Tips for Recycling Your Coffee

Have you ever wondered what to do with your used coffee grounds, once you've made a cup of delicious coffee? Here are some tips for recycling:

1. Mix the grounds with soil or sprinkle around the base of plants (especially acid-loving ones, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, spruces, etc.) as a natural fertilizer.
2. Alternatively, add the grounds (including paper coffee filters and tea bags) to your compost heap for enriched nutrient content. You can also sprinkle them directly on your lawn.
3. Use coffee grounds for natural pest control -- insects such as ants find the coffee repelling. Sprinkle coffee grounds at the entrance to nests and in problem areas ( doorframes, window sills, etc.).
4. This also works against slugs and snails. Place a ring of coffee grounds around the plants or garden beds you want to protect.
5. Problems with cat mess in your garden? Sprinkle some coffee around, as cats don't seem too keen on the smell of coffee.
6. Add the coffee grounds to soil where you want to encourage worm activity and improve your garden.
7. Rub your hands with used coffee grounds to remove strong food odours (e.g. after cutting onions, garlic, fish).
8. Use as a wood or paper stain. Soak the used grounds in a small amount of cold water overnight (or hot water for a short period), then drain the liquid off and use it to touch-up furniture or wood scratches, and for craft projects. The amount of water you use will determine how dark the stain will be.

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