At the heart of Colegio Bolívar, hidden from plain sight for many, lies a space full of life and transformation: the composting area. This project has gradually become a fundamental pillar for the school’s sustainability, as it not only makes use of organic waste but also educates and connects the community with the benefits of implementing the school’s solid waste management system.
This has been made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the maintenance and projects coordination, the gardening staff, the sustainability purpose team, and the administrative direction of the school.
Specifically, the composting area has benefited from the dedication of Carlos Alberto Castillo, who started his journey at the school as a replacement gardener and cleaning staff and has found a true vocation in this initiative. “Every day I learn something new, and I have the opportunity to teach the children, teachers, and even university students about this process. Many didn’t know this space existed, but when they discover it, they are amazed by its beauty and usefulness,” he says enthusiastically.
The composting process here is meticulous and efficient. Each cycle lasts between three and five months, adapted to the needs of the school. Using techniques that include lime, phosphate, purge honey, and soil, the resulting compost is of high quality and essential for maintaining gardens and trees. Furthermore, the composting area handles three types of composting: leaf and plant material composting, organic composting with food scraps like vegetables and potatoes, and vermiculture composting, which uses worms to speed up decomposition and improve compost quality.
The numbers reflect the positive impact of this work. Between August and December 2024 alone, 3,584 kg of organic waste were removed from the cafeterias, averaging 716.8 kg per month. Additionally, in the last year, 252.05 cubic meters of plant waste were deposited in the composting area, transforming them into 94.52 m³ of compost, demonstrating the school’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
But the project doesn’t stop here. There are big plans for the future. “We want to improve the workspace with key tools, such as a blender to better process the waste, and expand our training sessions. Imagine if parents could learn to make compost at home, or if children could experience firsthand how nature transforms waste into life,” Carlos points out.
The impact of the composting area at Colegio Bolívar goes beyond saving on fertilizers or reducing waste. It’s a cultural change, an invitation to the community to raise awareness and respect for the environment. What was once an invisible space is now a place of sustainability and learning, where the earth breathes and the community flourishes.