From ScienceAlert · Tessa Koumoundouros · · 1m
Coffee Grounds Boost Concrete Strength
Scientists use coffee waste to make stronger concrete, cutting landfill and sand use.
In brief
Scientists use coffee waste to make stronger concrete, cutting landfill and sand use. RMIT researchers turned coffee grounds into stronger concrete, diverting 140,000 coffees from landfills and saving 3.3 US tons of sand. Originally reported by ScienceAlert.
Coffee Waste Problem
Each year, the world produces about 10 billion kilograms of coffee waste ending up in landfills.
Environmental Impact
Disposal of organic waste emits greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, worsening climate change.
Sand Shortage Issue
Global construction demands more sand, causing environmental damage from mining river beds and banks.
Coffee to Biochar
Scientists heated coffee grounds to 350 °C, creating carbon-rich biochar that strengthens concrete.
Real-World Test
A footpath in Victoria used coffee biochar concrete, diverting 140,000 coffees from landfills and saving 3.3 US tons of sand.
Future Plans
Researchers aim to test coffee-cement durability and expand to other organic waste sources like wood and food.
The headline
RMIT researchers turned coffee grounds into stronger concrete, diverting 140,000 coffees from landfills and saving 3.3 US tons of sand.
