Organic Waste Decomposer Promotes BSC Sustainability

On August 25, 2009, BSC activated the Bio-EZ Waste Decomposer installed in the East Campus Commons dining facilities.  This decomposer, which is designed to convert solid organic waste into liquid, was purchased with a grant of $47,500 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.  This technology represents another successful step in the college's mission to be more energy efficient and environmentally conscious in the use of its resources.

"We were very excited for the opportunity to purchase this machine, which makes Bridgewater State College the first state college to have a Bio-EZ Organic Waste Decomposer in operation," said Mary Cahill, the campus recycling program coordinator and catalyst behind the purchase of the system.  "We anticipate that the use of this machine will save more than one hundred tons of food waste per year from entering the waste stream-the environmental impact is enormous." 

The Bio-Ez Decomposer works on the principles of decomposition which occur in nature, but accelerates the process by maintaining optimal levels of aeration, moisture, and temperature.  The unit is designed to handle up to a thousand pounds a day and completes a decomposition cycle in 24 hours.  The result is a nutrient-rich liquid that is virtually odor free and is safely disposed through existing sewage treatment facilities.

According to Cahill, the average cost to dump one ton of waste in the landfill is about $80, so eliminating one hundred tons of waste will save about $10,000 per year.  It will also reduce the amount of local landfill food garbage, which is said to be thirty times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.

The installation of the Bio-Ez Decomposer is another successful step for BSC that is both economically and environmentally beneficial.  "BSC and Sodexho Food Service will see yearly costs decrease, and at the same time be contributing to the college's mission to reduce green house gas emissions and reduce its carbon footprint," commented Cahill. 

Last Modified: September 24, 2009