Composting

Composting at UNIS

Did you know that composting is a sustainable way of creating organic fertilizer for your garden?

Here at UNIS we have been having fun creating our own organic fertilizer. 

Organic fertilizers help to improve soil fertility through the management of organic waste such as food, vegetables and kitchen waste.

The composting process starts by collecting waste material and leaving it for a period of 30-45 days. During this time mineral elements such as probiotics and green compost yeast are added to the waste and it is heaped into piles and put into underground tanks. 

During the 30-45 day period the waste material goes through a fermentation process of breaking down. During this fermentation period machinery is used to turn and aerate the waste whilst also ensuring water is used to keep the waste moist.

In May 2022 UNIS created their own composting project. The composting process is located in the nursery garden and utilizes leaves and plant materials from the UNIS gardens as well as non meat food waste from the school canteen. The compost system is managed by our fantastic gardening team along with assistance from Bac Ha to look after the entire process from start to finish. 

The result of this composting project has not only been a great way for UNIS to save money by not having to pay to have rubbish removed but also it also means the gardening staff no longer have to purchase ready made fertilizers which are often not organically created. 

In the past year, UNIS has used over 100,000 kgs of waste material to generate 75,000 kg of organic fertilizer which we use in our very own gardens to keep our plants and trees healthy and happy.  Please take the time to walk around the school, particularly the Botanical Garden to see the results of this great sustainable project.

Food waste and plants materials are cut into pieces 

Nursery garden