Composting is an easy way to directly reduce the amount of waste that you send to landfills! Instead of throwing away your food scraps (which sends them to landfills that are running out of room and are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions), composting allows you to transform your food waste into a useful product for agriculture, gardening, and landscaping. Compost enriches depleted soil by reducing the amount of pests and encouraging the production of beneficial microorganisms that increase the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients. In other words, it acts as a natural fertilizer.
By providing optimal conditions for microorganisms, compost speeds up the process of natural decomposition, which can take hundreds of years if occurring in the wild, into a few short weeks. This process is critical for soil health. As Will Rogers said, "They're making more people everyday--but they ain't making anymore dirt"
Composting is also economically beneficial. It reduces costs associated with trash disposal, but it also reduces costs in regard to fertilizer use, water use, and pest control.
Can I compost paper in the compost bins?
For the pilot phase of the project only food scraps can be composted. However, once the pilot phase is over we hope to expand our composting to include paper and compostable containers/cutlery.
Where do my food scraps go?
The food scraps are sent to Engel & Gray, Inc, which is a local composting facility that provides compost for agriculture, green businesses, and landscaping.
What does it mean for the pilot project to be "successful"?
In order for Compost Pilot Project to deemed "successful" minimal contamination must be found in the compost bins. Contamination occurs when people put non-compostable objects into the compost bins. Reports on the contamination levels of the compost bins will be frequently compiled and shared. If the Compost Pilot Project is successful then UCEN dining operated eateries will purchase compostable containers, cups and cutlery.
Are there any bins located off campus?
Since this is a University project, no Compost Pilot Project bins can be placed off campus. However, feel free to collect your food scraps at home and then drop them off in the CPP bins on campus!
How can I get involved with the Compost Pilot Project?
Come to our weekly Compost Pilot Coalition meetings! Thursdays at 5pm in SRB 1103!
