Compost corner

L to R: Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr John Harries, Sam Lumb, President of the Guild of Students and Mr Alan Stephens, Head of House Services with the 'Rocet Composter'

Wednesday 19 December 2007
Compost corner

A new composting machine capable of processing 1.2 tonnes (1,750 litres) of food waste every week has been installed by Aberystwyth University.

The “Rocket Composter”, which will take food waste from the University's kitchens at the Arts Centre Café and the Students Union, has been purchased with a £25,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Wood chips produced from wood waste on campus are combined with food waste to produce compost in a process that takes about 14 days to complete. Once matured, the resulting compost will be used on shrub beds across the University and for potting new plants.

Dr John Harries Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibilities for Estates and Special Projects said:
“This is the latest in a series of developments that emphasise the University's commitment to enhancing its environmental performance. All the kitchen waste which traditionally would have been sent to landfill will now be treated on site using well proven equipment which is the choice of environmental organisations such as The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth.”

The development has also been welcomed by Sam Lumb President of the Students Union.
“This is a positive step forward for the university and the guild. The Guild has a number of Environmental policies which we implement and this Rocket Composter is proof that Aberystwyth University is actually making a difference, not just talking about making a difference. We are very proud of the positive impact we hope this machine will have,” she said.

The “Rocket Composter” is manufactured by Cheshire based Accelerated Compost Ltd.

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