Appalachian State University

Compost Program

Jennifer Maxwell

Appalachian State University

Strategic Plan and Commitments

• Appalachian State- Boone NC – 18,811 students – 1,200 acres, with 375

developed– 30 academic buildings– 20 residence halls, housing

about 5,600 students on campus

– 3 main dining facilities– 11 recreational and athletic

facilities

• Strategic Plan- “The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a Just and Sustainable Future”

• Zero Waste Commitment

Brief History• Composting begins as a

student project in 1999

• First permitted facility in 2000

• Grassroots effort was aerated pile with old blower motor and perforated pipe

• Began with just lettuce, lemons, and coffee grounds

• Expanded beyond capacity of space

• Opportunities to expand along with permitting renewal issues/water quality lead us to construction of new facility in 2010-2011

Current Compost Facility

• Facility opened in 2011

• First food waste facility of its kind

• Type 3- Pre and Post Consumer NC Permit

• Local Business Partner-Advanced Composting Technologies- Candler, NC

5

Why This Facility?

• Innovation

• Location and Space

• Functionality

– runoff collection storage area

– working pad

– multiple bins

– aeration

Closing the Loop

Food waste from campus collected, composted, and finished product used on App State property

Campus/Farm Application

• Lettuce Learn Project• SD Civic Garden Project• Appalachian Roots Garden• Sustainable Development

Teaching Farm• Campus uses- erosion control,

plant beds, radial trenching root therapy, etc.

Educational Tool

Educational talks and tours for campus and local community

Academic Integration

Research opportunities for students and faculty

Internship opportunities

Challenges/Barriers

• Labor intensity

• Finished product quality/use

• Food service ware issues

• Post consumer issues

• Education

• More compost than we can handle- 30% of total waste stream could be composted

• No local hauler or processor

Addressing Challenges

Screener

Mixer/Grinder

Compost Tea Brewer

Addressing Challenges

More Efficient CollectionsBetter Education

Expansion

• Pilot projects– Academic building– Several residence halls

• Post consumer efforts– Front of house in dining– Increase student union

collections– Academic buildings– Residence halls– Expand beyond zero waste

stadium efforts to other sports venues

Questions?

Jennifer Maxwell

Sustainability Program Manager

Office of Sustainability

Appalachian State University

828-262-2667

maxwelljb@appstate.edu

www.zerowaste.appstate.edu

www.sustain.appstate.edu