The Complete Guide to Composting Coffee Grounds

Did you know that your coffee routine can do more than just brew a great cup? It can also give back to the environment. San Francisco Bay Coffee is on a mission to help you reduce your plastic waste with our commercially compostable OneCUP™ pods and show you how to turn your used coffee grounds into garden gold.

Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients that can enrich your compost pile and, ultimately, your plants, making your morning cup a zero-waste experience. In this guide, we'll discuss the benefits of composting coffee grounds, provide step-by-step instructions, and answer frequently asked questions. 

The Benefits of Composting Coffee Grounds

Using coffee grounds in the garden.

Coffee grounds are more than just the byproduct of your daily brew–they're packed with beneficial materials that can enhance your compost pile. Coffee grounds are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, making them an excellent green material for composting. They also contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium, which can help enrich your soil and support healthy plant growth. When added to a compost pile, coffee grounds can also help raise the temperature, speeding up the decomposition process and killing harmful pathogens and seeds. Plus, composting your coffee grounds helps divert waste from landfills, making it an eco-friendly habit. 

Another bonus? Despite popular belief, coffee grounds won't dramatically alter soil acidity. Since most of the acid in coffee is transferred into the brewed beverage, the used grounds are close to neutral pH, making them safe for all kinds of plants. 

How to Compost Coffee Grounds

There are several ways to compost your used coffee grounds. Whether you're composting at home, using community resources, or taking advantage of commercially compostable coffee pods, there's a solution for everyone. 

1. Compost Pile

Coffee grounds are considered green material, which means they provide nitrogen to the compost mix. To maintain a balanced compost and proper aeration, incorporate brown materials like leaves, cardboard, or shredded paper into the grounds. Since coffee grounds can clump together, break them up regularly to help everything decompose evenly. 

2. Worm Bin

Coffee grounds can be a great addition to a worm composting system. Worms love coffee grounds, and the grounds can serve as a nutrient-rich food source. Just be mindful of how much you add and mix in other materials. Follow the same guidelines described for compost piles to create a well-balanced environment for the worms. 

3. Community Compost

Not everyone has the space for their own compost pile, and that's okay! Many cities offer community composting programs where you can drop off your grounds at local gardens, farmers' markets, or designated compost bins. Simply collect your used coffee grounds and contribute to a greener community. 

4. Commercially Compost OneCUP™ Pods

San Francisco Bay Coffee's OneCUP™ pods are made from plant-based, commercially compostable materials. With just the right balance of heat, moisture, and oxygen, the pods will safely decompose to nourish the soil. In fact, at a commercial compost facility, 90% of the materials break down within 84 days or less. Simply gather your used OneCUP™ pods and drop them off at a local composter that accepts BPI® certified materials. 

Coffee Compost FAQ's

Are coffee grounds good for plants?
Yes! Coffee grounds are rich in essential nutrients, making them an excellent addition to compost. They help improve the soil quality and support healthy plant growth. 

What plants like coffee grounds?
Plants like azaleas, hydrangeas, roses, blueberries, vegetables, and Christmas cactuses love coffee grounds! 

Can you compost coffee filters?
Yes, most coffee filters are made from paper and are fully compostable. Be sure to check that your filters are unbleached for the best composting results. 

Can you compost used coffee pods?
K-cups and other similar coffee pods with plastic and aluminum components are not biodegradable. However, if you take apart the coffee pod, you can compost the coffee grounds and recycle the container. On the other hand, San Francisco Bay Coffee's OneCUP™ pods are entirely made from compostable materials and biodegrade in commercial composting facilities. 

Shop San Francisco Bay Coffee's Commercially Compostable Coffee Pods

At San Francisco Bay Coffee, we believe that great coffee shouldn't just taste good but also do good. Our OneCUP™ pods are made from plant-based, compostable materials that safely break down in commercial composting facilities. BPI® certified and designed for sustainability, our pods provide you with delicious coffee while reducing your environmental impact. Join us on our mission to eliminate plastic waste and enjoy coffee that's as good for the planet as it is for your taste buds. 

Explore our shop to find your favorite whole beansgrounds, and OneCUP™ pods.