Turn Your Daily Brew into a Sustainable Solution for Home, Garden, and Beyond!

At Bristol Twenty, coffee is at the heart of everything we do but we also believe that great coffee shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. Every cup brewed leaves behind spent coffee grounds, and while many see them as waste, we see opportunity.

Here are 8 practical, eco-friendly ways to re-use spent coffee grounds—perfect for cafes, home brewers, and anyone looking to live more sustainably.

1. Nourish Your Garden

Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, making them an excellent addition to compost heaps or directly into garden soil. Mix them in to improve soil structure and attract helpful worms. 

 2. Natural Pest Repellent

Scatter dried grounds around plants to deter pests like slugs, ants, and even cats (who aren’t fans of the strong aroma). It’s a natural, chemical-free alternative that actually works.

3.  Odour Neutraliser

Keep a bowl of dried grounds in your fridge or kitchen to absorb unwanted smells. You can even fill an old sock or small fabric pouch with grounds and pop it in shoes, gym bags, or drawers.

4.  DIY Coffee Scrub

Used coffee grounds make a fantastic exfoliant. Mix them with a little coconut oil or honey to create a natural body or face scrub. It helps remove dead skin and leaves you with a refreshed, glowing complexion.

 5. Scour Pots and Pans

Tough grime in your kitchen? Coffee grounds’ abrasive texture makes them ideal for scrubbing baked-on food. Just make sure to rinse well and avoid non-stick surfaces.

 6. De-icer for Driveways

Used coffee grounds can provide traction on icy pavements and driveways in winter. They also help melt the ice thanks to their dark colour, which absorbs heat from the sun.

 7. Dye Fabric or Paper

Want a rustic, vintage look? Brewed coffee or its leftover grounds can stain paper or fabric a beautiful sepia tone. Great for craft projects or upcycled home décor.

 8. Make a Homemade Candle

Infuse your homemade candles with coffee grounds for a warm, earthy scent. Layer a few dried grounds at the base of the container for an aesthetic touch and gentle fragrance.

Small Steps, Big Impact

At Bristol Twenty, we’re always exploring ways to reduce waste and encourage sustainable practices. If you’re a café partner or wholesale client, why not offer your customers a scoop of used grounds for their garden? It’s a great way to show your commitment to sustainability and start meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee.