Coffee Grounds Perk up Compost Pile With Nitrogen

About 2 percent nitrogen by volume, used coffee grounds can be a safe substitute for nitrogen-rich manure in the compost pile, explained Cindy Wise, coordinator of the compost specialist program at the Lane County office of the Oregon State University Extension Service.

“A lot of people don’t want to use manure because of concerns about pathogens,” said Wise.

Contrary to popular belief, coffee grounds are not acidic. After brewing, the grounds are close to pH neutral, between 6.5 and 6.8. The acid in the beans is mostly water-soluble, so it leaches into the coffee we drink.

Compost specialist program? Must . . . refrain from . . . making joke . . . about shitty education . . .