Composting food waste at Montclair State University: A sustainable approach to waste management
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Greg Pope
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 9:59 AM
Description
The implementation of composting food waste from residence halls at Montclair State University would be an eco-friendly and impactful system. Universities increasingly face pressure to address environmental issues and managing food waste has become a major focus for reducing campus carbon footprints. I believe that if MSU introduced a composting program aimed at diverting food waste from landfills and turning it into nutrient-rich compost for use in campus landscaping and local community gardens that the university would benefit greatly. The program would operate through compost bins located in dining halls, residence halls and common areas, with educational outreach to students and staff on the importance of reducing food waste and the positive effect of composting on the environment. My research looks into the logistics of implementing an accessible composting program, including implementing compost bins in residence halls, while also evaluating its environmental, and economic benefits; with the purpose of providing environmental education to Montclair State students. MSU would successfully reduce food waste by a significant amount, lower landfill contributions which would show economic benefit, and produce valuable compost that benefits local soil health and can be used for MSU’s community garden. Additionally, the program would increase awareness of sustainability on campus, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility. This study also addresses challenges like contamination and participation rates and offers recommendations for ongoing improvements to better the hypothetical program based on research conducted at other universities. Overall, MSU’s composting initiative could serve as a model for other universities looking to implement sustainable waste management practices and contribute to environmental health benefits and environmental preservation.
Composting food waste at Montclair State University: A sustainable approach to waste management
The implementation of composting food waste from residence halls at Montclair State University would be an eco-friendly and impactful system. Universities increasingly face pressure to address environmental issues and managing food waste has become a major focus for reducing campus carbon footprints. I believe that if MSU introduced a composting program aimed at diverting food waste from landfills and turning it into nutrient-rich compost for use in campus landscaping and local community gardens that the university would benefit greatly. The program would operate through compost bins located in dining halls, residence halls and common areas, with educational outreach to students and staff on the importance of reducing food waste and the positive effect of composting on the environment. My research looks into the logistics of implementing an accessible composting program, including implementing compost bins in residence halls, while also evaluating its environmental, and economic benefits; with the purpose of providing environmental education to Montclair State students. MSU would successfully reduce food waste by a significant amount, lower landfill contributions which would show economic benefit, and produce valuable compost that benefits local soil health and can be used for MSU’s community garden. Additionally, the program would increase awareness of sustainability on campus, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility. This study also addresses challenges like contamination and participation rates and offers recommendations for ongoing improvements to better the hypothetical program based on research conducted at other universities. Overall, MSU’s composting initiative could serve as a model for other universities looking to implement sustainable waste management practices and contribute to environmental health benefits and environmental preservation.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.