SP0111: Macdonald Campus Composting System

Can you imagine just how much compostable material a university campus, CGEP and working farm generate together on a daily basis? Up until now all the composting from the McGill Macdonald campus and John Abbott College has been passionately and skillfully managed by student volunteers, but such a system has limitations (such as busy student schedules and high turnover) which prevent it reaching its maximum efficiency.

To date, composting at Macdonald campus is accomplished by various parties and lacks any real infrastructure. The city of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue has accepted taking over this roll, by collecting and processing compost from Macdonald Campus and John Abbott College from August 2013 until March 2016.

The main objective of this project is to ensure a smooth transition to municipal management. The process addresses the infrastructure needs, the provision of educational tools for users and general communications (with stakeholders and users for support), and promotional materials.

Resources from the SPF will be used to pay for a student position to accomplish these goals - supporting volunteers and the Facilities department throughout the transition; and for the initial investments and materials required for start-up, such as containers and bins not paid for by the city, communications to inform users, and winter collections.

This project will allow for a sustainable integration of the new system in which all members of the community will be involved.