Composting

With "one big grind," institutional composting began at Connecticut College on November 17, 2007, with a demonstration and opening celebration of two "Earth Tubs," commercial-sized enclosed and insulated composting vessels that feature power mixing and aeration. Since then, the Earth Tubs now receive more than 200 lbs/day of food remains from the dining halls on campus and have the potential to reduce the College's food waste by up to 35,000 pounds a year.

The compost units were the result of a student initiative to reduce campus food waste from the dining halls. The concept was developed and entered into a nationwide competition, the Ecomagination Challenge, a contest sponsored by GE and mtvU that challenged college students to develop new, creative ways to green their campuses. More than 100 colleges and universities submitted proposals, including Harvard University, New York University, Northwestern University and Stanford University. Connecticut College finished in the top 10.

An alumnus, inspired by the students' motivation, generously donated $25,000, the funds necessary to purchase the two Earth Tubs, and make composting at Connecticut College a reality.

Read the feature story "Earth Tubs will reduce the College's food waste by up to 35,000 pounds a year"

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 15:07