he Czech University of Life Sciences Prague has long been among the leaders in sustainable campus operations. We believe that biowaste is not just waste, but a valuable natural resource with great potential. That is why we have created a system that turns biodegradable waste from our campus into high-quality compost, which we return to the soil – right where it originated.
Would you like to be part of this positive change? In the article below, you will find everything you need to know. Discover simple ways to get involved — whether you live in the dormitories, study at one of the faculties, or work as a university employee.
Together, we can transform everyday habits into meaningful benefits for our environment and the future of the CZU campus.
In addition, we will contribute to achieving the goal for 2030 to reduce the amount of mixed municipal waste by 20 % compared to 2023, as outlined in the Sustainability Strategy of the CZU 2025+.
A) Compost in the Dormitories
Composting in CZU dormitories has a long tradition — it has been running since 2013. Dormitory residents can use several types of community composters located near the buildings:
- Dormitory A: GreenGood electric composter in the kitchen
- Dormitory JIH: JORA rotating composter
- Dormitory BCD: SIVA community composter
- Dormitory G: JORA rotating composter
All composters are secured with combination locks to prevent misuse. You will receive the code after completing a short quiz: COMPOST at CZU – Fill in the form
Biowaste Bags for FREE
We offer sets of special kraft paper bags for bio-waste. You can request them at your dormitory reception.
What belongs in JORA and SIVA composters
YES:
- paper bags
- fruit and vegetable scraps
- coffee grounds and filters
- paper tea bags without strings or tags
- flowers, plants, leaves, grass, stems
- soil from flowerpots
- sod with soil, sawdust, bark
- compostable bedding from herbivorous animals
- paper egg cartons
NO:
- animal residues
- oils and fats
- meat, bones, skins
- dead animals
- nutshells, pits
- carnivore excrements
- contaminated sawdust or shavings
- hair, fur, vacuum cleaner bags
- any non-biodegradable waste
What belongs in the GreenGood electric composter
YES:
- everything listed for JORA/SIVA
- plus animal residues and cooked foods, such as: meat, bones, skins, pasta, sauces, edible oils and fats (in moderate amounts)
Thanks to heating, the system ensures hygienization, allowing safe processing of animal residues.
NO:
- dead animals
- nutshells, pits
- carnivore excrements
- sawdust, shavings, sweepings
- hair, fur
- non-biodegradable waste
B) Compost at FTZ and the CZU Library
In May 2025, a pilot project for biowaste sorting within the university campus was launched. The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTZ) and the CZU Library provided initial support.
You will find COMPOST collection bins here:
- FTZ: near the Traktor bistro and in the kitchenettes
- CZU Library: currently in staff kitchenettes only
Who can take part?
Anyone who cares about sustainability and the future of the CZU campus. The project will gradually expand to more faculties and departments in 2026.
How the sorting works — step by step
STEP 1
Kitchenettes at FTZ and the Library have been equipped with bio-waste bins labeled BIOWASTE, with instructions on what belongs inside.
STEP 2
Bio-waste is placed into the designated containers.
STEP 3
Once the container is full, its contents are transferred to the composter. Attention! Bio-compostable bags must be disposed of in the small bin next to the composter. Although these bags comply with the ČSN EN 13432 standard, they decompose very slowly in JORA and SIVA community composters and may reduce compost quality.
Paper bags, on the other hand, are ideal — they decompose quickly and provide the carbon component essential for high-quality compost. Therefore, they definitely belong in the composter.
Remember:
- use only compostable bags (paper or certified bio-compostable)
- if you are unsure what belongs in the composter, refer to the guidelines for JORA/SIVA above
C) Compost in the Workplace
Your building does not have a collection bin, but you still want to participate? You can use the freely accessible rotating composters located across the CZU campus.
The map of composters
You will receive access codes after filling in the quiz: COMPOST at CZU – Fill in the form
Free kraft paper bags for bio-waste: kompost@czu.cz
Questions or Interested in Collaboration?
Contact Ing. Anna Tvrdíková
CSR Manager
kompost@czu.cz
Need Help?
If the composters are full, contact Operational Gardening:
Bc. Václav Zwerencz
+420 721 199 781
kompost@czu.cz
Project Partners
This project is implemented in cooperation with:
- CZU Sustainability Department
- CZU Operational Gardening (Provozní zahradnictví)
The project is based on the updated CZU Sustainability Strategy 2025+.
Costs
The costs associated with this project are covered by the NPO (National Recovery Plan) funding.