THE BUCKET PROGRAM:Moving Toward Zero Waste in the Residence Halls

Overview

1. Sustainability Mission of Student Housing2. Composting in the halls?3. Campus partners4. Overview of “The Bucket Program”5. Common Questions

Sustainability Mission The definition of sustainability is: “to

meet the current population’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” Brundtland Commission (1987). Institutionalize sustainable practices Use LEED as a guide Educate residents and staff Collaborate with campus organizations Integrate sustainability Model sustainable practices

Zero Waste In the Residence Halls

Zero waste RA programs Aggieware Purchasing (what comes into the halls) Tracking and evaluation Recycling and composting reevaluation

…zero waste by 2020

Composting in the Halls?

There are several challenges to creating a comprehensive composting program in the residence halls…

Composting in the Halls?

Compost collection Cleaning the containers Pest control (rodents and fruit flies) Roommate issues Compost contamination Environmental Health & Safety

Other options have been ruled outWorm binsCompost bins on Housing grounds

Campus Partners

University Dining Servicesseven core sustainable practices

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)health, safety, and environmental consulting

resource

Campus Partners

Know the issues and work with them early in the processcurrent existing practicesproduct detailscleaning/packing processstorageweightdocumentationenforcement

Materials Overview

The BucketCambro Rounds Poly2 and 8 quart

Process Overview

1. Students pay a deposit for a composting bucket deposit is $5 for 2 qt. (individual) bucket deposit is $10 for 8 qt. (room) bucket

2. Sign “The Bucket Agreement”

Process Overview

“Bucket Agreement” must talk to roommate refer to “The Bucket” website for updates who to contact with questions must be returned with lid fastened return every three days or when:

○ it is full○ there is a strong odor ○ it is contaminated with insects or flies○ Housing staff or roommate request it emptied

specific return times○ 1:00 to 2:00 pm○ 4:45 to 5:30 pm○ 7:00 to 8:00 pm

failure to follow rules loses deposit

Process Overview

3. “Bucket Website” will cover rules

4. Residents will be informed to return the bucket every three days or when there is an odor, pest issue, etc. (return time based on which occurs first)

5. Residents will return bucket to the DC during specific times

Process Overview

6. Residents will print their name and return date on a label, that will be placed on the returned bucket

7. After labeled, the DC will give the resident a clean bucket of the same size

8. If not contaminated, it is handled like all other compost

Process Overview

10. If it is contaminated, notify the Manager. The Manager will e-mail Richard Ronquillo and include the student name for follow-up. Contents would be disposed of as deemed appropriate by manager. Richard will meet with residents and have an educational conversation or remove them from the program.

Process Overview

Leaving the programAt any time, residents can come to the

Housing office with a clean bucket to get their deposit back. They will also fill out a cancelation survey.

At the end of the year, residents will be asked to return bucket, complete a survey, and the deposit refund will be mailed to their billing address.

Program Cost

Initial material cost of $5008qt Cambro round poly 3.048qt Cambro round poly lid 2.312qt Cambro round poly 2.452qt Cambro round poly lid 1.40

Deposits will cover all lost or damaged containers and/or lids

Pilot Program, Spring 2010

“The Bucket” program was piloted in Cuarto, spring of 201010 participantsweekly compost:

○ 4.64 lbs to 0.31 lbs per buckettotal compost diverted during the 6 week pilot:

○ 57.34 lbs (about 3 automotive tires)

Future Changes

The program is a step toward incorporating compost collection in the residence halls.

Vision for two years in every room:

Mixed Recyclables

Landfill Compost

Contact

Richard Ronquillorronquillo@ucdavis.edu

Patrice Staffordpstafford@ucdavis.edu

housing.ucdavis.edu/sustainability