You keep grounds separate.
Place spent coffee grounds in a designated container. Keep cups, lids, plastics, liquids and other waste out; follow your site’s acceptance instructions.
Coffee Grounds Recovery Program
Coffee grounds shouldn’t be trash.
Let’s put them back to work.
A practical approach to separating, collecting and tracking spent coffee grounds from businesses across the Capital District.
A simple process. A bigger impact.
A better next step for every batch.
The pilot is designed around straightforward separation at your business, scheduled pickups and clear records of where collected grounds go.
Plan pickups around your site.
Container size and pickup frequency are agreed during onboarding, based on volume, storage space and route availability.
Document each collection.
The planned workflow records container identification, collection weights, dates and material-condition notes.
Verify the next destination.
Match accepted grounds with suitable downstream outlets. Report recovery outcomes only after the destination and handling are confirmed.
Explore the coffee vehicle concept
Concept features include sealed containers, a washable cargo area and space for collection documentation. The electric vehicle shown is illustrative; the final fleet choice is not yet confirmed.
Who can participate?
Built for businesses that make coffee every day.
We’re exploring participation with commercial sites that can separate their grounds and provide a practical collection point.
Coffee shops & cafés
Restaurants & food service
Offices & workplaces
Hotels & hospitality
Institutions & schools
Other commercial generators
The 90-day coffee recovery pilot
Start local.
Learn what works.
Grow responsibly.
Help shape a concentrated collection network beginning in Glenville, Scotia and Schenectady. An initial conversation helps us understand your location, coffee volume and collection needs.
Explore participationStart dates, fees, collection schedules and acceptance criteria are confirmed individually before participation. An inquiry does not enroll your business or commit you to service.
- Site assessmentReview storage, access, estimated volume and staff workflow.
- Container planningIdentify a suitable container arrangement and clear separation guidance.
- Collection planningAgree on a pickup schedule suited to the site and available routes.
- Tracking and reviewReview weights, contamination observations and collection performance.
- Recovery reportingDistinguish material collected from confirmed downstream recovery.
Where do the grounds go?
Recovery with a documented destination.
Potential pathways include composting and other suitable organic-material recovery outlets. Acceptance and suitability must be confirmed with the receiving partner.
We will identify the agreed destination before collections begin and avoid claims of recycling or diversion until the outcome is documented.
Planned tracking workflow
Useful records for your business.
The proposed MorpheusOS workflow is designed to support:
- Container identifiers and collection timestamps
- Recorded weights and condition notes
- Pickup and receiving-location records
- Reporting based on verified activity
Tracking features will be validated before they are offered as part of service.
A few things to know.
Can we include paper filters or other food waste?
Acceptance depends on the receiving outlet. Keep coffee grounds separate and confirm filters, liners or any additional materials during your site assessment.
Will the coffee and cannabis programs share a pickup?
No combined pickup is offered. This page describes dedicated coffee recovery logistics; cannabis packaging has its own collection program.
Are you accepting household drop-offs?
This pilot focuses on commercial locations. Contact Melrah before bringing materials anywhere; a public drop-off location is not announced on this page.
Let’s start with your site
Request a coffee recovery assessment.
Tell us about your business and how much coffee you make. We’ll discuss what a practical collection arrangement could look like.
(518) 288-6193melrahenvironmmetal@gmail.comServing New York’s Capital District.