Food waste composting is a hot topic at Grinnell College. With almost 1,500 students, a significant amount of food waste is produced-almost 750 pounds per day! Several students have taken an interest in this topic in recent years, and Facilities Management has begun working with a local farmer to compost campus food waste starting in Fall 2006.

Besides diverting the waste from the landfill, a portion of the finished compost may be used on campus. In addition, the farm is much closer to campus than the Poweshiek County Transfer Station, so numerous vehicles and the corresponding fuel will be saved.

The College currently composts its yard waste through the City of Grinnell.