University of Alberta
OP-T2-7: Pre-Consumer Food Waste Composting

NORTH CAMPUS Pre-consumer food waste composting commenced three years ago in the Lister Centre student housing complex and the Students’ Union building. Since then, the program has expanded to include all commercial food outlets across campus, with the exception of HUB mall. The collection of organics in food preparation areas and food kiosks across campus is an initiative spearheaded by the Buildings and Grounds Services (BGS) division in collaboration with the Students’ Union, Residence Services and University Dining Services (ARAMARK). The division provides the collection bins as well as training for staff in the various locations. Monitoring of the collection process is also provided. The collected organics are transported from North Campus to a local composting facility which returns one metric tonne of compost for each metric tonne of organic materials it receives from the university. This compost is used by the BGS unit in its flower and shrub beds. During 2010, approximately 103 tonnes of organics were collected. AUGUSTANA CAMPUS At Augustana Campus, pre-consumer food waste composting began in Fall 2011 when Augustana’s in-vessel composter went into full operation. Presently, of the waste produced on campus 65 per cent is organic and 80 per cent of that comes from the cafeteria. All organic waste is now being diverted from the cafeteria, both pre- and post-consumer, from the collection of food peelings to table scraps.

Additional Responsible Party Information: AUGUSTANA CAMPUS Name: Chris Blades Department: Facilities & Operations Position: Facilities Manager