The composting program at the University of Northern British Columbia began as a joint action between REAPS and PGPIRG in October 1995. This alternative waste management program includes UNBC Food Services, Ground Maintenance, the Residences, and the campus community. The composting program reduces the university’s waste disposal costs and diverts large quantities of organic matter from entering the regional landfill. It provides an educational facility open to both the university and broader Prince George community. A beautiful organic garden at the site demonstrates organic gardening and the value of compost.

THE COMPOSTING PROCESS
Compost is the result of a natural process in which organic materials decompose and the nutrients in them are recycled. To speed up the process in a household compost pile, a balance of nitrogen, carbon, oxygen and water is necessary. This creates an environment where bacteria and other microbes, worms, and fungi are able to consume, excrete, and thereby decompose the compost contents. Depending on the above factors, and the type of composter used, the process can take between two and twelve months to reach the stage in which it can be used as an organic fertilizer.

Any student, faculty or staff member can use the UNBC compost site. Receptacles for compost are provided throughout the campus and in the residences.

HOW TO USE THE UNBC COMPOSTING SITE

Compost can be deposited in any of the composters with a ‘Feed Me’ sign. After placing compostables in the bin, spread a light layer of dry leaves over it. This reduces odor and helps maintain the carbon/nitrogen balance necessary for the composting process. As the site is maintained by volunteers, please remember to keep it tidy. We encourage anyone interested in composting to volunteer!

MATERIALS YOU CAN COMPOST

Cardboard
Coffee grounds/filters
Vegetable and fruit waste
Dryer lint
Eggshells
Feathers
Grass clippings
Dry leaves
Pine cones/needles
Plant trimmings
Straw and hay
Teabags
Sawdust
AVOID
Meat,fish, dairy and oils, pet feces, diseased plants.

The PGPIRG compost site and demonstration garden is behind the UNBC residence halls.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

This project is powered by a myriad of volunteers and two staff members. Everyone’s input and work is valued equally. There are many different roles for volunteers from physical labour to brainstorming ideas for educational campaigns.

Projects such as these are only possible with community involvement and support. Many individuals, organizations, and businesses have donated time, materials, and information to enable this project to continue to move forward.

Thank you!

RESOURCES

Visit the PGPIRG office, the REAPS Demonstration Garden, www.reaps.org, the Prince George Public Library, the UNBC Library, or the World Wide Web for resources.

To get involved, or for further information, contact:
PGPIRG 960-7474
Rm 7-234A at UNBC
pgpirg@unbc.ca
www.unbc.ca/pgpirg