Researchers have discovered that the coffee dregs chucked away by millions of Italians every day can be used as a 'clean' organic fuel.
''The dregs make ideal fuel for stoves and boilers,'' said Roberto Lavecchia and Antonio Zuorro of Rome's La Sapienza University.
The coffee residue is also useful in the removal of heavy metals, the researchers said.
The residue is a by-product of a technique the scientists have perfected to extract natural chemical substances called polyphenols from used coffee.
Using a solvent made from water and ethanol they are able to recuperate over 95% of the polyphenols, which have strong anti-oxidant properties, from the dregs.
Anti-oxidants are highly prized in the cosmetic industry for their anti-ageing properties and are also thought to reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Around 70 million cups of coffee are drunk in Italy daily.
