COMPOST OUTPOST
What are we doing?
The Auraria Sustainable Campus Program (ASCP), the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC), and our partner institutions, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver), Community College of Denver (CCD), and University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), are diligently working to advance our waste initiatives on campus. The ASCP is committed to achieving a 35% diversion rate by 2024, in alignment with the community-supported Climate Action Plan. To meet this target, students and the Student Advisory Committee have approved a $3 increase in student fees to support waste diversion efforts through the Compost Referendum (2020), encompassing the comprehensive handling of organic waste collection and processing on campus.
With an annual waste generation of 2.5 million pounds and an average diversion rate of 28.8%, the newly established compost operation, led by the ASCP, aims to process between 200,000 and 300,000 pounds of organic material annually. This initiative is fortified by a Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity (RREO) grant of ~$123,000 from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the ASCP Compost Referendum Fee. The project encompasses expanding compost receptacles, mandating certified compostable to-go ware for food vendors, implementing rigorous compost sorting procedures, utilizing an in-vessel composter for processing, and returning the nutrient-rich compost to nourish campus trees and plants. We extend our gratitude to all the key departments involved, including AHEC Planning, Grounds, Facilities, and Finance, for their contributions in bringing this initiative to fruition. The combined efforts of the ASCP, our partner institutions, and the wider community will result in an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective organic waste management system. ​
Have Questions About Compost?
Reach out to Rylee McCone (303.556.8046 or mcconer@ahec.edu) for information about events, education, & outreach.
Contact Robbie Tepperberg (tepperbergr@ahec.edu) for information about operations & hauling.
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TIMELINE
July 2022 - Compost Slows across front range. New composting guidelines are established across the front range.
August 2022 - research on In-vessel Composter Begins; Waste hauler starts enforcing at 0% contamination policy for compost stream.
November 2022 - Thought partner engagement; meet with thought partners for compost operation alternatives and solutions.
December 2022 - Data and Research Compilation; Start proposal for CDPHE RREO Grant-compile data, analyze numbers, write proposal.
January 2023 - Submit Grant Application; Submit CDPHE Grant proposal
February 2023 - Internal Proposal and Approval Process Begins; SACAB Compost Operations Proposal presented. Prepare compost operations site.
March 2023 - Grant Awarded; Grant of $129,000 awarded through CDPHE.
April 2023 - All Front-of-house Compost Bins on Campus Shut Down; New compost guidelines go into effect - only food scraps and plant trimming accepted.
July 2023 - Amendments and Hiring; Amend grant terms to change from purchasing the Rocket Composter to Bio Co Tech digester. Hire compost operations manager.
August 2023 - Expanding Service Area; Hire Compost Operation Student Associates. Deploy 35-gallon carts to the docks across campus. Sorting operation begin.
September 2023 - Site Preparation; Order BioCo Tech-Biospeed M4 in-vessel unit.
December 2023 - E-Trikes! Acquire two custom-built electric tricycles from local company Main Steet Pedicab for hauling.
January 2024 - Composting Unit Arrives; In-vessel unit arrives on campus and is placed at the Compost Outpost.
June 2024 - In-vessel is Turned On; UL certification acquired. In-vessel operations begin.
February 2025 - Compost Distribution; First application of compost is distributed on campus planters.
March 2025 - Diverted Materials Milestone; Collected and sorted 100, 000 lbs. of organic material on campus since August 2023.
reCYCLE
Organics
Tricycles
are here!
The ASCP has brought an innovative spin on compost (organics) collection on campus with two new custom-built electric tricycles for compost (organics)!
Our compost operations manager, Robbie Tepperberg, has been working with @mainstreetpedicabs to fabricate
e-trike pedicab trucks uniquely for our operations. Inspired by @Scraps and @tilthyrichcompost, who both have used bikes and e-trikes for organics collection in the past, we believe this is an excellent model for a campus setting such as ours.
The e-trikes are electric-assist and can carry just under 1000 lbs. when fully loaded. By collecting organics on e-trikes from our vast campus area, we are not only eliminating our dependence on fossil fuels, but also increasing our efficiency in supporting the sustainability efforts we are making here on campus. This awareness building, combined with the growing support of all institutions, vendors, and events, will contribute to our 2024 goal to divert 35% of waste from the landfill. When you see us riding around campus, please feel free to stop us to ask questions about the ASCP, composting, proper waste disposal, and other program initiatives.
Compost Operation Highlighted in the News
Met Media
October 2024
A new composter is expected to help campus meet its aggressive climate goals.
Auraria Newsletter
October 04, 2024
Auraria Campus takes the time to celebrate the launch of the compost vessel and the beginning of a new and improved compost system on campus. Read more here.
The Sentry
October 3, 2024
Auraria Sustainable Campus Program celebrates composting efforts on campus. Read more here.
"Closed-loop compost system paves the way for a sustainable future"
October 01, 2024
This video explains our unique in-house compost system and how we overcame new restrictions on Denver's city compost collection. Watch the video here.
"CU Denver Partners Help Auraria Campus Go Green"
October 01, 2024
This article highlights our Ribbon-Cutting event to celebrate the official opening of our compost vessel. Read more here.
New Solar Farm
September 25, 2024
Governor Polis helped kick off two new facilities that will support Colorado’s climate goals and protect the state for future generations. Read more here.
