With Winter Break in full swing, and the holidays and New Year around the corner, we present a year in review recap of the biodigester project
TIMELINE
- December 20, 2017: The FOR Solutions Model 1000 Composting System is delivered to campus.
- April 2018: Installation Acceptance Test completed to insure the correct electrical set-up and proper rotation of the biodigester’s mechanical systems
- May 2018: Arrival and waterproofing of lifter and other operational items
- July 2018: System receives UL Certification
- September 2018: Electric inspection and town code inspections completed
- September 18, 2018: Biodigester becomes operational with the first loading of food scraps from Frist Campus Center and campus cafes
- December 2018: Project expands to include food scraps from Scully Co-op
- December 14, 2018: Last system loading of 2018
- December 20, 2018: Last off-loading of compost of 2018
HIGHLIGHTS
- Over 16 tons of food scraps converted into nutrient-rich compost
- Engaged 14 undergraduate students as operational assistants
- 15 presentations/tours
- 3 related student course reports
WHAT’S NEXT
- Plans to grow project by setting up additional campus food scraps collection locations
- Project logo!
- Experimental testing of different compost products (e.g. blends, teas) and applications across campus
- Cost-Benefit, Life Cycle Analysis and additional research efforts
Happy Holidays and New Year!
Stay tuned for updates in 2019.