Composting @ OSU
The Student Sustainability Initiative has partnerships around campus helping with composting. Kitchen waste from University Housing and Dining Services is collected by Allied Waste and composted with yard debris. The finished compost is available for commercial and residential use in Corvallis. This creates a closed-loop waste stream within our community. For more information, visit the Allied Waste website http://corvallis.disposal.com or call 541-754-0444.
Earth Tub
There is currently an Earth Tub at West Dining Center with collects production food waste from West Dining and Pangea in the MU. In addition, the SSI provides an Earth Tub at the Student Sustainability Center where people can donate their kitchen waste to be composted and used on-site in the permaculture garden. Using the Earth Tub at the SSC is helpful for students living in dorms or apartments who cannot or do not wish to compost at their residence. Contact the SSI Waste Reduction Coordinator for more information about the Earth Tub at the SSC.
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Earth Tub being emptied by volunteers at West Dining |
Earth Tub at the SSC |
More information about EarthTubs can be found here.
Three - Bin System
A Three Bin System is a classic, simple way to make great compost in your backyard. The first bin collects raw kitchen scraps and allows them to decompose for a few weeks at about 120 degrees F. Transferring the scraps to the second and third bin speeds up decomposition by adding air and mixing organic matter that microbes love. By the time the material is settling in the last bin, it is already nutrient-rich compost that we can use to fertilize and mulch our garden.
At the SSC you can take a look at our system, find plans to build your own, and learn more from the Waste Reduction Coordinator.
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Three Bin Composting at the SSC |
Closeup of the Three Bin System |
Worm Wigwam
A Worm Wigwam uses worms to breakdown food waste. You can find out more about Worm Wigwams here.
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Worm Bin at SSC |
Household Worm Composting
The average student living in an apartment or house can easily compost their kitchen scraps using a large rubber tub. We also encourage students and community members to contribute their food scraps to the SSC's Earth Tub! More information and guidance about creating your own worm bin out of a rubbermaid container can be found at the SSC or you can check out the worm bin pamphlet online!
Questions about composting or waste reduction? Contact the Waste Reduction Coordinator.
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Last updated 7.8.09