Vermicomposting in the Residence Halls: Stories from the

Worm Keepers

Maren Stumme-DiersSustainability Coordinator

Luther College

Project Outline•Gauge student interest•Research options•Seek ideas/feedback•Secure funding (worms, bins)•Identify and train worm keepers•Make and distribute bins•Publicize•Compost•Harvest castings

Vermicomposting Video

Addressing Concerns

• “Who will take care of the bin”• “What happens if it smells?”• “Will the worms escape?”• “Who will take the bins over the Summer?”

Key Conversations

• Custodians in the Residence Halls• Hall Directors/Resident Assistants• Students• Local experts

Materials• Worms– Happy D Ranch in California– 10 lbs = $190 (This covered our 7 bins)– Population doubles in 3-6 months

• Bins– Rubbermaid Containers– Small vs. Large?– Drill holes for ventilation

• Bedding– Shredded documents– Old Newspapers

Feeding the Worms~ 1lb. Food/1lb. Worms per day~

Worms Like:• Vegetable/Fruit scraps• Shredded newspaper • Coffee Grounds• Eggshells• Dryer lint• Plain pasta or rice• Plain bread

Worms Don’t Like:• Meat or Bones• Fats • Dairy• Very spicy foods• Glossy paper• Large amounts of citrus, hot

peppers, onions or garlic• Liquids• Processed Foods

Implementation

• Identified 7 Locations• Put together bins• Training– Worm keepers– RAs

• Daily maintenance• Weekly check-ins• Summer care

Lessons Learned

• Large bins get heavy!• Most successful in house/cluster setting• Dedicated worm-keepers are a must• Students LOVE this initiative

The Latest

• Castings being sorted by Sustainability House– House fund-raiser

• Creating additional bins• Distributing to campus houses, offices, first

year residence halls

To Stay Updated

• Visit our website:– www.luther.edu/sustainability

• Contact me directly:– Maren Stumme-Diers

stumma01@luther.edu563-387-1722