How to Recycle Coffee Bags

Thanks to rising concerns for the environment, recycling has become second nature and a way of life. No longer is it just about separating out your paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass. Every day companies are developing ways to create and use recyclable packaging for their products and that includes those old coffee bags you toss after the last pot is brewed. While many coffee packages can be deceiving with one material on the outside of the package and a different material lining the inside, there are still ways for you to reuse those unwanted bags and help the environment.

• 1
  Store beans away from air and moisture. coffee jar image by Paolo from Fotolia.com

  Transfer coffee beans from the original bag to an airtight container. To retain freshness of the coffee beans, place the container in a dark, dry place. Now you can reuse the coffee bag without sacrificing the quality of your coffee beans.

• 2
  Rinsing out your bag will ensure your old beans' flavor won't mix with the new beans. faucet image by Laura Dynan from Fotolia.com

  Rinse out coffee bag. Most plastic coffee bags, and some paper bags, are lined with a type of aluminum or plastic fused with aluminum that is water resistant. Bring your empty coffee bag with you the next time you need coffee beans and fill that bag instead of buying a new one. Many stores today are flexible and welcome reusing bags -- all you have to do is ask.

• 3
  Cut holes in the walls of the bag and tie twine for a hanging version. hanging basket image by david hughes from Fotolia.com

  Reuse your empty coffee bags as flower planters. Cut the empty bag to desired height. Fill bag with potting soil of your choice. Sprinkle seeds into soil and water thoroughly.

• 4
  A brown paper bag isn't the only option for covering your books. Empty brown paperbag isolated on white image by sumos from Fotolia.com

  Cover books with your empty coffee bags. Depending on the size of your book, cut one or more coffee bags to the necessary width and height. Allow for enough bag material for the book to close completely. Securely tape bag to the inside of your book.