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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
www.zerowaste.appstate.edu
www.sustain.appstate.edu
