Composting is a common method to reduce the flow of solid waste to municipal landfills by repurposing it as a rich supplement and additive to soils. However, universities often struggle to provide options to generate a compost stream that are effectively and appropriately utilized. Past research has shown that university students are more likely to compost when they feel a sense of community and like their efforts are making a difference (within their locus of control). The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Administrative and Student Offices of Sustainability (AOS, SOS) have been managing a residence hall compost and pizza box disposal program in Suites (since Spring 2024), Bridgman (Spring 2025), Oakridge (Spring 2025), and Horan Halls (Fall 2025). Data has been collected, since installation, by AOS student interns, a GEOG 178: Planet Earth – Conservation of the Environment First-Year Experience (FYE) course (AY2025-26) and a subsequent GEOG 178 class (Spring 2026). Currently, over 1,350 lbs of food waste and 1,700 pizza boxes have been extracted from the Upper Campus waste stream. These FYE students characterized and quantified composting trends, while partaking in a high-impact experience in their first year of undergraduate studies.
