Brewing
When it comes to coffee, the first thing you should consider is how you’re brewing it

Drip Coffee Machine
This method requires the use of a paper filter. If you compost, the grounds and filter will make a great addition to your compost pile, but if not, look into reusable filters.

Single Cup Machines
Single-use K-cups are extremely wasteful and not at all recyclable. Refillable cups are widely available so you don’t have to keep purchasing the single-use versions.

French Press
The only waste produced using this method are the bag the coffee grounds come in and the grounds themselves. In order to create the least waste, consider buying coffee beans in bulk.

Pour Over Coffee
This method requires the use of a paper filter. If you compost, the grounds and filter will make a great addition to your compost pile, but if not, look into reusable filters.
Filters
Next, think about the filters you use

Paper Filters
Paper filters usually come in a plastic wrapper that cannot be recycled. Unbleached paper filters can be composted.

Fabric Filters
- Fabric filters are reusable and some coffee fanatics claim they actually make coffee taste better.
- You can make your own, check out this website for instructions.
- You can purchase pre-made fabric filters if you aren’t able to make your own.

Basket Filter
These bad boys hold a lot of coffee and fit into most traditional drip coffee machines. Make sure to get one made with a very fine mesh if you aren’t a fan of coffee grounds in the bottom of your cup. Compare basket filters here.

Single Cup Filter
If you prefer just brewing one cup at a time, consider a reusable single cup filter. Compare reusable single cup filters here.
Beans
Next, think about the filters you use


Coffee Cans (plastic or metal) + Coffee Bags
Waste Status: Not recyclable
Alternatives

Easy: Reusable Bags and Bulk Beans
Bring a reusable bag and buy your beans in bulk! Most bulk sections have different varieties of bulk coffee as an option. The coffee sold as beans, but the stores usually have a coffee grinder right there so you can grind them before you buy them. Clifton Market has tons of varieties as does Fresh Thyme in Newport. Lookout Joe in Mt. Lookout Square also sells their beans in bulk. To find a store with a bulk section near your, check out this tool (you might want to give them a call to confirm they have bulk coffee, though, just in case).
Thanks for the post, a lot of useful and useful information.