The University of Kentucky provides composting opportunities for some on-campus residents. In 2021, Caleb Gooden, Student Government Association’s (SGA) Director of Innovation, created the program to take responsibility for the food waste they created in the residence hall.

Food waste that is gathered on campus is composted and used as a soil amendment at UK Farms and on campus.

Residential Composting

On-Campus residential composting services is being rolled out in phases:

• Active: University Flats, Greg Page, Shawneetown
• In Development: TBD

How to Compost

Dispose of your accepted food waste in the tabletop composting bin.

Discover what you can compost at UK.

Once a week, empty your tabletop composting bin into the 50-gallon composting container located in the compactor room.

Program Guidelines

1. Empty Frequently. Empty your container into the 50-Gallon collection container at least once-per-week.
2. Know what's compostable. Review the food waste collection sign to identify which foods are permitted. If you have any questions about accepted food waste, please email recycle@uky.edu.
3. Line your container. You can use a brown paper bag as a container liner or capture your food waste loose.
4. Compostable plates, cups, bags, and cutlery are not accepted.
5. If odor, pets/bugs or contamination become an issue, the tabletop container will be removed and potential fines applied to the student’s account.
6. Return your clean bin before moving out of the residence hall. Containers can be returned by placing them beside the food waste collection bin in the compactor room.

Additional Resources

• Watch UK's Composting Operations in Action