Compost

You may have seen or heard about “composting” or “compost” on campus, but maybe you aren’t quite sure what that means. 

Generally speaking, if something was once alive, it can be composted. Below are some examples of compostable materials.

• Food scraps (fruit, vegetables, chicken bones, moldy bread, etc.)
• Dead greenery (flowers, plants)
• Wooden coffee stirrers
• Coffee grounds
• Cutlery and straws labelled "compostable" or "GreenWare"
• Wood
• Yard waste
• Shredded paper (NO receipts! These are landfilled.)
• Cardboard
• Greasy cardboard, especially pizza boxes

If you’re ever unsure, please either reach out to rethinkwaste@richmond.edu or place your item in the landfill collection. When you aren't certain, look for the label on your product. This will help us control contamination in our diversion streams.

Items that aren’t compostable or recyclable, or items that are unclear, should be placed in landfill bins located throughout campus. As the landfill signs say, “If it’s unclear, put it here.”