DIY coffee logs without wax: A greener way to reuse coffee grounds
If you're looking for a simple way to reduce waste and repurpose your used coffee grounds, this guide is for you. Wax-free coffee logs are a sustainable, affordable alternative to shop-bought fire logs - and they’re easy to make at home.
☕ Why avoid wax-coated coffee logs?
Most commercial coffee logs are coated in wax, which helps them burn. The downside? That wax is often petroleum-based, which means:
- It can release harmful fumes when burned
- It slows down decomposition in landfill
- It adds to your carbon footprint
By skipping the wax, you’re creating a cleaner burn and a log that’s better for the planet.
🌱 How to make coffee logs without wax
The good news is you don’t need fancy tools or expensive binders to make coffee logs without wax. All you need is a few simple materials you probably already have in the house.
🔧 What you’ll need
- Used coffee grounds (completely dry - wet grounds can go mouldy)
- Cardboard egg boxes (not plastic or styrofoam)
- A little water
Optional: You can also experiment with shredded paper or flour paste if you’d like to tweak the mix.
🛠 Step-by-step instructions
1. Prep the egg box
Tear off the lid and keep just the base with egg slots. Lay it somewhere you don’t mind getting messy.
2. Mix the coffee grounds
In a bowl, combine your dried grounds with a small splash of water. You want a texture that’s damp and clumpy - not soggy.
3. Fill the egg box
Scoop the mixture into each egg slot. Press it down firmly so it holds shape as it dries.
4. Dry completely
Leave the filled egg box in a well-ventilated space. It’ll take around 3–7 days to fully dry, depending on the room temperature and humidity. You’ll know they’re ready when the coffee logs feel hard and crumbly.
🔥 How to use your wax-free coffee logs
Once dry, your homemade coffee logs are ready to go! Use them:
- In a wood burner or stove
- On open fires
- In your garden chiminea
They work best as kindling or when added alongside other dry fuels.
🌍 Why make your own coffee logs?
Making wax-free logs isn’t just about saving money (though it does that too). It’s about making everyday habits more sustainable.
✅ Benefits:
- Eco-friendly – You’re keeping grounds out of landfill and avoiding fossil-based wax
- Budget-conscious – Skip the pricey fire logs at the shop
- Satisfying – There’s something brilliant about making fuel from your own waste
Benefits of making DIY coffee logs without wax
☕ Tip: Save even more grounds
If you brew a lot of coffee (or run a coffee business like we do at Wrexham Bean Co.), consider collecting larger batches of grounds to make logs in bulk. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before storing.
You might also like: Best Coffee for Cold Brew: What to Use & Why
🌿 A final thought
Next time you finish your morning cup of coffee, don’t bin your used grounds. Use them to make eco-friendly coffee logs without wax - a simple, practical, and surprisingly satisfying hobby.
🛍️ Fancy trying a new coffee and saving the grounds?
All our eco-friendly coffee beans are roasted in Wrexham, North Wales.
