Waste and Compost

At Northland we strive to close resource loops and eliminate waste. A key component of our work is our composting operations.

To learn more about composting at Northland, download a PDF version of our Sustainability Tips Brochure.

Read more about some of our current projects:

• Earth Tub Composting
• ELLC Composting Toilets
• The Reuse Center

Earth Tub Food Scrap Composter and Composting Program

Typically 10% of municipal waste consists of food scraps,  here at Northland we've been working to change that. Since investing in our Earth Tub Northland College has saved tens of thousands of pounds of raw food waste. Compost is collected from the cafeteria and from bins located in all dorm building kitchens and other campus buildings, including the campus center. The finished composted material is cycled into the campus garden and native landscaping efforts. To learn more about composting, download a PDF version of our Sustainability Tips Brochure.

ELLC Composting Toilets

Unlike your typical "waste" Northlanders know that if their composting toilets smell they've been doing something wrong. The two Swedish-designed Clivus Multrum composting toilets located in apartments in the ELLC are quite the conversation starters. Managed by student workers, the toilets require a "balanced diet" in order to process properly so the waste can be converted into a safe and useful product used to benefit various soils around campus. The composting toilets are just a start at making a dent in the average American's  annual use of 9,000 gallons of water for toilet flushing. To learn more about how composting toilets are used at Northland, download a PDF version of our Sustainability Tips Brochure.

The Reuse Center

The Reuse Center is a place where students, faculty and staff can bring unwanted but reusable objects. It’s mission is to provide a way for Northland students, faculty and staff to reduce their waste and consumption by cycling objects over and over in the community. The Reuse Center, is located in Mead room 234 and is run by Environmental Council members and volunteers. Check the online calendar for upcoming Mall Share events when items from The Reuse Center are brought out on to the mall or into the Ponzio Campus Center. To learn more about what you can donate to The Reuse Center at Northland, download a PDF version of our Sustainability Tips Brochure.