Food and compostable material are collected separately from garbage, corrugated cardboard, paper, and bottles and cans. Once collected, the material is taken to a compost facility off-campus and made into a new soil product.
Food and compostable material are defined food scraps, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, coffee grounds, teas bags, plants, flowers, leaves, tree trimmings, sawdust, soiled paper and napkins, pizza boxes/donut boxes, and compostable serviceware that are certified by Biodegradable Products Institute http://bpiworld.org/BPI-Public/Approved.html). Food waste does not include metal, glass, plastic, foil, cans, Styrofoam, diapers, kitty litter or pet waste, ash, rock, stone, liquid waste, chemicals, including bleach, detergents, and degreasers, batteries or non-compostable serviceware.
Stanford University began food and organic waste collection in January 2003. As of October 2007, all dining halls, 43 student managed houses, and 3 cafes/restaurants on campus have food and compostable material collection service. We are currently diverting about 67.5 tons or 135,000 pounds per month. The next phase of the program will target cafes and special events on campus.
Outdoor food waste collection dumpster and carts are provided by PSSI. Interior bins are the responsibility of the customer. Specifications subject to change. To determine the level of service needed for new projects or for more information, please contact Julie Muir at PSSI at (650) 321-4236 or juliem@pssi.stanford.edu.