CompostSustainability

Composting has become an important part of the Gustavus campus community waste reduction strategies because compost enriches the soil as well as reduces methane emissions from landfills, which ultimately lowers our carbon footprint.

Learn how you fit into the Gustavus composting system in the flowchart below.

Compost FAQs

What is compost?

Compost is a mixture of decaying material. It includes both carbon-rich browns (like leaves, sawdust, and hay) as well as nitrogen-rich greens (like vegetables, fruits, and grass clippings). This decomposition produces a dark, nutrient-rich mixture that can be used to fertilize crops. 

What can I compost at Gustavus?

Gustavus utilizes industrial composting systems, which are large enough to gather sufficient energy to break down items that a smaller backyard composter can’t. This includes BPI certified items from the Marketplace, Courtyard Cafe, and STEAMery like coffee cups, clamshell to-go boxes, fruit cups, greenware utensils, stir sticks, and napkins. Food products including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, fish, and meat are all compostable at Gustavus. You can also compost tea bags and coffee grounds here.

Where does our compost go?

We have two compost systems on campus: 

1. Our composter, located near Facilities, produces compost that is used by Big Hill Farm, flower beds on campus, and other projects.
2. A large organics compactor, which is taken to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Organics Recycling Facility and turned into high-quality compost and sold to the community.

Residential Halls Composting FAQ's

Can I compost in my dorm room?

Yes! In 2021 the Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation, Facilities, and Student Senate collaborated to develop a program that provides mini green compost bins in each residential unit on campus. You can collect compostable items in these green two-gallon bins and empty them into the yellow compost curbie at the waste station for your dorm at least once per week. These bins were purchased by Student Senate and are the permanent property of the college, so you should clean your bin thoroughly and leave it in your room at the end of the school year.

Can I use compostable bags in my mini-bin?

Yes. BPI certified compostable bags are provided at no cost with the mini-bins or in your hall's laundry room. Compostable bags make the compost drop-off process extra easy. Please do not use regular plastic bags, since they are not compostable, unless you throw the plastic bags in the trash, not compost, when you empty your bin.

Where do I empty my mini-bin?

Empty your mini-bin into the large yellow compost curbie, located at the waste station for your hall. These stations may be inside or outside, depending on the layout of the hall.

How often are yellow compost curbies emptied?

Grounds staff brings compost curbies to the compactor & composter located near Facilities on Mondays and Thursdays, typically.

My mini-bin smells, what can I do?

The food scraps in your compost bin should not smell any worse than when you place them into a trash can. Emptying your bin regularly (1-3x per week) is the best way to manage any unpleasant odors. You have the option to purchase an inexpensive carbon filter from the Book Mark which can trap odors. These filters should be replaced every 3 months.

My mini-bin is attracting fruit flies, what can I do to get rid of them?

Fruit flies are drawn to rotting food, whether it’s in a trash or a compost bin. It is important to empty the bin frequently, 1-3x per week. If fruit flies have found your bin, empty it and clean it thoroughly. You might need to temporarily discontinue using the bin until the fruit flies have disappeared. To trap the flies you can pour ½ cup of apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or cup, then mix in a few drops of dish soap, no more than 1 tsp. The flies will land in the mixture and be unable to escape. Resume composting once the flies are gone and remember to empty your bin more regularly. Apple cider vinegar and dish soap are provided in most common kitchens with instructions for making a fruit fly trap. 

How should I clean my mini-bin?

Use a paper towel to wipe any solid residue out of the bin (you can compost the paper towel too). Then rinse any leftover juices from the bin with a little bit of water. Make sure the bin is free of any residue.

Why can't I just dump compost remnants down the drain?

These remnants will clog up the drain, resulting in a headache for you and building services staff. Please take care to not wash any solid particles down the drain!

Can I compost pizza boxes?

Yes, both the cardboard box and the pizza grease will break down in an industrial composter. However, you must remove any plastic inserts or metal utensils from the box.

I live in Chapel View or an ILS House. Can I compost and where should I bring my compost?

Chapel View and ILS houses are not provided with mini compost bins or yellow compost curbies, since their waste is managed by LJP and the city. Students living there can opt to pick up a mini-bin from Facilities (contact kariwallin@gustavus.edu) if they agree to bring it to campus to empty regularly and return it at the end of the year. The options for compost drop-off are: any of the yellow compost curbies outside campus buildings, the green compost bins indoors, or the yellow compost curbies near the composter, or follow the instructions on this page: Food Waste Composting | Saint Peter, MN (saintpetermn.gov) to participate in the city of St. Peter’s composting program and drop compost off at one of their two drop off sites.

What happens if my mini-bin is dirty, damaged, or missing at the end of the year?

The condition of these bins is included in the Room Condition Reports issued by Residential Life during move-out and you will be fined ($50) if your bin is dirty, damaged, or missing at the end of the year.

Can I take my mini-bin with me if I change housing assignments or when I leave at the end of the year?

No, mini-bins must stay in the room they were assigned to at the beginning of the year. If you remove the bin from your room you will be fined a $50 replacement fee.