Growing Together: Open Forum

I'm curious to learn how other small schools manage composting.  I asked teachers to collect compost with their classes for a week when we were filling a Vego bed this spring because I needed organic matter.  I put a trash bag in a box in each room and collected it daily but they complained of the smell.  We have one class per grade up to grade 7.  I need a system that's not too demanding on me but that isn't smelly.  Oh, and it needs to be cheap and easy to use! :) Any creative solutions?  We really need organic material.

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Nicole Dodds
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Hi Nicole,

Composting is such a hot topic at schools these days! I have a couple of questions.  What are you collecting from the classrooms?  What type of compost system are you using?  It can be done but it does take some planning and maintenance.  Many of our schools collect food scraps from the cafeteria.  Usually, they only collect on certain days as the volume becomes too overwhelming.  They usually start with just a few items to keep the compost stream clean.  Schools are required to use closed compost systems, like tumblers to deter pest and odor problems.  Schools have also partnered with their custodial/grounds maintenance staff to collect leaves and yard waste to provide brown material for composting.  This has been fairly successful.  Another great option is to consider vermicomposting.  The bins are smaller, can be done inside or out and are fascinating for students.  There's lots of good material on it out there.  There are commercially available systems, or you can build your own with pretty simple and readily available materials.  This might be a good option for small scale composting.

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[Karen] [Taylor]
[Get2Green Support Specialist]
[Fairfax County Public Schools]
[Fairfax] [VA]
[She,Her]
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Thanks, Karen!  Great questions!  Our school does not have a cafeteria so I am collecting uneaten snack and lunch scraps. Not large volumes. We do not currently have a compost bin.  I am thinking of going the vermicomposting route.  

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Nicole Dodds
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2024 09:35:12 AM
From: Karen Taylor
Subject: composting at school- logistics

Hi Nicole,

Composting is such a hot topic at schools these days! I have a couple of questions.  What are you collecting from the classrooms?  What type of compost system are you using?  It can be done but it does take some planning and maintenance.  Many of our schools collect food scraps from the cafeteria.  Usually, they only collect on certain days as the volume becomes too overwhelming.  They usually start with just a few items to keep the compost stream clean.  Schools are required to use closed compost systems, like tumblers to deter pest and odor problems.  Schools have also partnered with their custodial/grounds maintenance staff to collect leaves and yard waste to provide brown material for composting.  This has been fairly successful.  Another great option is to consider vermicomposting.  The bins are smaller, can be done inside or out and are fascinating for students.  There's lots of good material on it out there.  There are commercially available systems, or you can build your own with pretty simple and readily available materials.  This might be a good option for small scale composting.

------------------------------
[Karen] [Taylor]
[Get2Green Support Specialist]
[Fairfax County Public Schools]
[Fairfax] [VA]
[She,Her]
------------------------------