Inspired by the many requests for composting from researchers and staff, two pilot programs have begun in science buildings at FAS. These pilots will be some of the first composting installations in FAS buildings to have small bins dispersed throughout instead of having a single composting location associated with a cafeteria. If successful, these pilots will be expanded and will pave the way for building-wide composting programs in other buildings as well. The details of the two programs are outlined below:
Biology:
• Composting in lab kitchenettes
• 6 bins installed (spanning 9 labs)
• Emptied daily by custodial staff
• Implemented in early September
Hoffman
• Composting in office kitchenettes
• 8 bins installed
• Emptied daily by custodial staff
• Since mid-August
The program is modeled after the Law School’s successful composting program, where vital features of the program’s success were identified and replicated. Some of the key elements that were outlined include: (1) having bins with closing lids that opened with a step pedal, (2) having the bins emptied by custodial staff instead of by volunteers, (3) having the bins emptied daily to prevent smells and/or pests, and (4) having a volunteer in charge of each bin to educate their peers and to ensure any issues or problems are reported and resolved promptly.
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If successful, these pilots will be expanded and will pave the way for building-wide composting programs in other buildings as well.
