Viability of Leveraging Spent Coffee Grounds

Abstract

We recommend that Starbucks continues to allocate spent coffee grounds to composting. ● Compared to composting, anaerobic digestion saves energy when creating biogas and fertilizer, but emits more carbon dioxide. ● Anaerobic digestion and using SCG to make PHA is more efficient than market alternatives. However, because these alternatives require more energy and GHG than composting we do not recommend pursuing them at scale. ● Embracing public-private partnerships with schools and communities to 1) divert SCG from landfill, 2) engage public on environmental education, and 3) educate the next generation on composting practices