Cleveland State University converts to compostable tableware in dining halls

Cleveland State University has announced that its dining services operation will be transitioning to 100 percent plant-based compostable tableware.

The university in Cleveland, Ohio, says from now on, it will use only compostable cups, plates, and utensils in all of its dining facilities and for catered campus events.

This effort augments Cleveland State's composting initiative for kitchen food waste. That effort yielded more than 38,000 pounds in 2017 alone.

“Compostable products are becoming a popular choice for universities with ambitious waste reduction targets," says Jennifer McMillin, director of the Office of Sustainability at Cleveland State. "In addition, students, faculty and staff have expressed a desire to move away from disposable plastic tableware, and we’ve been able to make this transition with no additional product costs."

The university's compostable tableware is made from corn and sugarcane and can be turned into composted soil in less than two weeks, officials say.

Compost collection bins will be set up in the CSU Student Center for catered events, and soil produced from the project will be used by CSU Facilities for campus landscaping.

“CSU Dining is committed to identifying areas where we can reduce environmental impact while continuing to provide high-quality service for the campus community,” says Kathleen Mooney, assistant director for campus support services. “This initiative is truly a win-win.”