I love used coffee grounds and save them. As Tony the Tiger says, they are GREAT in the garden. In fact, I bet you didn’t know that I often followed people around Starbucks while they put their used coffee grounds in the gardener bin for pickup. Unfortunately, I was up against super-gardener athletes who always found the bin before I did. Sadly, I am only left with coffee grounds that hubs drinks. I was so upset when I ruined my stash more than once and had to learn the hard way how to store used coffee grounds. Be sure to watch my video below!.
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. In the United States alone, over 64% of people drink coffee every day. With coffee consumption being so high, that means there are a lot of used coffee grounds being produced. The average coffee drinker produces about 1 pound of used grounds per month. While some people throw used grounds directly in the trash, there are better ways to handle these grounds by using a designated container. A container specifically for used coffee grounds can make disposing and repurposing grounds easier. When choosing a used coffee grounds container, there are a few key factors to consider.
Types of Used Coffee Grounds Containers
There are a few main types of containers that work well for storing used coffee grounds:
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Plastic containers – Plastic used coffee grounds containers are one of the most common and affordable options. They are available in various sizes and shapes like jars, buckets, or bins. Plastic tends to be durable and lightweight. Just be aware that some plastics can absorb odors over time.
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Stainless steel containers – Stainless steel provides an airtight nonporous container that won’t absorb odors. Stainless steel containers range from small jars to large bins and are more high-end.
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Ceramic containers – Ceramic used coffee grounds containers have an attractive look that can sit nicely on a countertop. Ceramic provides a nonporous container but it can be more prone to breaking than plastic or stainless steel.
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Compost bins – For gardeners, a compost bin or tumbler designed specifically for food scraps like coffee grounds can be a handy container. It allows you to easily compost used grounds.
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Burlap sacks – Simple burlap sacks or bags breathe well, providing good airflow to keep grounds from getting overly moist. The downside is that they aren’t as durable or airtight as other containers.
Key Features to Look For
There are a few key considerations when selecting a used coffee grounds container:
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Airtight seal – The container should have a tight seal to lock in odors and keep moisture out. Plastic containers with snap-shut lids or stainless steel containers often provide the best seal.
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Opaque design – Used grounds can develop mold if exposed to light. Choosing an opaque container is best. Ceramic containers should be avoided if they aren’t opaque.
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Size – Select a container size based on your weekly coffee consumption. If you use 2 pounds of grounds per week, choose at least a 2-quart container. Leave some extra room too.
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Easy to clean – Containers should be nonporous and easy to wash out. Stainless steel and plastic containers are typically the easiest materials to keep clean.
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Durable – Choose a container made of durable materials so it can withstand daily use. Plastic bins or stainless steel tend to be the sturdiest options.
Tips for Storing Used Coffee Grounds
Properly storing used coffee grounds in a container helps keep them fresh for longer:
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Empty the container frequently, at least every 2-3 days. Don’t let wet grounds sit for long periods.
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Rinse out the container every 1-2 weeks with hot water and mild detergent to prevent odor buildup.
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Use baking soda occasionally by sprinkling some in the bottom of the container. Baking soda absorbs odors.
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Store the container of used grounds in a shaded area away from light to prevent mold growth.
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Keep the container somewhere inconspicuous like under the sink or in a pantry since it won’t smell good. The garage or shed are other good options.
How to Use Old Coffee Grounds
The key benefit of saving used coffee grounds in a container is to repurpose them. Here are some ways to give used grounds a second life:
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Add grounds to your compost pile which provides beneficial nitrogen.
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Use grounds as fertilizer for plants that thrive in acidic soil like hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, evergreens, and blueberry bushes.
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Mix with melted beeswax to make homemade fire starters for your fireplace or campfires.
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Scrub them on cookware, surfaces, and utensils to remove stubborn cooked-on food. The abrasive texture helps remove caked on grime.
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Use to make DIY exfoliating skin scrubs. The coarse texture sloughs off dead skin cells.
Recommended Used Coffee Grounds Containers
Based on the key factors to look for, here are some top-rated used coffee grounds containers:
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OXO Good Grips POP Container – This airtight plastic container has a pop-open button for easy access along with a sculpted shape that’s easy to scoop from. It’s available in a 2 quart size.
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Chef’s Planet Stainless Steel Container – For an odor-blocking stainless steel design, the Chef’s Planet container has a flip-top lid and handy measurement markings. The 1.3 quart size is a good option.
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Advert Home Compost Bin – Gardeners will appreciate this dual-chamber compost tumbler with a rotating drum design to easily mix grounds in.
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Grower’s Edge Burlap Coffee Bag – An inexpensive 3-pound burlap sack that allows good airflow is handy for storing used grounds destined for the garden.
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CorCoran Opacity Ceramic Canister – Made from restaurant-grade ceramic with an inner plastic lid, this canister has sleek opacity to block light. The small 1.5 quart size works well.
Finding the right container to corral used coffee grounds takes some research. Now that you know what to look for, you can choose a container that makes saving used grounds simple and odor-free. Be sure to utilize used coffee grounds so this kitchen “waste” gets repurposed in eco-friendly ways. Your houseplants, garden, and compost pile will thank you. What used coffee grounds container will you choose?
Why I Love Coffee Grounds–Ways to Reuse Them
Just in case you want to know why I love coffee grounds so much, read my multiple articles. Coffee grounds are a gardener’s best friend IF used right.
If gardening isn’t your thing, here are some other articles on other ways to reuse your coffee grounds:
I told you I love coffee grounds. The smell is heavily even though I don’t drink coffee.
You’ll Never Throw Away Coffee Grounds After Watching This
FAQ
What do you store used coffee grounds in?
What is the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of spent coffee grounds?
What is the best disposal of coffee grounds?
How do you store pre-ground coffee?
If you buy pre-ground coffee, it’s best to store it properly to prevent it from losing its flavor or becoming rancid. When storing ground coffee, be sure to keep it in a tightly sealed container that is opaque and stored in a dry cool place. Be sure to note the expiration date on the coffee grounds and the date on which you store it.
How long do coffee grounds last?
First, you can either store the coffee grounds in an airtight plastic or glass container. Alternatively, you can store the coffee grounds in a vacuum-sealed bag. The good news is that coffee grounds will keep for up to two years if stored in the right container and in the right place.
Can you dry coffee grounds outside?
Alternatively, I dry them outside during the summer. Don’t let the oven cool to much before putting them into dry. Do it right away. Since then, not one moldy container has passed under my nose. Watch my video below to show you what you should look for when you store your coffee grounds and tips on how to store them.
Should coffee beans be stored in a new container?
Oftentimes, consumers will keep their ground coffee beans in their original packaging. And other times, they may want to place the grounds in their own containers. If you do store your grounds in a new container, come and be sure that it’s made of nonreactive material.