Since 2005, Santropol Roulant has been practicing different forms of composting in an effort to manage kitchen waste and produce rich plant fertilizer. In 2024 the project started to focus on vermicomposting to promote this practice as an eco-friendly way to process kitchen scraps and produce fertilizer for plants and gardens, and build strong community connections.
Vermicomposting at the Roulant
The Food Cycle
By vermicomposting our kitchen scraps allows our building to become a microcosm of the food cycle: Growing vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers on the roof, cooking for the meals-on-wheels in the kitchen, composting the kitchen scraps in the basement and then back up to the roof for fertilization.
Why Vermicompost
Vermicomposting uses red wriggler worms (Eisenia foetida) a way of composting indoors in special bins which are filled with “bedding” made from shredded newspaper or cardboard. The worms eat food scraps (banana peels, avocado, corn on the cob…) placed in the bin which they convert into nutrient-rich compost in their excretions called “castings”. Beneficial microorganisms in the bin continue to break down and improve the castings. Earthworm castings (vermicompost) are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients, as well as beneficial bacteria. The castings are very beneficial to plants because they add nutrients, improve the texture of the soil and help it to retain moisture.
Our Values
Sustainability
Minimizing waste and contributing to a healthy, thriving ecosystem.Community
Providing the community with resources and knowledge to compost at home.Local Agriculture
Providing the Roulant’s gardens with nutrient-rich vermicompost.Get involved
There are lots of ways to get involved in the Compost Collective!Volunteer
Participants meet on the second Wednesday of every month from 5 to 6 pm, the hour is spent creating new worm bins and taking care of the worm population: feeding, hydrating and preparing new bedding. The work is done as a team and no prior experience is necessary. It is simply a time to relax and have fun while exploring the world of vermicomposting together.
GET WORMS & COMPOST
If you’re interested in starting your own vermicompost set-up, you can get worms from us to get you started. Please email the collective at vermicollective@santropolroulant.org