University Sustainability

Defining Sustainability since 1899

Composting

Appalachian State University has been composting on campus since 1999 and has a lasting commitment to organics recycling. The facility is permitted in the state of NC as a Type III compost facility, which has the ability to accept yard/garden waste, wood waste, pre- and post-consumer food wastes including meats and dairy, as well as some manure and agricultural waste. This program began as a grassroots approach to food waste collection, and with the help of a local partner, Advanced Composting Technologies from Candler, NC, has developed into one of the most successful programs in the country.

In addition to the ability to process waste right here on campus through a closed loop system, this program has many added benefits with regard to research opportunities, internship potential, and a demonstration for other communities.

If you are interested in participating in this program you can choose your own compost collection container and are responsible for maintaining and emptying your own items into the collection carts. Old yogurt tubs, empty protein shake containers, or tupperware items work well for collection. Please do not bring off-campus materials onto campus for composting.

Compost collection in Rivers Street Cafe is conveniently located in the tray room. Please help out and pay attention to the items that are accepted in this bin.

Where can I compost?

  • Crossroads Coffee Shop
  • Doughton Hall
  • Garwood Hall
  • Ivory Towers Brewery
  • Leon Levine Hall
  • Lucy Brock Child Development Center
  • Miles Annas Hall
  • North End Zone Facility
  • Office of Sustainability (East Hall)
  • Outdoor plaza between Anne Belk and Varsity (next to Sanford Mall)
  • Peacock Hall- Coffee shop- 2nd floor
  • Plemmons Student Union
  • Reich College of Education
  • Central Dining Hall (outdoor dining plaza)
  • Central Dining - River St. Tray Room
  • Sanford Mall ( next to the “Aspire” statue)
  • Student Recreation Center
  • Summit Hall
  • Trivette Hall
  • Trivette Plaza
  • Wired Scholar Coffee Shop

The Sanford Mall compost drop off site is one of many compost collection sites on campus.

Items accepted for composting:

  • All leftover food
  • Empty Pizza boxes
  • Paper - To-Go Boxes, Napkins, Paper towels, Wax deli paper
  • Coffee filters & grounds
  • Items labeled “compostable”
  • Tea bags

Questions? Contact sustainability@appstate.edu