Waste Reduction Commitment at MIT

Thursday, 28 April 2005

Waste Reduction Commitment at MIT

Manukau Institute of Technology is going green.

MIT has made a major commitment to waste reduction with the installation of a new on-site organic waste recovery system.

The Tat-G On-site Organic Digester has been installed by Natural Waste Solutions Ltd at MIT’s School of Horticulture and will process food waste matter from MIT’s two cafeterias, the catering and hospitality school and restaurant kitchens, and organic matter from MIT’s gardens.

MIT is the first organisation in New Zealand to have installed the Australian-made Tat-G Organic Digester.

School of Horticulture Head of School Jeff Wilson says that while the school has always taught composting and vermiculture, the organic digester offers an opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience of a large commercial system.

“We are also looking at using the vermicompost to undertake trials into different growing media. We’re very excited about the opportunities we have with the Tat-G Organic Digester.”

Natural Waste Solutions director Colin McPike says the Tat-G Organic Digester has been equipped with 25kg or about 100,000 hungry composting worms which eat their way through 60-80kgs of organic waste each day. The worm population is expected to treble and then will self-regulate.

The Tat-G Organic Digester is valued at more than $23,000 including worms and support.

A number of sponsors have generously helped with contributions including Manukau City Council and they will receive information on how organic waste can be dealt with and be turned into a valuable by-product.

“We’ve been thrilled with the response from MIT. Everyone is behind it and we know it will be of benefit to MIT and to the wider community,” Mr McPike says.

MIT’s Organic Digester has already caught the attention of environmental groups and is being included on the 2005 Zero Waste Northern North Island bus tour for local body politicians and council staff from May 9-12.

ENDS

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