As you returned or arrived to campus in the fall, you may have seen the new waste bins (including compost!) in the Commons. In case you were wondering, here's how they came to be, and how you can use them! Help us spread the word by sharing this post with your networks: http://sustainability.umbc.edu/waste
UMBC's new bins have 3 or 4 slots:
- Paper
- Landfill
- Compostable (Commons & UC only)
- Glass, Cans, Plastic
The labels are available as stickers as well, to show and explain how waste should be sorted. The new bins are located in the Commons, and at lecture halls, and will be phased in across campus as a new indoor standard. Outdoor recycling bins (the black, metal, circular bins) accept all recyclables: paper, glass, cans and plastic.
Above: President Freeman Hrabowski demonstrating new 3 hole bins.
Compost
Learn about compostable packaging:
What can we compost?
- All Food Waste
- Soiled Paper Products (such as used napkins, pizza boxes, etc. If you notice a plastic or wax coating, toss into the landfill slot for general trash)
- Plant-based Packaging (just check the labels and images below)
- True Grits Dining Hall (all food waste is composted in the kitchen, including food on used dishes)
-
The Commons (labeled green slots in waste bins)
- University Center (ground floor by dining options)
Why Compost?
Composting allows food to decompose naturally into valuable fertile soil. Otherwise, food waste decomposing in a landfill without oxygen would create methane, a problematic greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Learn more at epa.gov!
History: Collaboration and Coordination
We were able to start composting our food waste in 2012 thanks to the efforts of SGA Sustainability Intern Madeline Hall (featured in the composting video below), and a coordinating committee including student leaders, our dining provider Chartwells, contract coordinators Campus Card, our green housekeeping group, and the company who picks up our compost and returns the decomposed food as fertile soil, Waste Neutral, as well as Facilities Management and UMBC's Sustainability Coordinator!
Composting has been phased into food services since 2012, starting with the Dining hall, then the Commons- to allow time to collaboratively select, purchase, and install new user friendly bins, to become a standard across campus.
Awareness: Events, Promotions and EducationOur student partners such as Students for Environmental Awareness, SGA Department of Environmental Affairs and SGA Sustainability interns have taken the lead in the 2012-2013 school year and designed educational outreach programs to raise awareness on why and how to compost on campus since composting was first introduced on campus!
We are excited to work with anyone interested in helping spread the word! Just email sustainability@umbc.edu to get involved!
Check out the student video about composting in the dining hall: http://youtu.be/Jlf80VmIvpQ
Some popular past published updates on composting:
- Taking time to compost in The Commons, by Zoe Gensheimer; An article from the Retriever Weekly describing composting!
- Check out the inside scoop: News on composting & recycling! Stay up to date on how you can pitch in!
- SUSTAINABLE FOOD AT UMBC! Chartwells has been doing tons of great things to go "green!
Zero Waste Events
Consider plant-based compostable dishware and flatware rather than plastic or Styrofoam for your next campus event with food and be sure to request a portable compost bin and pick up service through events services! The new SGA Green Paws fund allows student organizations to acquire plant based compostable materials at no additional cost.
Do you have any questions or ideas about composting on campus?
