[USCC] composting coffee grounds

[David Goldstein]

QUESTION: 

Do any list members have evidence or case studies showing that coffee
grounds can be beneficially applied to farmland at rates that do not
damage surrounding ecosystems, pollute groundwater, attract pests,
bio-accumulate phytotoxins, worsen odors, or cause other significant
environmental problems?

BACKGROUND:

On 02/07/07, I previously posted to this listserv a summary of an
important issue. To summarize that summary:  Coffee grounds are
currently being composted at a facility that has a temporary permit to
handle food waste. However, in less than two years, after that temporary
food waste composting permit expires, a significant tonnage of coffee
grounds may have to be disposed.  The Local Enforcement Agency (with
direction from the California Integrated Waste Management Board)
currently deems coffee grounds a "food waste" and prohibits farms and
most composters from taking it, since they are not permitted to handle
food waste. 

PREVIOUS RESPONSES:

Thank you to John Kelly for information on de-watering coffee grounds
and using them for biomass fuel. Thank you to Rufus Chaney and Matt
Cotton for clarifying the issues. 

OPPORTUNITY:

We hope to present information to the new chief regulator of the CIWMB.
Also, the company generating the waste has had discussions with a
coalition of other coffee ground generators and may lobby regulators or
legislators (if needed). We need documentation on which to make our
case.

Please help.





david.goldstein at ventura.org
Ventura County PWA, W&S Dept.,
IWMD
800 S. Victoria Ave. #1650  Ventura, CA 93009-1650
(805) 658-4312    www.wasteless.org