The Compost Project Allows Truman State University to Turn Food Waste into a Resource
The Compost Project promotes sustainability at Truman State University through the collection of food and waste scraps.
Food scraps are collected from locations around campus such as Missouri, Ryle and Centennial Dining Halls; Mainstreet Market and Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Student Union Building; and Starbucks in Pickler Memorial Library. The compostable materials are transported to the University Farm where they are turned into nutrient-rich soil amendments.
Overview of the Truman Compost Project
What is compost?
Compost is one of the niftiest forms of waste management available to us. In dictionary terms, it is decomposed organic material that can be used as fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is the culmination of organic materials, such as food scraps, leaves and manure, that are wetted and left alone to decompose.
Once the materials reach a certain point of decomposition, when the worms are rampant and the soil rich, it can be used for farming, gardening and the like.
Where does the compost go?
The collected compost is transported to the University Farm where it is placed on a concrete slab to start the decomposition process. It is mixed with established compost, including soil and manure. After the compost has decomposed some, it is moved to a separate pile where the process continues.
The compost collected and decomposed by the Truman Compost Project is often used to replenish soil and act as a fertilizer. It is distributed to Kirksville and Truman community members as they need it for projects such as The Green Thumb Garden and the Dancing Rabbit eco-village/intentional community.
Benefits of Composting
Composting is beneficial for the environment because it turns waste, like coffee grounds, eggshells and food scraps, into something useful. Instead of sending waste to a landfill, composting allows us to give back to the soil and earth.
• Improves the soil structure, porosity, and density creating a better plant root environment.
• Reducing erosion and run-off.
• Reduces water loss and leaching in sandy soils by improving water-holding capacity,
• Supplies significant quantities of organic matter.
• Improves and stabilizes soil pH.
