Representatives from Ohio University, Athens and the state of Ohio christened OU's new composting machine at a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.
Several officials cut the ribbon before an audience of about 100 at OU's composting facility near The Ridges.
The machine accelerates decomposition to quickly turn organic waste into useable compost. The composter is now only being used to process waste from OU's Central Foods Facility. Officials say that waste from Baker University Center is next to be added to the machine's workload. Dining hall waste will be processed starting in fall 2009.
OU's machine is the largest composter of any kind at any college in the nation. The machine has been operational since late January and has processed 5,500 pounds of food waste. The Office of Sustainability estimates that the machine will divert up to 25 percent of campus waste.
Waste will be transported daily to the facility by university employees. Greg King, an OU equipment operator, is currently the only employee responsible for the machine and transporting the waste. Two more employees are scheduled to join King in the coming week.
The composter was scheduled to begin operation roughly four months ago. American Electric Power, the company responsible for connecting the composting facility to the local power grid, was stalled because the company had to divert resources to address hurricane damage in Texas.
The machine produces fertile soil that can be used in grounds maintenance on campus. Sustainability Coordinator Sonia Marcus said that OU will be the primary consumer of the compost, but the exact amount to be used is unknown.
Although the composter is intended to reduce solid waste, the university may consider selling the compost. Marcus said that, while there is a demand for the compost, she is hesitant to sell it.
That's just not what we're set up to do
Marcus said.
The first batch of waste will not be fully composted until April. All waste must be processed for two weeks and then cured for 90 days before it can be used.
Total startup costs for the composting unit reached $691,609, over half of which was covered by grants. OU's departments of Facilities Management and Auxiliaries covered the rest.
Officials estimate that the machine will require minimal maintenance. Steve Mack, director of Building and Grounds Services, said that the machine has few moving parts and is highly efficient. The trucks used to transport the waste are more likely to break down than the machine, he added.
Officials say they are proud of the machine and of OU's commitment to environmental sustainability.
This is a fantastic conservation and sustainability idea that will help to keep our community greener said President Roderick McDavis. We're excited to a have a leadership role (in environmental initiatives).
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Erich Hiner
