Waste is a topic that often comes to mind when one thinks about green practices. The COC has taken strides to mitigate landfill use and promote efficient waste management. The Center has a comprehensive composting system for virtually all food waste. Our compost pile is a combination of food scraps, garden waste and our neighbor’s horse manure, which ultimately finds its way back onto our gardens at the Center and at Hosmer Point.
We participate in a zero-sort recycling system through Casella waste systems, and we are constantly trying to improve our collection systems to reduce contamination and confusion. Casella can accept clean glass bottles, plastic bottles and containers, cans, and un-waxed paper and cardboard. We also have collection points for scrap metal and batteries on site. Every building on campus has a waste station, where there are separate containers for recycling, compost, and trash, accompanied by educational explanatory signs.