Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans drink coffee every week? and 62% drink coffee daily! We, as a nation, love our coffee, and while COVID and all of its related restrictions have led to a reduction in the commercially brewed cups from Starbucks and the like, home brewed coffee sales have actually increased.
“Coffee, the favorite drink of the civilized world.” - Thomas Jefferson
Have no shame in your caffeine game, as you are definitely not alone. And don't forget, you can put all of your coffee grounds back into the soil as a fantastic addition to your compost pile, or just drop it in your Purple Bucket. Here are a few facts about coffee and how it affects compost:
Coffee grounds contain about 2% nitrogen by volume, which is necessary for your garden as nitrogen builds proteins and maximizes photosynthesis.
Coffee grounds are actually pH neutral; not acidic like the drink itself. They are easily added to any compost pile.
Coffee grounds have been shown anecdotally to repel slugs and snails from the garden.
In compost piles where coffee grounds approach 25% of the total volume, compost 'burn' temperatures have been recorded showing 2+ weeks of temperatures in excess of 140 degrees; that, when properly aerated, equates to a very 'clean' compost that is completely garden-ready. (i.e., no weeds, unwanted seeds, plant disease, etc...)
“We want to do a lot of stuff. We’re not in great shape. We didn’t get a good night’s sleep. We’re a little depressed. Coffee solves all these problems in one delightful little cup.” - Jerry Seinfeld
Whether you're a home composter or a Purple Bucket subscriber, coffee grounds are definitely better off in the compost, OR give one of these other uses a try and keep coffee grounds out of the landfill.
P.S. Filters are great for the compost pile, as well. Dump the filter in right along with the grounds.
Sources: