Lower waste food options available on campus

When choosing where to grab some food, more and more people who value thoughtful waste management and landfill diversion are adding how their favorite vendors dispose of food waste before deciding where to eat. Dons at Walb and the Java Spot are now both composting food waste through Ground Down food scrap collection and compost service.

The kitchens have several yellow 5-gallon buckets scattered around collecting things like food prep scraps, paper towels, salad bar waste and coffee grounds. 

Ground Down comes twice a week to trade out the consolidated buckets that end up in a larger green compost bin.

There’s also a zero-waste option for to-go foods. Through the Eco To-Go program, a one-time $5 investment in a reusable container made of dishwasher safe plastic, rather than traditional Styrofoam or other single-use materials gets you started.

To enroll, just ask for one of the containers or grab one at the entrance to Dons at Walb, fill it with the food you want, pay for both the food and container, enjoy, rinse, and bring back the empty container for a new one when you want to take out another meal.