at Trent University Composting

Compost Generation Public Spaces Cafeterias Kitchens Gardens

Collection Compost is set out for collection by caretaking staff and kitchen porters.

Compost Pick -Up Physical Resources grounds staff collect the compost and delivery it to our campus compost site

Clean-Up Staff power wash the compost containers to help keep odours down Carts are typically lined with compostable bags

Processing Compost New windrows are started each semester Compostable waste is always covered in wood chips Windrows are turned to aerate and moderate temperatures

Screening Compost Compost is screened to remove contamination and large uncomposted items Avoiding contamination is the biggest challenge in composting

Monitoring for Quality Staff measure compost temperatures Compost is sent for quality testing Finished compost is used in Trent gardens and on lawns

Successes Trent’s Compost System diverted 86 tonnes in 2011 Aramark Food Services has replaced all plastic and foam take-out containers with compostable options

Challenges Contamination is our biggest challenge On-going education as new students arrive at Trent Evaluating new compostable take-out products Challenging the perception that compostable is better than reusable