The University of Roehampton seeks to reduce waste and increase recycling through the use of mixed recycling bins, battery recycling points and through the use of British Foundation onsite recycling banks. For more details please view the Waste, Recycling and Reuse webpage.
New Biodigester - eliminating compostable waste in landfill
To further enhance our sustainability efforts, the University has implemented a compostable waste stream that allows for the centralised disposal of food waste and catering disposables.
Through research and evaluation of several options, we selected Harp Renewables' thermophilic aerobic digester machine. This technology converts 80% of compostable waste into compost in just 24 hours. It constantly regenerates microbes, neutralizes ammonia to eliminate unpleasant odors, and heats to 70 degrees to reduce pathogens. Additionally, it prevents the oxidation of carbon into CO2, thereby minimising greenhouse gas and eliminating emissions from incurred from transporting food waste.
As a result, we are now able to produce nutrient-rich soil products that can be used throughout our campus, eliminating compostable waste in landfills, offsetting our carbon footprint, and contributing to a circular economy with an accredited biofertilizer. Depending on the quantity of soil products we generate, there is even the potential to sell them to third parties.
The compostable waste stream system was installed in the spring. Signage is displayed across all catering outlets on campus to raise awareness and to encourage all members of our community to dispose of compostable waste in an eco-friendly manner, reducing our carbon footprint.
Future initiatives will look at the introduction of food caddies in each hall of residence to further convert compostable waste.