During Earth Month, Albuquerque Academy is announcing a landmark sustainability partnership with Soilutions, New Mexico’s premier composting and soil company, to divert the school’s food and green waste from landfills. This “closed-loop” initiative turns the Academy’s food scraps and green waste into nutrient-rich compost, some of which is then returned to the campus to nourish its own landscape.
This content is presented in partnership with Soilutions who provided the content.
The collaboration was sparked by an introduction from Albuquerque Academy Trustee Lia Armstrong, who recognized a shared mission between the school’s environmental goals and Soilutions’ expertise in regenerative waste management.
From Cafeteria to Cultivation
The Albuquerque Academy has implemented a comprehensive collection system for both food waste from its kitchen and catering operations, averaging 225 pounds per day, and green waste from its 312-acre campus. Both the food scraps and green waste are delivered to Soilutions and then processed at the Soilutions facility using advanced composting techniques. Soilutions has advanced depackaging technology, so the Academy can deliver food and packaging.
“Not having to separate out the packaging makes it much easier for everyone at the school to participate in the program,” said Adam Delgado, Executive Director of Operations at the Academy. “The easier we make it for people, the greater the participation.”
The partnership goes beyond simple waste diversion. In a true “full circle” model, the Academy is now purchasing and using Soilutions products on their campus. This high-quality organic matter is used by the Academy’s grounds crew to maintain athletic fields, gardens, and campus green spaces.
“This partnership isn’t just about recycling; it’s an educational tool,” said Julianne Puente, Head of School at the Academy. “By closing the loop, we are showing our students that ‘waste’ is actually a valuable resource. We are grateful to Soilutions for helping us take this significant step toward a more sustainable future.”
Impact and Sustainability Goals
By composting organic matter into compost weekly rather than sending it to a landfill, the Albuquerque Academy is significantly reducing its methane emissions – a potent greenhouse gas. The use of locally produced compost also:
- Improves Soil Health: Enhances the water-retention capabilities of the Academy’s desert soil.
- Reduces Chemical Use: Minimizes the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Supports the Local Economy: Keeps resources and revenue within the Albuquerque community.
“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with the Albuquerque Academy,” said Dawn Dewey, Soilutions CEO. “They are investing in sustainability and the health of their own land, and this sets a powerful example for their students.”
“We would like to take this partnership one step further and challenge every educational institution in the state to also partner with Soilutions,” added Shawn Ricketts, CFO at the Academy. “If we all take one small step, it will make a lasting difference for future generations of New Mexicans.”
Additionally, the Academy is considering setting up a weekly drop-off site for community members to dispose of food and green waste. The program would be coordinated by Academy staff and the school’s Environmental Club.
“We are in the early planning phases, but if we can help our community members turn their waste into compost, it’s a win-win for everyone,” Ricketts added.