10 Incredible Ways to Reuse Keurig K-Cups

Love the convenience of K-Cups but hate tossing them in your garbage can? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve come up with some ways to reuse Keurig K-Cups around the house. I’ve got 10 easy projects that’ll turn trashed K-Cups into something useful, practical, and (dare I say) cool.

Wondering about recycling K-Cups? Well, it depends on your area. Traditional K-Cups are made of plastic and have a foil lid with a paper filter, so they’re not widely accepted in most curbside recycling programs. This is because the components are difficult to separate and recycle efficiently. But some brands now offer recyclable K-Cups made with different materials, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which may be accepted in certain recycling programs.

Another option to reduce the environmental impact is to use reusable K-Cup pods, which are designed to be filled with your own coffee or tea grounds. They can be used multiple times, eliminating the need for single-use cups altogether.

Let’s dive into how to reuse K-Cups. From DIY home decor to fun projects to do with kids, you’ll be surprised at the versatility of these little cups. Be sure to download The Krazy Coupon Lady app or text HACKS to 57299 for more money-saving Keurig and coffee deals and coupons.

 

1. Start seeds in K-Cups.

If you’re a gardening enthusiast and a K-Cup user, consider turning them into a sustainable and inexpensive way to start seeds for your plants. Start by removing the used coffee grounds. Then rinse out the K-Cups thoroughly with water to ensure they’re clean and free of any residue.

Make drainage holes by using a nail or a small drill, then fill each cup with a high-quality seedling mix, leaving a small space at the top for watering. Plant your seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet.

RELATED: Learn how to get free seeds for your garden.

 

2. Organize small office or craft supplies with K-Cups.

Tacks, paperclips, staples, buttons, sequins … use K-Cups to stay organized. Their compact size and durable construction make them ideal for storing and sorting various items in an organized and clutter-free manner. Try this tip for your garage organization needs to sort small screws, nuts, bolts, or other hardware.

 

3. Refill K-Cups with more coffee and brew another cup.

Empty the used coffee grounds from K-Cups and rinse. Let the K-Cup dry overnight, then refill with fresh coffee. Cover the filled K-Cup with foil, crimping in the sides so the coffee doesn’t spill out and use normally.

 

4. Slip mini light bulbs through K-Cups for DIY party lights.

If you’re planning a DIY party or event and want to create something festive but inexpensive, slip mini light bulbs through the openings of Keurig K-Cups.

Materials you’ll need:

• Keurig K-Cups (clean and empty)
• Mini light bulbs (LED or incandescent)
• Extension cord or string lights
• Scissors or utility knife

Instructions:

1. Ensure that the K-Cups are clean and empty. Remove any remaining coffee grounds or filters.
2. Use scissors or a utility knife to carefully cut small openings in the K-Cups large enough to slip the mini light bulbs through. You can cut a single hole on the bottom of the K-Cup or multiple holes around the sides, depending on the design and effect you want to achieve.
3. Insert the light bulbs by gently pushing them through the openings, making sure that they fit securely without damaging the bulbs or the K-Cups. If you’re using LED light bulbs, make sure they don’t generate excessive heat that could melt the plastic of the K-Cups.
4. Connect the lights to an extension cord or string lights to provide power. LED bulbs may already come with their own battery pack or can be connected to a string of LED lights. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and proper usage.

Note: Make sure to use LED bulbs or low-wattage incandescent bulbs to avoid excessive heat. Follow proper electrical wiring and installation practices to prevent any hazards.

 

5. Use K-cups as mini popsicle molds.

First plug the hole with a bit of tape or hot glue.

The easiest way to make homemade popsicles is to freeze juice or yogurt, but you can use whatever recipe you’d like. Fill clean, plugged K-Cups, and place a craft stick in the cup (you may want to cut sticks in half so they aren’t so long), using tape to center the stick. Place filled cups on a baking sheet and freeze.

 

 

6. Freeze fresh herbs and olive oil in K-cups to get the perfect amount for cooking.

Plug up the used K-Cup hole with tape, then fill the K-Cup with olive oil and chopped fresh herbs. When you’re ready to use it, dip the frozen K-Cup in hot water or cut away the plastic. Toss the frozen herb-oil directly into the pan as you cook.

 

7. Use K-Cups as stamps on DIY projects.

K-Cups can be used as stamps to create interesting patterns, designs, or textures on various DIY projects, such as greeting cards, wrapping paper, scrapbooking, fabric crafts, and more. Get creative and experiment with different colors, arrangements, and techniques to personalize your DIY projects and make them truly unique.

 

8. Let kids use K-Cups to build things.

Kids can even use them as “bowling pins,” with a marble or bouncy ball as a bowling ball. Trust me, this idea should keep them busy enough for you to watch at least one TV show while you enjoy your coffee.

 

9. Cover K-Cups in fabric or tissue paper to make decorative planters.

Take a small piece of fabric or tissue paper and fold it over the edge of the K-Cup. Hot glue or tape to the inside of the cup, tie a ribbon around it, and fill. Now you have an elegant DIY centerpiece for brunch or just to admire.

 

10. Cut a slit through the K-Cup bottom to make a cardholder.

With its small size and sturdy plastic construction, a K-Cup can be easily transformed into a cardholder by cutting a slit through the bottom. The length of the slit will depend on the size of your cards and how many you want to hold.