Why should I compost?

According to the EPA, food waste makes up about 22% of the total solid waste in landfills. Food that ends up in the landfill is not able to decompose properly, causing the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting diverts this food waste from the landfill so that it can be turned back into nutrient-rich soil. Products made with organic materials can also be composted, such as the to-go boxes in the dining halls. 

​

UVA Sustainability has the goal to reduce food waste and single use food serving items sent to the landfill by 2030, and landfill less than 2000 tons of waste per year by 2035. By offering compost in all three dining halls and across grounds, we can move one step closer to this goal. Read more about UVA Sustainability here: https://sustainability.virginia.edu/about-us/plans-progress 

​

Where can I compost?

 

UVA Dine has compost bins located in the Fine Arts Cafe, West Range Cafe, The Castle, and the dining halls. Look for signage that shows what is compostable so we can avoid contamination!

 

UVA Dine Staff track waste in all dining halls and compost all food waste from food preparation (pre-consumer) and food disposal (post-consumer). Many of the UVA Dine retail locations also have pre-consumer compost bins in place. Do your part and help us decrease waste at UVA!

​

​

What can I compost? 

• Leftover food scraps

• Compostable paper products:  

  • Napkins​

  • Patty paper 

  • Paper plates + cups + sleeves (not lined w/ wax) 

  • Paper straws

  • To-Go boxes from dining locations

• Compostable utensils

• Bamboo/wooden utensils or stirrers

• Receipts

• BPI Certified Products 

​

What can NOT be composted?

• Paper items lined with plastic

• Plastic

• Aluminum

• Glass

​

​