If you have a single-serve coffee maker in your home, then you know how quickly used K Cups can pile up. K Cups have a very short lifespan because once you’re done with that cup of coffee, you have to throw them out! This can add up to a lot of waste and isn’t great for the environment. Instead of letting all those coffee pods go to waste, here are 15 recycled K Cup crafts for kids to make. You can make these crafts with old K Cups you don’t plan to drink or after your used ones have dried out!
Recycle K Cups with these fun crafts
K Cups are one of the most controversial items in the supermarket. People love the convenience of these little pods- but lets be real, they are terrible for the environment. In our home we opt for these reusable coffee pods for our Keurig machine. We've been using the same pods for a few years now and they can be used with any coffee brand.
Keurig has committed to having all of their K Cups made from recyclable materials, but there are still concerns. Tree Hugger has a great post explaining it all very well here.
Check out the end of this post for some FAQ about recycling K Cups.
Now, we all know K Cups aren't going away anytime soon. Chances are if you don't have any in your home then your neighbor or co-worker has some in theirs.
You can teach kids about recycling and make a fun craft with your old K Cups. Check out these fun ideas from around the web!
Recycled Lion Craft
This cute lion is made with a K Cup, craft eyes, a pipe cleaner and some paint.
K-Cup Mobile
Kids can make a craft for their room with this K Cup mobile.
Upcycled Ladybug Craft
Ladybugs are always popular with little ones. Now you can make your own with this fun tutorial.
Daffodil Bouquet Craft
Get ready for spring with this fun daffodil bouquet
Apple Made From Reused K-cup
This apple is so cute and only uses some paint and pipe cleaners.
Frozen Inspired Olaf
Create your favorite Frozen character from a K Cup!
Reindeer K-Cup
Make these cute reindeer next Christmas!
Turkey Craft
Turkey's are perfect to make in the fall for Thanksgiving!
Simply Adorable Elmo K Cup Craft
Who doesn't love Elmo? Make this fun craft with a little paint and a pom-pom.
Spring Daffodils
More daffodils! Make these fun flowers and hang the whole sign up for spring!
Easter Chick Craft
This adorable chick is perfect for Easter and spring. Fill him with your favorite candy.
Coffee Pods & Confetti Poppers
Make these confetti poppers for Independence Day or any time of year you want to celebrate!
FAQ about recycling K Cups
Most single use coffee pods are not accepted by recycling collections. Some types of coffee pods are collected by a company called TerraCycle.
You can buy reusable pods made from plastic or steel. They only cost a few dollars and you can fill them again and again with your favorite ground coffee.
Peel of the aluminum top and remove the used coffee grounds. Rinse it out and then send it off to your approved recycling center.
What's your favorite way to recycle K Cups? Let me know in the comments!
anita dellacroce says
the grounds can be used to put into your garden soil
adrienne says
Thanks Anita! Great tip!