Expanding Campus Composting
Did you know that Northwestern has collected food waste for composting since 2012? The focus has been on dining halls, kitchens, and food preparation areas where the bulk of this material is generated. All dining halls and food service operations on both campuses have diverted compostable items from our waste stream since the program's start. On average, these efforts capture about 16 tons each month, turning our food waste into nutrient rich compost.
In an effort to increase this waste diversion opportunity, two significant expansions are happening this fall with Ryan Field implementing fan-facing, and the Norris Center customer-facing, compost collections.
If you have attended a football game this season, you’ve likely seen the Trash Tacklers throughout the stadium concourses. These student volunteers have been recruited by the Associated Student Government (ASG) Sustainability Committee, working in partnership with Athletics and sustainNU. Trash Tacklers guide fans on what is compostable and recyclable, and what must be disposed of as trash. This has ensured Northwestern is collecting clean materials and reducing what is sent to landfill.
Composting has also expanded to the Norris Center food court. Just last week new bins were installed, and collections began. In preparation for this, NU Dining replaced items that previously were landfilled with those that could be composted or recycled. Bin signage helps users understand how to sort their waste and student volunteers are providing oversight and instruction. Dining, Norris Center, and sustainNU collaborated on this initiative and look forward to seeing the impact our campus community can have on reducing waste. 
If you are cheering on the Cats or grabbing a bite at Norris, please be sure to pay attention to the bins and compost what you can, recycle right, and throw away what remains.