Exclusive recycling interview with the organics recycling co-ordinator in UMN
What is Organics recycling?
Organics recycling is the process of recycling organic material, such as food scraps and non-recyclable paper. Organics from the University of Minnesota are brought to an industrial compost facility in Shakopee where material breaks down and eventually becomes compost, a soil-additive that improves soil quality, provides nutrients to plants, and reduces erosion.
How much does this service cost?
At the University of Minnesota, this service is provided to residence halls and academic buildings by Waste Recovery Services (WRS)—a division of U of M Facilities Management. WRS pays $25 per ton to dispose of organics recycling at a commercial compost facility. Sending this material to the waste incinerator costs about $75 per ton. Many cities offer organics recycling for free through curbside programs or drop off sites.
How does it work?
The following are items that are accepted in organics recycling:
All food, food scraps, peels, pits, bones, etc.
Coffee grounds and filters
Paper towels, napkins, and tissues
Pizza boxes from delivery
Wooden stir sticks, popsicle sticks and toothpicks
Plant trimmings and floral waste
Certified compostable* food service ware (cups, bowls, plates, utensils)
At the U, we have organics bins available in 25 academic buildings and most res halls. This material is picked up by a WRS truck and is brought to the Hennepin County Transfer Station. At the transfer station, this material is inspected to ensure that it doesn’t have too much contamination. From there, the county transports organics to a commercial compost site. Here, the organics are mixed with yard waste and put in piles where oxygen is pumped through the piles. Microbes break down the material, which becomes compost in 6-9 months.
Can I use regular plastic bags to collect organics?
No. This is considered a contaminant and could lead to a rejected load if there is too much plastic. Only certified compostable bags should be used for organics. These bags are made of plant-based material that will break down at the compost site.
Will it smell?
Just like when food goes in the trash can, it can smell if it sits for too long. Across campus, our organics bins are serviced daily to avoid this issue.
Why should I participate in organics recycling?
Nearly 30% of waste generated in Minnesota is compostable material that could go in organics recycling. When organic material goes to a landfill, it breaks down anaerobically (without oxygen), which generates methane—a potent greenhouse gas. When organics material goes to the incinerator, it does not burn well. Organics recycling also creates a valuable product (compost!) that creates jobs and reduces demand for traditional fertilizers that harm our water and soil.
What if I already utilize a backyard compost bin?
Backyard compost bins are a great way to divert your food waste and create your own compost. Organics recycling can be a great program to participate in along with your backyard compost bin because some materials can’t breakdown in a backyard compost bin (meat, dairy products, compostable food service ware) because it doesn’t get as hot as a commercial compost site.
What about using my garbage disposal?
Garbage disposal is not considered a form of recycling in Minnesota. Composting food waste is environmentally preferable. Furthermore, many municipalities do not have the capability to handle garbage disposal at their wastewater treatment plants.
What happens to the organic material once it has been collected?
Answered above
photo citation:
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dining.umn.edu/Sustainability/WasteMinimization.html
