New initiatives underway to address food waste on West Lafayette campus

Sustainability and the city of West Lafayette worked to collect food waste at Mackey Arena this past basketball season. Food waste was collected from concession stands and taken the city’s anaerobic digester. (Photo provided by Sustainability) Download image

New initiatives are underway on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus to expand existing food waste diversion and reduction efforts. The Sustainability department, a unit within the Administrative Operations organization, has been working to decrease the amount of food waste sent to a landfill.

Sustainability and the city of West Lafayette started a pilot program that kicked off during the 2023 football season. Food waste from several concession stands at Ross-Ade Stadium was collected and sent to the West Lafayette Water Resource Recovery Facility’s anaerobic digester. Food waste was then collected at Mackey Arena during two basketball games this past season. There are now also waste collection carts located at the Purdue Memorial Union with plans in the works to expand to other campus facilities. 

These efforts were in partnership with the city, Purdue Athletics, Levy Restaurants/Boilermaker Hospitality Inc. and the Purdue Food Co.

The pilot program is targeting the largest food waste generators on campus to assess the diversion impact and operational feasibility of permanently expanding the collection program. Food waste quantities are being assessed while optimal cart placement is being identified for each location. The program will allow Purdue to continue to build its ongoing partnership with the city of West Lafayette.

Sustainability has also been working with the John Martinson Honors College to reduce waste and promote eco-conscious behaviors. At events hosted by the Honors College, food waste is measured and tracked with the goal to progressively reduce the percentage of waste generated. Efforts have also been made to minimize single-use plastics and other disposable items at events. The hope is this initiative serves as a pilot that other campus departments could look to as a model.

“We are very fortunate to be able to collaborate with such incredible partners — both on campus and with the city of West Lafayette,” said Tony Gillund, director of Sustainability. “Reducing food waste across campus is an immense challenge, and we are grateful others are willing to help put the effort forward to accomplish such a task.” 

Sustainability and the Administrative Operations organization support the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Taking action to reduce food waste and spread awareness on campus is one of the many ways the organization continues to power Purdue.

More information about how individuals can play a role in reducing food waste on campus is available on the Sustainability website. For off-campus residents, the city currently offers a collection site for food waste and provides countertop food waste bins.