Sustainability
What SU is Doing

Compost

  • Contact Matthew Benedict, Recycling Coordinator, 296-6459 with questions.  

    What Can I Put in a Food Waste + Compostables Bin?All to-go packaging is compostable


    • All pre-packaged to-go food from campus restaurants is made from compostable plant-derived plastic (see top photo).
               
    •  All plastic to-go ware like utensils, cups and straws from campus restaurants and catering is compostable (see middle photo).     Plastic cups, straws and utensils are compostable plant plastics.

    • All paper to-go ware from campus restaurants and catering is compostable (see bottom photo).  
        
    • Paper to-go ware is compostableEXCEPTIONS: Coffee and soup cup lids are petroleum plastic and go in a recycling bin. Coffee cups from off-campus cafes go in the recycling bin because they are plastic lined or made with non-compostable glues.    
               

    Seattle University’s Compost Facility

    Our onsite facility annually turns 178,000 pounds of food waste into compost.  The compost is spread in planting bedsFood waste and chipped landscaping waste is put into the mixer toimprove soil quality. The facility has won several awards for being located in a large city, adjacent to an apartment building and restaurants, and operating without odor issues. 

    Take a virtual tour. To schedule a group tour, contact Matthew Benedict. The facility is located at 755 13th Avenue. between the O’Brien Center and the School of Law Annex. (map).