Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Coffee Beans/Composting Coffee Grounds

Composting Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds

Since coffee beans are entirely organic material, the used product can simply be composted.

While it is possible for bacterial pathogens such as E. coli and Staphylococcus to grow on wet coffee grounds, it seems coffee grounds actually have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Specifically, non-pathogenic fungi such as Pseudomonas, Fusarium, Trichoderma, and pin molds, which are commonly found in spent coffee grounds, prevent harmful pathogenic fungi from forming.

Regardless, as composting coffee grounds is a relatively safe process, fungi and bacterial growth are the most significant concerns.

Occupational health and safety

Biological hazards

1. Fungi pathogens
2. Bacterial pathogens