The Gardening Team have constructed a new on-campus composting bay for a green waste recycling pilot.
Previously, our green waste was transported in skips and composted off-site by our waste contractor, and then sold to third parties.
By creating a closed-loop system, this trial aims to cut emissions from transporting our green waste and resulting compost - with absolute control over compost content, biosecurity and infestation risks.
The pilot received the first load of green waste on 14 February 2024.
Update for Autumn 2024
During the first six months of the pilot, we composted 40% of our green waste ourselves - significantly reducing our scope 3 carbon emissions associated with transporting green waste off site. Producing our own compost is also increasing a biosecurity and reducing the costs associated with waste management and buying-in compost.
We’re now hoping to increase our capacity as we move towards 100% onsite composting.
During Summer 2024, the second load of green waste was added to the composting bay to begin decomposing.
If you'd like to try composting at home yourselves, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have a great guide to home composting here: Composting / RHS Gardening.
