COMPOST OUTPOST

What are we doing?

The ASCP, the Auraria Higher Education Center, and our partner institutions, MSU Denver (Metropolitan State University), CCD (Community College of Denver), and CUD (University of Colorado Denver), are diligently working to advance our waste initiatives on campus. Together, we are 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, 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 ASCP (Auraria Sustainability Campus Program), aims to process between 200,000 to 300,000 pounds annually. This initiative is fortified by a $123,000 grant from CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment). The project encompasses expanding compost receptacles, mandating certified compostable to-go ware for food vendors, implementing rigorous compost sorting procedures, utilizing a state-of-the-art BoiCo Tech 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 ASCP, Planning, Grounds, Facilities, and Finance, for their contributions in bringing this initiative to fruition. The combined efforts of ASCP, our partner institutions, and the wider community will result in an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective organic waste management system. 

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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.