In recent months many students have approached Dining Services and the Zilkha Center asking about the possibility of starting a composting program at Eco Café.
Over Winter Study the possibility was first seriously discussed at a Waste & Recycling Working Group meeting with Jerry Byers – the Eco Café unit manager – and students representing the Williams Environmental Council (WEC), Eco Advisors, and the Student Food Committee. This past week, students, members of Dining Services, Custodial Services, and the Zilkha Center convened atEco Café to collectively discuss the feasibility of such a program, impacts on operations, and possible locations.
Jerry proposed using a recently installed in-counter trash bin as the location for the compost bin and Inventory Control Coordinator Aaron Crandall who visitsEco Café three times a day agreed to check and remove the compost when it fills.
We’re hoping composting operations will go into effect before Spring Break.
Between now and then an inventory will be conducted on all items sold at Eco Cafe and signage will be made clarifying what items can be composted and recycled.
If you have thoughts about other ways to make Eco Café more eco-friendly, let us know.
To learn more about composting at Williams, visit the Waste and Recycling page on the sustainability website.