NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 17, 2026Hillsborough
USF St. Petersburg launches industrial composter to process 1,000 pounds of food waste daily
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg has unveiled an industrial-sized composting machine capable of converting 1,000 pounds of daily food waste into soil for campus grounds. This student-led initiative, funded by federal grants and private donations, serves as the first phase of a broader plan to eventually process waste from local restaurants and markets.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
The project reduces the volume of campus waste sent to landfills while creating a potential future resource for local farms and residents to purchase nutrient-rich compost.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
personKen Welch“Partner in the initiative.”personDr. Thomas Smith“University official supporting the project.”organizationUniversity of South Florida St. Petersburg“Host institution for the composting initiative.”organizationDuke Energy“Provided financial support for the project.”personSiddarth Bahl“Student leader who spearheaded the project.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Provided funding for the project.”