University Zero Waste Programs
A student-led food waste collection initiative in collaboration with CAS students — promoting composting and sustainable waste management in Beirut.
CAS Student Food Waste Collection
Mar Mikhael, Beirut
20 Local Restaurants + Waste Management Partner
Turning Food Waste Into Fertile Ground
Lettus Grow Greener launched a student-led food waste collection initiative in collaboration with CAS students completing their community service hours.
The objective was to promote food waste segregation at restaurant level while educating students on composting and sustainable waste management.
what we did
Coordinated with 20 restaurants in Mar Mikhael
Distributed yellow bags one day prior for organic waste segregation
Instructed restaurants to separate food waste from other materials
CAS students collected segregated organic waste from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Transported food waste to a professional waste management facility
Impact
200
of food waste collected in one day
20
engaged in waste segregation
1
of hands-on student experience in waste systems
Official collaboration certificate from waste management partner
Learning Component
Through this initiative, students gained invaluable field experience:
- Observed real composting processes at a professional facility
- Learned how food waste transforms into nutrient-rich soil
- Understood the importance of proper waste segregation at source
- Completed CAS community service hours through environmental action
Outcome
The initiative successfully demonstrated that:
- Restaurants are willing to cooperate when given clear instructions
- Students can play an active role in sustainable waste systems
- Segregated food waste can be redirected from landfill to compost