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Introduction

This project focuses on improving soil quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting organic farming, and expanding green spaces within the University of Sharjah (UOS) campus.

 

Project Overview

A composting system was introduced to convert biodegradable waste into organic fertilizer, encouraging sustainable waste management and organic food production. This initiative also raises awareness about the importance of food security and sustainability.

 

Method

A deep freezer was installed in the pantry for the collection of three types of waste necessary for composting:
• General food waste was placed directly into the soil.
• Green vegetable and fruit waste, containing a high concentration of nitrogen needed for composting to take place, e.g., grass clippings, vegetable and fruit peel, and green leaves.
Brown waste including dry leaves, cardboard, and shredded paper, vital for releasing carbon, thus used as an energy source for microorganisms to break down the waste.
 Workshops and announcements informing faculty and students of the initiative and the location of the food waste collection points.
 A ‘MakeSoil’ website was created to collect food waste from the community, allowing contributors to coordinate with assigned university members for the depositing of waste onsite. This raises awareness of organic farming and its nutritional value among the community.

 

Key Outcomes and Learnings

Since its launch, the project has produced 4,000 kg of compost from 7,200 kg of biodegradable waste, enhancing soil fertility and organic food production. The University of Sharjah became the first higher education institution to produce organic fertilizer, earning a certificate of conformity for organic crops from ESMA.

Organic crops are now grown in the greenhouse and supplied to supermarkets. A Zero Waste policy ensures food waste from university events is composted, while discarded water is used for irrigation. Students and stakeholders actively engage in organic farming, promoting food security and sustainability.