Composting
Composting is a process that turns organic waste (usually food scraps) into nutrient-rich soil.
A Cross-Campus Effort
In 2022-2023, 8,750 lbs. of food waste was collected and converted to 2,250 lbs. of
usable compost. The compost created is used in the landscaping and flower beds throughout
campus. SBU Eats employees first separate biodegradable waste from other kitchen waste.
Three times a week, it is transported from the campus kitchens to the composter behind
Roth Food Court. Volunteers then mix the food waste with coffee grinds and the bulking
agent and send it to the aerobic compost vessel. After 3 weeks, campus operations
and maintenance unloads the compost to be cured and it is distributed in the landscaping
and flower beds throughout campus.
What to Compost
- coffee grounds
- coffee filters
- tea bags
- fruit and vegetable waste
- spices
- egg shells
Benefits
- Reduces Carbon Footprint
- Stony Brook uses an aerobic composter. Less waste gets carted by diesel trucks to landfills and less methane gas is released into the atmosphere.
- Recycles Local Waste
- In order to create compost, we need nitrogen, carbon, air, and time. Food waste creates nitrogen. Our carbon element is locally sourced sawdust, the waste product of a cabinet manufacturer, which binds the matter into a product good for the environment.
Stats (April 2009 - March 2024)
- Total waste collected: 360,000 pounds
- Total compost output: 147,000 pounds