Composting - Post Consumer Organic Waste

Started in late fall 2023, Villanova University began offering an organics waste collection pilot program for specific locations on campus.  

This program is an opt-in program, where participants must undergo minimum composting knowledge training, or have the ability to monitor organics waste bins to prevent contamination from trash or other non-compostable materials.  Since this material will be composted via wind row composting on a local farm, there is no tolerance for contamination from trash.

To learn more, or see if this program could be a fit for you, please email recycling@villanova.edu

Composting bins are now located in outdoor waste enclosures in the following locations:

• The Commons
• West Campus
• The Finneran Pavilion
• St Rita's Hall
• Facilities Management Office (FMO)
• The Villanova Stadium/Grounds Department 

Are Compostable plastic items accepted in this program?

No, compostable plastics are not accepted (except for BPI-certified bags/waste bin liners). 

Instead, "compostable" plastics should be placed in a campus single-stream recycling bin, if clean and empty, or in a trash bin if soiled with excessive food (>10-15% food waste).  While compostable plastics can be recycled at VU, please note that compostable plastics may not be acceptable in all other recycling programs outside of campus.