At Langara, we have been actively composting for over 10 years and we are proud to say that 100% of organic waste from Chartwells/cafeteria, Tim Hortons, and Starbucks is recycled. A company called Urban Impact comes to campus several times a week and takes all our compost waste to their New Westminster facility. From there, Urban Impact properly disposes of all waste and composts any organic materials.
Think Green for Organics/Composting Stream
At Langara, the Organics bin is represented by the green bin. This stream accepts all food scraps and soiled paper products, including coffee cups. Urban Impact provides a comprehensive list of what you can and can't recycle.
What items go into the Langara compost bin?
At Langara, our Organics stream is mainly for food scrap waste and soiled paper. You can find a list below of some commons items on campus that belong in the Organics bin:
- Fruit
- Any leftover food (including bones, seafood and coffee grounds)
- Tea Bags
- Paper Bags, Tissues and Napkins
- Paper take out boxes and containers
- Pizza Boxes
- Waxy Paper and Juice Cartons
- Paper Cups and Plates
What is composting?
Composting occurs when we recycle decomposed material into soil. By composting our organic waste, we return nutrients back into the soil and do our part to continue the process of life.
Why should we compost?
- It's the law. In 2015, the City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver passed a bylaw that requires all food scraps to be recycled. Failing to do this can result in a large fine.
- Composting helps divert waste away from landfills.
- Composting can improve soil composition, which results in healthier plants and better air circulation.
- It helps to save water. The improved soil from composting has better soil moisture so you waste less water.
- Composting helps improve your diet. Plants grown in areas near composting sites have increased nutrients.
Source: RecycleWorks