Food Waste Diversion

Food Waste Bin in Large Residence

BU is committed to our Zero Waste Plan, which aims to divert 90% of all waste produced at the University from landfills and incinerators by 2030. Composting is just one part of BU’s waste diversion initiatives but is an important way of reducing the University’s greenhouse gas emissions. As was found in the Zero Waste Plan, 44% of materials disposed of in landfills and incinerators is potentially compostable, so expansion of our food waste diversion system is a significant part of the effort to achieve Zero Waste. 

Food Waste Sign

Do’s and Don’ts of the Food Waste Bin

DO use the food waste bins for… 

    • Edible food scraps (like unfinished meals) 
    • Inedible food scraps (like spoiled food, peels and rinds, eggshells, etc.) 
    • Soiled paper goods (like unbleached napkins, unlined paper food containers) 

Tip: With paper goods, if it is compostable, it will usually say so! 

DO NOT use the food waste bins for… 

    • Bioplastics like PLA   
    • Waxed paper (coffee cups, lined food containers, milk cartons) 
    • Regular plastic containers or bags (head to our “How To Recycle” page for more info) 
    • Metal 
    • Glass
    • Cardboard 

Avoid Contamination

Sorting your waste incorrectly leads to the contamination of our food waste bins. Contamination is when trash or recycling items are placed in the food waste bin, which means the whole bin needs to be disposed of as trash. If after looking at our signage, you are still unsure if an item can be composted, the best option is to put it in the trash. 

Where is Food Waste Collected? 

Food waste is collected behind the scenes at all dining halls, George Sherman Union, the Law School, Questrom Catering, Questrom Starbucks, BU Children’s Center, Raising Canes, Hillel House (Granby Commons), BU Pub, and the Dunkin Donuts in Student Village. 

Front-of-house bins are available for those dining at George Sherman Union and Questrom Starbucks.  

Residential Composting

As of January 2022, residents of Warren Towers, West Campus, and 1019 Commonwealth Ave have access to an opt-in food waste collection program. Locked food waste collection bins are located on every floor of these residences. To opt into the program and receive the lock combination, please complete this sign-up form. 

 

The Zero Waste Plan aims to expand BU’s food waste program in the coming years.  

If you are interested in learning more about our program or would like to lead an expansion project, please reach out to the Zero Waste Manager.  

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