The University of Kentucky is turning food waste into a high value soil amendment with its newly launched composting system 鈥� an innovative, on-campus facility designed to expand composting operations and support UK鈥檚 commitment to becoming a zero-waste campus by 2030. Spearheaded by UK Recycling and UK Sustainability in Facilities Management, the new process uses an in-vessel, aerated composting system that dramatically improves the university鈥檚 ability to process organic waste. The system transforms food scraps and wood chips into nutrient-rich compost in a matter of weeks, using controlled airflow, moisture regulation and automated mixing via a giant corkscrew-like auger.
鈥淭he system looks a bit like a train rail car,鈥� said Ryan Lark, zero-waste specialist at UK. 鈥淏ut what makes it unique is the level of control we have over the composting process. This allows us to handle more material more efficiently 鈥� right here on campus.鈥�
Previously, UK transported campus food waste daily to Woodford County through a partnership with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The six-year partnership made the first stage of the university’s composting efforts possible but transporting the food waste limited collection expansion and placed strain on resources and equipment.
鈥淥ur partnership with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment was instrumental to our efforts to launch food waste diversion efforts and is still vitally important,鈥� said Shane Tedder, facilities services and sustainability director. 鈥淭he team at the C. Oran Little Research Facility continues to be a key partner and is willing to accept material when issues arise with the on-campus system.鈥�