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Can It Compost? December 2024

Writer's picture: Community RootsCommunity Roots

☕ Can It Compost? ☕

Welcome back to our composting series, where we dive into all things compostable!


This week’s feature: coffee grounds!

This Week: Coffee Grounds!
This Week: Coffee Grounds!

Can coffee grounds be composted?


Absolutely! Coffee grounds are a fantastic nitrogen-rich material for any compost pile. Plus, coffee filters, used tea leaves, and tea bags can join the party too! Here’s how to do it:


💡 Prep: Collect your coffee grounds and tea leaves, ensuring they’re free of contaminants like plastic-lined filters or non-compostable tea bags.


🍂 Layer: Mix the grounds evenly with carbon-rich materials like dried leaves, straw, or wood chips.


♻️ Maintain: Turn the compost regularly to keep it aerated and decomposing. In colder months, turn less often to retain heat and keep those microbes thriving!


Don’t want to manage your own compost pile? We’ve got you covered! Drop off your coffee grounds, filters, tea leaves, and tea bags at the Community Roots compost pile—we’ll take care of the rest!



🗺️ Where? Our compost pile is behind the gated community gardens at our main site located at 1104 W. Gambier St. You can drop off materials anytime from dawn to dusk—just drive right up for easy unloading!



🌟 Did you know? We’ve partnered with local businesses, like @happybeanohio, to compost their coffee grounds, filters, and tea leaves. Together, we’re turning waste into nutrient-rich soil for local gardens!



Feel inspired to join the movement? 🌱 Reach out to our compost coordinator or visit our website for more details.


Let’s keep building a circular food system together!




Quick Tips!
Quick Tips!
 

Want to know more?

Read on!


Coffee grounds not only reduce waste but also enrich compost with nutrients that fuel healthy plants. Here, we explore the benefits and best practices for composting coffee grounds, and how they improve the overall quality of your compost.


Why Compost Coffee Grounds?

Coffee grounds are a fantastic addition to compost because they are rich in organic matter and nitrogen. When incorporated properly, they:

  1. Boost Nitrogen Levels: Coffee grounds are considered a "green" compost material, despite their dark color. They typically contain around 2% nitrogen by weight, which is essential for microbial activity and plant growth.

  2. Improve Compost Structure: The fine texture of coffee grounds adds bulk to the pile, helping to balance its structure. This aids in maintaining good aeration and preventing the pile from becoming too compacted.

  3. Enhance Decomposition: The nitrogen in coffee grounds supports the growth of microorganisms that break down organic matter, speeding up the composting process.

  4. Introduce Micronutrients: Coffee grounds also provide small amounts of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are beneficial for soil health.


Best Practices for Composting Coffee Grounds

1. Balance is Key

While coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, they need to be balanced with carbon-rich "brown" materials such as dried leaves, straw, or shredded paper. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens to maintain a healthy compost mix.

2. Don’t Overdo It

Too much of a good thing can backfire. Limit coffee grounds to about 20% of your total compost volume. Excessive amounts can create a dense layer that limits airflow and slows decomposition.

3. Mix It In

Avoid adding coffee grounds as a solid layer. Mix them thoroughly with other compost materials to promote even decomposition and prevent anaerobic conditions.

4. Include Filters

Used coffee filters can also go into the compost pile as a carbon source. Ensure they are unbleached and free of synthetic materials.

5. Monitor Moisture

Coffee grounds can retain moisture, which is beneficial for maintaining the right dampness in your pile. However, they should be balanced with dry materials to prevent sogginess.


Additional Benefits of Coffee Grounds in Compost

  1. Worms Love Them: If you practice vermicomposting, coffee grounds can be a treat for your worms. They seem to enjoy the texture and nutrients, which help them thrive and produce high-quality vermicast.

  2. Odor Control: Coffee grounds can help neutralize odors in your compost pile, making it more pleasant to manage.

  3. Fungal Diversity: Grounds promote the growth of beneficial fungi, which play a role in breaking down tough organic materials like lignin in wood.


A Word of Caution

While coffee grounds are a valuable compost addition, they are acidic when fresh. Composting neutralizes much of this acidity, but avoid adding excessive amounts to soils that are already acidic. Additionally, steer clear of using untreated grounds directly on seedlings, as their high nitrogen content may "burn" young plants.


Beyond Compost: Other Uses for Coffee Grounds

If you’ve already balanced your compost pile, there are other ways to put used coffee grounds to good use:

  • Mulching: Use a thin layer around established plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Pest Repellent: Coffee grounds can deter slugs and snails from your garden beds.

  • Soil Amendment: Directly mix grounds into garden beds for added organic matter (just don’t overdo it).

By composting coffee grounds, you’re not just reducing waste; you’re enriching your compost and giving your garden a nutrient boost. So next time you brew a pot, save those grounds and let them work their magic in your compost pile. Your plants—and the planet—will thank you.

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