| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 84.74 |
| Liaison | Patrick McKee |
| Submission Date | Dec. 30, 2024 |
University of Connecticut
IN-48: Innovation B
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Patrick
McKee Senior Sustainability Program Manager Office of Sustainability |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
During the 2024 spring semester there were 3 food cyclers piloted across campus. This is a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability and Casella Waste Systems. The food cycler takes household food scraps, including meat and bones, and it grinds, and dries the food scraps turning it into a dry power called Foodilizer - Reducing food waste volume by 90% and removing it from the MSW waste stream. The foodilizer can be used as an additive to compost, distributed straight into a lawn, or saved for later distribution. The food cyclers were located at the Office of Sustainability, in an on-campus apartment, and at UConn Facilites and Operations. These locations tested the efficacy of the machine itself and its usability. It was found that the food cyclers were highly effective, relatively quiet, and free of odor. The food cyclers support food waste diversion. They support composting in spaces that don’t have access to traditional outdoor compost due to space constraints or other limitations. They are a great fit for on campus apartments with kitchens and break areas. The pilot is planned to expand during the 2024-25 academic year to 25 food cyclers across on-campus apartment style living.
Optional Fields
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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