Coffee

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).