University of Richmond Reaches a Major Composting Milestone

For the first time in a calendar year, the University of Richmond has diverted over 300,000 pounds (150 tons) of organic waste for compost.

“That’s a big number that I’m excited to share,” said David Donaldson, Rethink Waste manager. “We’ve increased organic waste diversion by tens of thousands of pounds each year since going under contract with NOPE in 2020.”

Every piece of organic waste kept out of the landfill makes a difference. Organic waste decomposition in landfills is the third-largest contributor to atmospheric methane — behind burning fossil fuels and agriculture/livestock.

“Methane is much better at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, and anything we can do to mitigate what we’re responsible for is amazing both for us and for the planet,” Donaldson said.