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Sustainability at Purchase

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Composting

Back and front of house composting is underway at the Dining Hall and HUB.

Purchase is participating in a new food scrap program to help reduce our carbon footprint and responsibly handle our waste. All of our pre and post consumer food waste from the Main Dining Hall and the HUB will be picked up by Suburban Carting and taken to Sustainable Materials Management Inc. in Cortlandt Manor, NY.

Sustainable Materials Management Inc. will industrially compost all our food waste and compostable materials.

Composting FAQ:

  1. What is compost?
    1. You can think of it as a form of organic material recycling. Food waste and other organic material such as leaves and wood chips are turned into fertilizer. Food waste, also known as “greens” provides nitrogen, while wood chips and leaves, or “browns” provide vital carbon, both of which are important in soil enrichment.
  2. What is the food scrap program?

    1. The Food Scrap Diversion Program is an initiative to reduce food waste on campus by collecting food scraps and compostable materials separately from other waste in the dining halls. These materials are then composted , turning food waste into valuable soil.

  3. What materials can I place in the food scrap bins?
    1. Fruit and vegetable scraps
    2. Coffee grounds and tea bags
    3. Eggshells
    4. Bread, rice, and pasta
    5. Dairy products (e.g., cheese, yogurt)
    6. Meat, bones, and seafood
    7. Napkins and paper towels
    8. Compostable cutlery and containers
    9. PLEASE NOTE: Only compostable items should be placed in the food scrap bins. Non-compostable items like plastic, metal, or glass should be placed in the appropriate recycling or trash bins
  4. How can I ensure I use the food scrap bins correctly?
    1. Make sure to empty your plate into the food scrap bin.
    2. Avoid placing non-compostable items in the food scrap bin.
    3. Follow the signage and instructions provided near the bins.
  5. How can I get more involved in sustainability efforts on campus?
    1. If you’re interested in getting more involved in sustainability efforts, consider attending the monthly Sustainability Advisory and Outreach Committee (SAOC) meetings.
  6. Who can I contact for more information about the Food Scrap Diversion Program?
    1. Grace Afflerbach, Purchase College’s Sustainability Coordinator

List of accepted and not accepted compostable materials