[USCC] School Cafeteria Waste

[Brian Rosa]

Hi Helanna,
There are lots of models out there that can be found by Google. When
looking at on-site composting at a school there are several things to be
considered; Local health department approval, state rules, regulations
and possible permits to start. Then, access the amount (pounds per day)
and type of food waste to be collected and/or composted. This info will
help to decide what technology to use (Vermi-composting if processing
vegetable and paper only or thermophilic composting if including meats
and other proteins) and how big a system is needed. When the size and
technology is determined, you can then figure the costs associated with
setting up the project. Also include collection containers, labor for
collection and processing, cleaning of the containers. Who is going to
be handling and the processing of food to be composted ? You might have
to get the cafeteria, housekeeping or maintenance staff involved in
providing the labor. I would not recommend using PTA  or teaching staff
to volunteers to operate the compost project. Chances are the project
has incurred a substantial cost and should be looked at as a long term
project. When presenting the proposal to the Principal and staff,
highlight the fact that this is a long term and ongoing project !  I do
not want to be a party pooper, but I have seen many projects start and
slowly disappear because of either the volunteers get burned out,
parents of students move on with their kids to other schools,
coordinators (whoever is in charge of project)leave or lose interest,
and staff feel that they already have too much to do and are having a
hard time adding more work to their already busy day. With this said,
on-site composting along with a comprehensive recycling program should
reduce the waste to landfill by over 80 %. The only things that will be
being thrown away are some plastic wrappers, strapping, and misc
plastics that are not easily recycled. These un-recyclable materials can
be eliminated by consciously purchasing only packaging, products and
containers that are recyclable and are made of recycle content. If the
school and the school district are not green purchasing and recycling,
chances are they are not going to compost their food scraps either !
Just my opinion !


Compost for the Health of the Planet,

Brian Rosa, Organic Recycling Specialist
NC DENR, Division of Pollution Prevention
and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA)
919-715-6524
810-252-8303 cell
Email: brian.rosa at ncmail.net
Web: p2pays.org/compost



-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Helanna
Bratman
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 11:44 AM
To: Compost Discussion List
Subject: [USCC] School Cafeteria Waste

Hello,
I am working with an elementary school Principal in Beacon, NY to set up

a school-wide compost system.  I am wondering if anyone has any 
suggestions, recommendations, or other projects that they can think of 
where the school cafeteria waste is composted on site.  We have worm 
bins in many of the classes but I am looking for something that can 
absorb a larger quantity each day.  Any suggestions would be 
appreciated!  Thanks.
-Helanna
_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 17th Annual Conference & Trade
Show, January 26-29, 2009 at the Westin Galleria, Houston, TX. The
Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting,
Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive
Program of 11 Training Courses, 100+ Educational & Technical
Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations from
20+ Manufacturers.
Conference Highlights & Program, Registration forms, Exhibitor
Information and Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website.
www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631. 737. 4931
________________________________________________________________________
_____
Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost
_______________________________________
This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC).
(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights
reserved

Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the
Foundation, or the Board of Directors.

Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its
website at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm

Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their
posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and
information regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other
options, go to: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost

For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send
a message to the List Manager at
compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org