Welcome Composters!

If you're here to learn more about composting in Freddy Court at Iowa State University, then you've come to the right place!

Why Compost?

Composting is important because food waste is one of the worst type of waste that enters landfills. Composting is an easy way to turn waste into fertilizer and keep it out of landfills, while reducing the need for herbicides.

How does it work in Freddy Court?

Apartments participating in the composting program will receive a composting bucket, which they will then need to empty into compost dumpsters placed around Freddy Court (see map below). The dumpsters will be emptied weekly by FP&M, and our team will monitor compost levels and send out several surveys throughout the year to gather data and improve the program.

A Compost Bucket
Compost Bucket
One of the Compost Dumpsters
Compost Dumpster

Any questions about the program can be e-mailed to the Compost Team's leader Andrew Frank, at akfrank@iastate.edu

How can I start composting?

  1. Carefully read and submit the agreement form
  2. We are working on getting buckets available to be pickup up in the mail room. If you sign up before this, please email Andrew Frank (akfrank@iastate.edu) and we will organize a time to get you a bucket.
  3. Put the correct food/items into your composting bucket
  4. Empty your bucket weekly into the compost dumpsters
  5. Fill out surveys sent out by the Compost Team to help improve the system!
  6. Return your bucket clean at the end of the school year (more details to come)

Help! I don't know what to put in the bucket!

That's okay, because we made this handy list to help you decide! If you are ever in doubt about an item and this list doesn't help, please THROW IT OUT! We want everyone to compost as much as they can, but contaminating compost with incorrect items can ruin the whole batch.

Can I compost that?

YES NO
Organic material: food scraps, leftovers, moldy food, meat, fruits and veggies, coffee grounds, desserts, dairy, grains Synthetic Materials: BBQ ashes, candles, gum, corks, etc.
Plants and soil Products that say compostable (send an email to us about these)
Coffee paper filters and tea bags Recyclables: metal, glass, plastic, cardboard (including pizza boxes), paper, etc.
Napkins, paper towels, tissues Personal care items: floss, cotton balls, Q-tips, etc.
Takeout Containers Pet Waste: fur, hair, etc.