The Hidden Value of Used Coffee Grounds at IKEA

It’s a typical weekend at IKEA Nanjing. As usual, a long queue forms at the in-house coffee station on the third floor. Shoppers line up for the Swedish retailer’s signature free refills of freshly brewed coffee—an everyday perk that draws crowds. But it wasn’t the coffee that caught a reporter’s eye. Posted near the machine was a small sign: “Dear customers, if you’d like used coffee grounds, feel free to ask our staff. Let’s practice sustainability together.” Below, the sign listed several practical uses: deodorizing, cutting grease, scrubbing stains, and even acting as a soil amendment for acid-loving plants.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Home Composting & Brewing

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral profile—great for composting grounds or brewing light roasts. For a deeper option, their Yirgacheffe offers juicy berry notes ideal for experimenting with pour-over or French press. Both single origins highlight the potential of fresh beans, and even their spent grounds are nutrient-rich for compost. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.