Composting on Campus

Campus Compost

As a post-secondary institution known for its food, we must think beyond the plate. In 2018, we began our partnership with Hospitality Services to collect all of their back-of-house (kitchen) organic waste, such as food scraps, from their vegetable prep and production. Since then, our program has grown to collect front-of-house plate waste from set locations. We currently service all Hospitality Services locations on campus, the Child Care and Learning Centre (CCLC), and our outdoor compost bins.  

Compost Crew members are responsible for the ongoing operations, maintenance, promotion, and expansion of the campus compost program. All organic waste is brought to a centralized collection site behind the University Centre and Hutt Building. Green bins are picked up by the City of Guelph for processing at the Guelph Waste Resource Innovation Centre.

Staff and Residents

Joining the composting program is easy! Residents and staff may borrow a small countertop compost bin from the Sustainability Office. The borrower is responsible for emptying this bin into a nearby outdoor collection bin and rinsing it when necessary.

To request a bin and sorting poster, email your name, student/staff number, building name, and room number to compost@uoguelph.ca.

Outdoor Bins

Black outdoor bins play a vital role in helping capture food scraps. These bins allow for the natural decomposition of organic material and support the return of valuable nutrients to the soil. For more info, visit our outdoor bin page. 

Off-campus Composting

Living off campus? Learn more about the City of Guelph's composting program here.