University of Colorado Boulder
Tier2-6: Post-Consumer Food Waste Composting

The University of Colorado's post-consumer food waste composting program began at one of Housing and Dining Services 'Welcome Back' student events in 2005 called Global Jam. The Global Jam luncheon event continues to be one of the larger events (over 5,000 people), where post-consumer food waste is collected (averaging 2-3 tons of pre and post consumer food waste and compostable eating-ware). Post-consumer food waste is also collected at all the home football games since the 2008 season (see the innovation credit for more info on Ralphie's Green Stampede). The Student Government also adopted a 'Waste Reduction Bill' in the Fall of 2008, which mandates that all events funded by student fees must either use re-usable china and flatware or compostable dishware. Thus even more post-consumer food waste is collected on a yearly basis. The most recent addition to the post-consumer food waste collection program is the Student Union Center (University Memorial Center, UMC). In the spring of 2010, a pilot program for post-consumer food waste began in the dining area, and bins for compostables were also set up in the UMC restrooms. Participation was so great amongst students and administrators, that the UMC will continue with the program. Plans are underway to enhance and expand post-consumer food waste composting in all buildings that are operated and maintained by student fees (These include the Recreation Center and Wardenburg Health Center).