OBJECTIVE

To have a well-used and properly managed compost system for your unit. This will help cut down the amount of organic waste that your unit sends to the landfill and promotes a sustainable closed-loop process where the finished compost is used on campus landscapes.

BARRIERS

• Lack of knowledge about composting
• Fear that the bin will smell, attract flies, be messy
• Think composting is inconvenient and/or
• Fear that the bin will be neglected (through loss of interest, staff turnover, lack of time etc)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Why should we be composting?

70% of UBC’s waste stream can be composted or recycled! UBC produces about 1900 tonnes of compostable waste each year. By composting our organic waste, we can dramatically cut down the amount of garbage going to landfills, and return valuable nutrients to the soil on campus.

How does UBC compost its organic waste?

UBC's large-scale in-vessel compost unit has been working hard to divert organic materials from the waste stream since September 2004. In-vessel composting refers to the decomposition of organic matter in a mechanized, fully-enclosed vessel to produce a useful, nutrient-rich end product that can be used in gardens.

Unlike traditional composting processes, the fully-enclosed system allows for controlled, accelerated composting to occur. The enclosed system eliminates the risk of odours and vectors (such as rodents); therefore, dairy, meat and grain products can also be composted in addition to vegetable scraps.

UBC’s In-Vessel Composting Facility:

• Is capable of processing 5 tonnes of organic waste daily;
• Produces compost within two weeks (excluding compost maturation time);
• Is the first of its kind at a Canadian University;
• Is a model of sustainable solid waste management and integrated agricultural systems;
• Is ecologically, socially and economically sustainable;
• Provides an opportunity for students and faculty to participate in research and site testing; and
• Is an award-winning operation that models large-scale composting to the surrounding community, and other Canadian institutions.

STEP 1

Become the compost coordinator for your building or find someone to take on the role. The compost coordinator is the 'champion' of the program within their designated area. They make sure that the program is set up, that the appropriate education pieces are in place and they notify Waste Management if there are any problems. Compost coordinators need to be a fairly permanent fixture within their jurisdiction and they need to find a replacement to take over for them should they go on vacation or leave permanently. Ideally they are passionate about the program and sustainability initiatives in general.

STEP 2

Contact UBC Waste Management at (604) 822-9619 to sort through the logistical details. Together you will work out the number of bins needed, the pick-up location, pick-up frequency, start date, etc. For core academic buildings, there is a fee of $3 per bin pick-up and for ancillary or external buildings, a fee of $17 per bin pick-up. If applicable, once your unit head has approved the expenditure, provide Waste Management with your unit’s billing info.

STEP 3

Once the bins are in place, send the following email to your colleagues to let them know how the program works, what items can be included, and to ask for their support.

EMAIL  – Please cut and paste the text below into the appropriate spot on your email.

To:

From:

Date:

Subject: We’ve Joined UBC’s Organics Collection Program!

As part of our contribution towards a sustainable university and community, our building will participate in UBC’s Organics Collection Program to recycle organic waste. We now have a green bin located [insert your bin location here] for all your food scraps and other organic waste, as well as smaller containers set up [insert your small container location here] for your convenience. It will be my responsibility to empty the small bins into the central bin on a weekly basis. [or change frequency and persons responsible] UBC Waste Management will pick up the green bin and take it to their composting facility on South Campus. This enclosed, controlled vessel accelerates the natural decomposition of organic waste. At full capacity, the process takes only 14 days, and over 1000 tonnes of organic waste can be diverted from the landfill each year.

Participation in this program:

• Reduces our building’s waste disposal fees
• Creates a valuable fertilizer and mulch that is used on the campus landscape
• Decreases the number of truck trips made to dispose of waste off campus
• Reduces the volume of waste sent to the landfill
• Reduces harmful emissions emitted from materials in the landfill

The following waste can be included in UBC’s Organics Collection Program:

• Cooked and raw food waste, including meat, bones, dairy and grain products
• Paper plates, paper cups, napkins and paper towels (trace amounts only)
• Coffee grounds, filters and tea bags

Please take care not to contaminate the system with styrofoam, glass, metal, plastic or wood. Thanks for your participation!

[Your Name]

[Position]

STEP 4

Continue to monitor the program. Contact Waste Management at 604 822 9619 if issues arise.