University of Alberta
OP-T2-8: PostConsumer Food Waste Composting

In 2007, Buildings and Grounds Services (BGS) in collaboration with the Students’ Union (SU) and Residence Services, began a post-consumer organics collection pilot project in the dining areas of two major campus dining facilities (Lister Market and SUB). The indoor organics collection bins were provided by Ancillary Services and the Students’ Union to Lister Market and SUB respectively, with the outdoor bins being provided by BGS. For the first time in 2010, students living in the University of Alberta Graduate Residence had the opportunity to participate in a formal in-suite organics collection program and in 2013, the program expanded to include the Pinecrest House and Tamarack House residences. The Office of Sustainability and Energy Management and Sustainable Operations (EMSO) created the East Campus Village Waste in Residence project. This comprehensive community-based social marketing program included outreach and education, the development of resources for students, implementation of a pilot opt-in individual organics and recycle bin program, waste monitoring data spanning two years and evaluation of diversion rates. Plans are underway for: embedding sustainability into the Residence Hall Association constitution, implementing sustainability into residential unit condition reports and roommate agreements, and embedding the bin system into day to day operations. From 2011 to 2013, the post-consumer organics collection project further expanded to include office spaces in the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, the General Services Building, and the Hospitality and Residence Services offices in Lister Centre. A pilot for collecting paper towel waste for composting was also put in place at the General Services Building and is planned to be established in SUB as part of its renovation, and will be considered in HUB. Facilities and Operations staff host “Recycle It Right” Lunch and Learn sessions to improve education and awareness surrounding the office-based pilot-programs. Additionally, the Office of Sustainability at the North Power Plant manages its own vermi-composting program. UAlberta is currently framing an expanded organics collection strategy for North Campus as part of our commitment to send 1,500 tonnes of organic solid waste to the new High Solids Anaerobic Digestion Facility located at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.

Additional Responsible Party Name: Jessie Kwasny Department: Facilities and Operations Position: Waste Diversion/Recycling Coordinator, Buildings and Grounds Services