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Schools are the perfect place to consider composting. Most schools generate an abundance of organic material, including leaves, grass clippings, and food waste. In addition, composting offers students the opportunity to learn first-hand about cycles, microbes, decomposition rates, and soil science.
Click here for a handy guide to composting at school (4 megs).
Composting at school can happen in many different ways.
- INDOOR WORM BINS
Individual classrooms can recycle food scraps by worm
composting. CSWD staff is available to visit your class and construct a
free worm bin. The worm bin is kept in the classroom, much like an aquarium or ant farm. It is
easy to maintain and fun for the students to observe. One bin can accommodate food scraps
from about 20 students.
- OUTDOOR BINS
These can accommodate leaves, grass clippings, and food scraps from
larger numbers of students. The bins may be constructed from used materials or purchased ready
to assemble. On-site composting requires considerable thought
and maintenance, but the school reaps the benefits of the finished compost.
- OFF-SITE COMPOSTING
If on-site composting is not an option at your school, you may want to consider sending your
food scraps to the Intervale Compost Products (ICP). The ICP is a commercial
composting facility that accepts food waste from a variety of businesses and institutions. A few
haulers offer food waste collection service if you are unable to
transport the material yourself.
Staff from Chittenden Solid Waste District is available to visit you school to provide both
technical assistance and educational programs. This includes everything from in-class presentations and assembly programs to curricular materials and
videos. For
more information, contact CSWD.
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