Composting

Mission:

To establish a sustainable composting system at Tennessee Tech that reduces food waste, enriches soil, and supports student learning through research and hands-on experience.

What is composting?

Composting is a natural process that turns organic materials like food scraps and plant waste into nutrient-rich soil. It’s a simple way to recycle nutrients, reduce landfill waste, and improve soil health.

How and Why to Compost at Tech

How

The composting program is starting with Dining Services. Food waste from the food prep area of the Caf will be taken to Shipley Farm and processed at the compost facility. 

Why

• Reducing campus waste: Instead of sending food scraps, leaves, plant clippings, and other organic materials to the landfill, we’re recycling them into a valuable soil amendment.

• Supporting student research: The composting system provides real-world experience for students studying agriculture, biology, and environmental science. It also supplies compost for research projects, such as vegetable and fruit production.

• Promoting sustainability and awareness: By showcasing composting on campus, we hope to encourage students and the community to think differently about waste and sustainability. 

• Creating a model for future expansion: This project lays the groundwork for larger composting initiatives for commercial and other universities, while using the same principles as smaller home scaled initiatives.

• Enhancing soil quality: The compost we produce will be used to improve soil structure and fertility at Shipley farm in field plots and raised beds to grow a variety of crops to be given to the campus food pantry and local community food pantries.

Project Timeline / Project Documentation

Fall 2025 – Planning and Setup

• Planned the composting project and outlined main goals

• Chose the site location at Shipley Farm

• Collected materials and designed the layout for compost bins

• Selected composting methods to demonstrate (static bins, aerated piles, windrows, and vermicomposting)

• Began construction of compost bins at Shipley Farm

Spring 2026 – Compost Use and Garden Production

  

• Used finished compost for raised bed garden production at Shipley Farm

• Continued composting and recording data on temperature, moisture, and material breakdown

• Hosted or helped with a Farm-to-Table event, using produce grown with our compost

• Shared progress updates and photos with the campus community

 

Summer 2026 - Maintenance and Data Collection

• Continued composting and monitoring progress

• Prepared reports and visuals for presentations and outreach events

• Began planning for possible compost expansion or new collection systems

Fall 2026 – Education and Expansion

• Maintained compost systems and added new material inputs

• Gathered more data to compare different composting methods

• Shared educational information at sustainability and campus events

• Discussed future goals, including integrating more food waste composting

 

Future Plans (2026 and beyond)

• Continued expansion of composting systems at Shipley Farm

• Increased food waste collection from dining services

Types of Composting

Types of Composting

• Static Composting Bins: static composting bins are simple, enclosed structures where composting materials are added in layers and left to break down naturally with minimal turning. These bins are ideal for smaller-scale use and demonstration purposes. 

• Aerated Static Piles: Aerated static pile composting uses a blower system or perforated piping to provide oxygen to the compost pile, eliminating the need for manual turning. This method allows for faster and more uniform decomposition. 

• Windrow Composting. Windrow composting involves arranging Compostable materials in long rows (Windrows) that are turned regularly to maintain airflow and even decomposition. This method is widely used for farm-scale composting. 

• Vermicomposting (Worm Composting): Vermicomposting uses red wiggler worms (Eisenia fetida) to break down organic materials into nutrient-rich castings. This method is perfect for smaller-scale systems and provides an excellent education tool.
  
  https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/solid-waste/materials-management/organics/residential-composting.html