Canterbury firm transforms coffee grounds into eco-friendly plant food
- Countrystyle Recycling is converting used coffee grounds from Canterbury businesses into plant food pellets.
- The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and CO2 emissions associated with coffee grounds disposal.
- The project has received positive feedback from local businesses and is expected to promote sustainable gardening.
A Kent-based company, Countrystyle Recycling, is pioneering an initiative to recycle used coffee grounds from local cafes and restaurants into eco-friendly plant food pellets. This innovative approach addresses the significant waste generated by the leisure and hospitality industry, where a large portion of coffee grounds typically ends up in landfills. By recycling one tonne of coffee grounds, the company claims to save 580kg of CO2 emissions, equivalent to driving 1,400 miles. The coffee pellets produced are rich in essential nutrients, described by the company's chief executive, Martin Heathcote, as 'rocket fuel' for plants. These pellets are set to be available for purchase in garden centres and to horticulturalists next year, promoting sustainable gardening practices. Local businesses, such as Café No 35, have embraced this recycling scheme, aligning with their sustainability ethos. Owner Anna Carpenter expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the café's commitment to both quality coffee and plant care. The initiative has garnered support from the Canterbury Business Improvement District, which recognizes the potential for over 180 local restaurants, cafes, and hotels to contribute to this eco-friendly effort. With the UK producing approximately 250,000 tonnes of used coffee grounds annually, this project represents a significant step towards reducing waste and promoting a circular economy in the region.