Westford Schools Food Scraps Program

We are proud supporters of Westford Academy's on-site food scraps composting program launched this fall!

Westford Schools Food Scraps Program

It is estimated that food waste accounts for about 15% of all municipal solid waste in the state of Massachusetts, or nearly 900-000-tons per year. When other organic materials like compostable paper and yard waste are included, the combined organics total about 25% of all disposal. Starting a composting program can save money on waste disposal costs. Composting is also good for the planet and your local community because it reduces GHG emissions from landfills. According to the Highfields Center for Composting, composting 5 gallons of food waste is equivalent to not burning one-gallon of gasoline. Finished compost is used by farms and gardeners, reducing the need for chemical-based soil amendments.

A few of the schools in Westford have been composting their food scraps due to the effort of students, teachers, principals, staff and residents. It is currently a volunteer operation that includes weekly pickups at schools and delivery of the food scraps to a local farm.

History

Crisifulli

  • Began composting food scraps in November 2010
  • Compostable trays introduced March 29, 2013, one day per week, through a Lunch Tray Initiative from a Westford resident. Program ended April 29, 2014 due to funding limits and challenge of finding commercial composter for trays
  • Weight total (March 29, 2013 to April 18, 2015) = 8094.16 lbs

Blanchard

  • Began composting food scraps September 2012, pioneered through teacher Jamie Merkle and his students
  • Weight total (March 29, 2013 to April 18, 2015) = 7260 lbs

Day Kitchen

  • Began composting food prep scraps February 28, 2014
  • Students from Mr. Whittlesby's 5th grade class pioneered use of compostable trays one day per week from March 7, 2014 to April 29, 2014
  • Weight total (February 28, 2014-4/18) = 1267.94 lbs

WA Kitchen

  • Began composting food prep scraps December 27, 2014
  • Weight total (December 27, 2014 to April 18, 2015) = 1402 lbs

Robinson Kitchen

  • Began composting food prep scraps December 3, 2013, ended program February 1, 2014 due to low volume of scraps
  • Weight total (December 3, 2013-February 1, 2014) = 46 lbs
Total food scraps collected as of April 18, 2015 = 18,024.1 lbs