Central Michigan University
IN-24: Innovation A

Central Michigan University engages in a truly innovative composting program. Many institutions have employed composting programs that focus solely on diverting waste from a landfill. CMU however, takes a more holistic approach, resulting in a full circle, closed system effect. Currently, organics account for 11.28% of all waste generated at CMU in a twelve month period and 33.5% of CMU's total diversion rate. With over one third of all diverted materials being compostable, CMU is committed to utilize organic waste as a valuable resource. Each week, as compost bins are filled, the recycling coordinator Don Long empties receptacles and transports them to a local Michigan-based business, known as Morgan's Composting. Once at Morgans, CMU's organic waste is unloaded in a specific are, designated for the university. There, CMU's organic waste is transformed into custom compost, known as Dairy Doo. In order to customize the fertilizing product, Morgan's takes soil samples around CMU's grounds to see what our soil is in need of. They then, mix in specific ratios of organic materials, nutrients and minerals, to yield the most useful product. Once the Dairy Doo has decomposed into the desired product, CMU buys back our own converted food waste to utilize as fertilizer on campus. Not only does this practice create a full circle, closed system for dining services food waste, this process positively impacts a local Michigan business, thus increasing the economic prosperity of a rural area in Michigan and enhancing the livelihood of Morgan's many employees. In essence, CMU's composting program epitomizes sustainability, as defined by AASHE.