Pre- and Post-Consumer

Composting
Jamie, Ariel, Yixi, Vicky

The Basics
Compost: Decomposed organic matter
Composting: the recycling of organics such as animal waste, bedding, greenwaste and foodwaste into
compost and mulch. Different from recycling!!
Pre consumer composting: The preparatory food refuse and raw material food that is never seen by
the consumer, this recycled organic matter is easier to compost due to no need to eliminate
contaminants http://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.cfm?number=B1189
Post consumer composting: Table scrap food refuse that has to be separated from other
contaminants, this recycled material is much harder to compost due to feasibility, flexibility, volume,
labor, or atmosphere of institution
Zero Waste: UCs zero waste goal, locations need to meet or exceed 95% diversion of municipal solid
waste. Ultimately, UCs zero waste goal strives for the elimination of all materials sent to the landfill by
2020.

Composting methods
-

Passive composting (piling) - is simply stacking the materials and letting

them decompose naturally. This method is simple and low cost but is very
slow and may result in objectionable odors.

Composting methods
-

Aerated static piles - air is introduced to the stacked pile via perforated
pipes. This method requires no labor to turn compost but is weather
sensitive, and can have unreliable pathogen reduction due to imperfect
mixing.

Composting methods
-

Windrows - long, narrow piles that are turned when required based on
temperature and oxygen requirements. This method produces a large
uniform product and can be remotely located. However, turning the
compost can be labor intensive or require expensive equipment.

Composting methods
- Bins - this allows for good air circulation, is inexpensive, and require little
labor. Bin composting is typically used for small amounts of food waste or
back-yard composting

Composting methods
-

Vermicomposting - uses worms to consume the food waste and

utilizes its castings as high quality compost. This is usually done in
containers, bins, or greenhouses. Known as Black Gold

Pros & Cons to Composting

PROS

CONS

Highly useful for gardens, nutrient dense

Requires a lot of space

Sustainable, less waste going into landfills

Time/energy in form of volunteers is heavily

required

Promotes a cleaner, pollution free campus

Post-consumer composting has to be a

initiative taken by students

Engages the entire campus community in

making a positive impact on environment

Can be smelly, unless vermicomposting is

used
Can pose a health risk or attract
vermin/pests

Reference to UC System Policy

University of California System Policy Sustainable Practices
Are there any? Not Quite
UC system pledge zero waste by 2020.

Reference to UC System Policy

Policy Statement Goals

F. Recycling and Waste Management

1. The University prioritizes waste reduction in the following
order: reduce, reuse, and then recycle
2. The Universitys goal for diverting municipal solid waste
from landfills is as follows
- 50% as of June 30, 2008
- 75% as of June 30, 2012
- ultimate goal of zero waste by 2020

Reference to UC System Policy

UC has committed to sending zero waste to

landfill by 2020.

In 2013-14, 63% of UCs waste was diverted

from the landfill.

Pilot zero waste programs now exist on most

UC campuses, and some zero waste initiatives
have become standard practice.

Reference to UC System Policy

Required Procedures - Recycling and Waste Management

Reference to UC System Policy

Other indirect ways of promoting composting.

Reference to Individual UC Campus

Strategies
Project Compost
Student-run, student-funded
Focuses on education and action
Free workshops through the Experimental
College
Home consultations
Make compost bins to distribute
Aids in daily campus compost pickups
Collects over 1,000 pounds of food matter daily to
compost for the student farm

Reference to Individual UC Campus

Strategies
Here at Davis we are practicing composting and expanding...
Some compostable materials generated go to a commercial
composting facility in Zamora, California.

Developing Collection System for Compostable Materials:

Service route for regular collection services from certain
locations and special events
Collection methods
Carts: used to collect
Compactors: five compactors are able to hold
materials up to two weeks (high cost)
Dumpsters and Trailers: different sizes used for
collections, materials will be used for feedstock and
for biodigester

Reference to Individual UC Campus

Strategies

Education and Training about Compostable Materials:

with added collections on campus there will be a need
to educate campus students, staff and faculty about how
to properly dispose of their compostable material.
Improve in Procurement Practices in Food
Serviceware: to ensure that only compostable materials
are collected for composting
Use food service ware that is compostable according
to facility requirements

Biodigester Program at
UCD
The pilot is processing materials
generated at the various dining
commons
Minimal hauling needs
Produce energy as well as a byproduct that can be sold as a
fertilizer

Other universities - Composting strategies

Cornell University
-

All Campus Dining units use

compostable take-out containers,
flatware, tableware, & napkins
Compost collection at events and
in office and residence spaces

University of Illinois Extension

-

Holding Units - bins

Sheet Composting
Pit or Trench Composting

A Primary School - Composting strategies

A primary school in Connecticut
- A Steering Committee.
- Compost Poster Contest - Offer prizes for posters that teach about
composting or motivate students to do their part; part of an art class
on creating posters.
- School Composting Club - Give students an opportunity to meet with
friends and have fun in an after-school activity that has videos about
Composting, decomposition experiment.

Discussion
Questions to think about:
Is anyone currently involved in
composting on campus?
We hear positive things about
composting, but are you yourself a
responsible composter?
Do you compost at home?
What are other ways we can increase
composting here on campus?