Emory University
IN-1: Innovation 1

As part of Emory's composting program in partnership with Greenco Environmental, Emory composts animal bedding and research animal carcasses used in Emory's numerous scientific research laboratories. Through this innovative addition to the composting program, Emory's Department of Animal Resources (DAR) takes animal bedding and animal carcass waste generated in the Whitehead Biomedical Research Building and research facilities at Emory Healthcare's Clinic B and diverts it from the waste stream by adding it to the compost supplied to Greenco through the Emory Composting partnership. The animal bedding and carcass waste contains no infectious or chemical contamination and serves as a rich source of carbon for Greenco's compost mix, which requires a 30:1 ratio of carbon to nitrogen for the natural process of composting to occur. The Emory Grounds Department purchases some of this rich soil amendment and utilizes it back on Emory's campus, completing the closed-loop system.

Since the start of this new addition to the composting program in November 2009 through April 2010, 136,820 pounds or 68.41 tons of animal bedding has been diverted from Georgia landfills. DAR has realized a savings of 46% or a total of $6,480 ($1,080 per month) in this same time period. Figures for animal carcass composting are not yet available.

Emory's Sustainability Vision, adopted in 2005, has set a goal to divert 95% of animal bedding and food by 2015 from 2005 baseline levels. Emory's innovative animal bedding composting program exemplifies our commitment to sustainability in all parts of the university, including the resource intensive research facilities. Through this program, Emory is helping to lead the way in making sustainability a priority not only in traditional academic areas, but in healthcare and research as well.