eco-friendly equipment that is no less useful, you can take a look at other brands that offer recyclable or biodegradable K-Cups.
For example, Nespresso's capsules are better in this regard. Especially for starters, it's made entirely of aluminum, meaning not plastic. But more importantly, Nespresso has worked hard to make coffee machines easier to use and create a recycling program.
How are coffee filters composted?
You can compost coffee filters as long as they are standard paper filters without any special coatings or additives. The high carbon content of paper filters makes them a healthy addition to your compost. If you're worried that some paper filters are bleached or contain traces of other chemicals, don't be.
Another great tip: To help paper filters degrade faster, it's a good idea to break them into smaller pieces when adding them to the compost pile.
Try using coffee filters again
Yes we know, you can reuse paper coffee filters, although not indefinitely. At least 1-2 times. In particular, Alan Adler, the inventor of AeroPress, has reused AeroPress filters for multiple brewing cycles, despite having access to unlimited filters. Look what he says:
"I would usually use the same filter for about a week, and that's maybe about fifteen presses. We even got an email about it from a guy who lives on an aircraft carrier and says you've been using it for months."
Do not throw away the paper filter after brewing coffee and wait for it to cool. Then rinse the empty filter with clean water and let it dry until you're ready to brew again. Then dispose of used coffee grounds, ideally using one of the following methods.
How many times you can reuse a filter depends on the strength of the paper used. But in general 2 or 3 uses are probably the most practical.
Another great tip: Instead of reusing paper filters, you can invest in a fabric or metal filter.
used coffee grounds
Good coffee beans are always expensive. So you can also use them for more than just a cup of coffee. There are many other ways to use coffee, beyond enjoying a cup and throwing the coffee grounds in the sink.
The most popular use for used coffee grounds would be to plant them in your garden where they provide multiple benefits. It provides vital nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium to the soil. They help absorb heavy metals and attract worms.
If you don't have a garden, your luck is not over. We have many creative ideas for used coffee grounds.
For example, making bowls of coffee grounds can block bad odors and act as a natural insect repellent. Another daily use is to rub it on your body, especially mixing it with things like honey and oatmeal. You can make excellent peelings with coarse coffee grounds and revitalize your skin. Likewise, coffee grounds; It can be used to clean sinks, showers and stubborn pots.
Another great tip: Another way to use coffee grounds is to tenderize meats. Yes yes, softening the sets. Containing natural acids and enzymes that break down tough meats, coffee pairs incredibly well, especially with red meat. Try it at your next barbecue!
final thoughts
With the information we have mentioned in this article, you can reduce your coffee waste to a level close to zero. You will both have money in your pocket and reduce the pressure on landfills. In the meantime, you can buy a thermos instead of a cardboard cup to drink your coffee outside and use it for a lifetime.
At the same time, you will make an excellent addition to your garden. You can even beautify your skin and grill a nice steak. So start the practice and enjoy your coffee without guilt.
