MANSFIELD, PA— There’s a new mantra on the Mansfield University
campus. At the end of every meal, students “feed ORCA.” And ORCA is always hungry.
ORCA is a cutting edge piece of equipment that turns food into organic refuse. Its full name is Organic Refuse Conversion Alternative.
“Anything you can eat, it can eat,” Mansfield University/Sodexo Food Services Director Drew Robinson said.
He became aware of the machine when students and faculty returned from a conference excited about it. He contacted the Canadian company, Totally Green, and installed it in March, becoming the third college in Pennsylvania to use it.
“We were sending 400 pounds of food waste a day to the landfill,” he said. That adds up to 18 tons a semester. “Our goal is to have zero waste going to the landfill.”
Using a process called “aerobic digestion,” the machine uses a process of ORCA’s proprietary, natural Microorganism solution, water and recycled Bio Chips to break down waste. The resulting gray water goes directly into sanitary drain. This process eliminates the production of methane gas, reduces emissions related to the transportation of waste and provides a safe work environment.
The process means an extra step for diners who have to scrape their plates into an “ORCA bin.”
“I’m really proud of the students,” Robinson said. “They understand recycling and sustainability. Their participation is helping the program succeed. I thank them very much.”
Robinson said he and his staff had to work a bit to create a feeding schedule. “ORCA converts about 25 pounds of food an hour so we have to be careful not to overload it.”
Robinson said food waste comes from three areas. There is about 50 pounds of pre-production waste. Another 50 pounds comes from the retail food outlets on the first floor of Manser Hall. The main dining area generates 300 pounds of waste a day.
While ORCA is new on the market, MU is in good company. Intercontinental Toronto Centre, Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium, Waldorf Astoria are also feeding ORCA.
Others will be joining. Beginning July 1, 2015, New York City will require hotels with 100 or more sleeping rooms to dispose of food waste through composting, aerobic or anaerobic digestion or other approved methods of diverting food waste from landfills.
To watch a video presentation on the ORCA at MU , click here.