Composting

Cooperative Extension

Introduction

Lincoln University (LU) Composting Facility was constructed in 2005 with a State grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Program. The main purpose was to divert university cafeteria food waste from the landfill and convert it to a soil amendment. LU is the first and only university operating food waste composting with the use of an in-vessel composting machine among Missouri universities and colleges.

In 2008, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) started providing composting education programs to "Master Gardeners"™ and the general public. Composting programs continue to be conducted through the use of workshops, presentations, facility tours and how-to-compost demonstrations.

Mission

To increase awareness of the needs of waste reduction and waste conversion to useful products by providing the public with science-based research information on composting through education programs for a sustainable future.

Goals

  • Increase the awareness and knowledge of recycling and composting.

  • Promote sound operating techniques.

  • Reduce waste to landfill.

  • Improve environmental quality.

  • Create a sustainable future.

"Composting is about recycling organic material back to nature. It is also about reawkening our awareness of the value of healthy soil in the food web. Getting in touch with ourselves and getting in touch with each other are all important parts of creating a sustainable future for human beings on Earth." Training Manual, June 1994