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February 2026 - Sustainability Blog

This February, Dining Sustainability is focusing on an important system supporting our campus waste‑reduction efforts: composting. Every day, microorganisms quietly transform organic materials from our dining halls into something beneficial for our environment. Their work is essential to turning waste into a resource that supports healthier soils and stronger local ecosystems.

What is Compost?

Compost is created when organic materials, such as food scraps, napkins, and certified compostable dinnerware, break down through the natural activity of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. When these organisms receive the right balance of oxygen, moisture, and nutrients, they decompose materials that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. The result is a nutrient-rich soil that improves plant growth, soil structure, and long-term ecosystem health.

At both the Shore and Wagoner, composting is integrated into daily operations. At these locations, both pre- and post-consumer waste is collected and diverted from the landfill.

After leaving campus, this material is transported to the New Hanover County Landfill’s composting facility, where it is processed in an enclosed, carefully managed system. Over several weeks, controlled temperature, airflow, and turning help microorganisms break down the material into finished compost. This compost is then used by local parks and gardens, including Airlie Gardens and the New Hanover County Arboretum, supporting green spaces throughout our community. County residents can receive compost for free by calling ahead and scheduling a pickup.

Making an Impact

Composting plays a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of campus dining by:

  • Reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills
  • Lowering greenhouse gas emissions
  • Returning nutrients to local soils
  • Supporting healthier landscapes and ecosystems
  • Strengthening UNCW’s commitment to sustainability

A successful composting program depends on proper sorting. By bringing compostable items to dining hall dish returns and placing waste in the right bins, you help ensure that microorganisms can do their job effectively.

This month, and every month, your decisions help sustain UNCW’s composting efforts. By sorting correctly and choosing compostable options, you contribute to a system that transforms our waste into a valuable resource, supporting a healthier campus and a more sustainable community.