Project Summary:

The Vermicompost Living Lab is transforming food waste management at Northern Arizona University’s Environmental Engineering Field Station. Led by Dr. Jeff Meilander and an undergraduate Compost Manager, this initiative diverts pre- and post-consumer food waste from NAU Campus Dining away from landfills, utilizing red wiggler worms to create nutrient-rich compost and worm castings. By replacing heavy machinery with a natural, worm-based system, the project is significantly reducing campus greenhouse gas emissions. The living lab serves as an interdisciplinary hub, providing students in microbiology, environmental science, business, engineering, and sociology with hands-on research opportunities. Additionally, the high-quality compost produced is utilized in the SSLUG garden and across campus landscaping, fostering a closed-loop circular economy. Through collaborative workshops and community outreach, this project is actively engaging the NAU community and local Flagstaff partners in sustainable waste solutions.

Project Lead:

Jeff Meilander

Date:

2025-08-22

Funding Amount:

$12,423.71

Department:

Pathogen and Microbiome Institute

Supporting Documents