In November 2020, Rice University launched a transformative partnership with Moonshot Compost, a Houston-based company dedicated to redefining food waste as a resource. As of July 2025, the collaboration has helped Rice divert over 1.5 million pounds of food waste from landfills—turning scraps into soil and climate action.
This initiative began as a campus as a living lab project, driven by student leadership and supported by the Office of Sustainability and Housing & Dining. Moonshot provides the infrastructure and logistics to collect food waste from all campus serveries and graduate housing.
Student involvement is central to the program’s success. From managing bin placement and signage to tracking data and leading outreach, students like EcoReps and sustainability interns play a vital role in keeping the program thriving and evolving.
Thanks to this partnership, Rice has not only reduced methane emissions but also fostered a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation—one compost bin at a time.
You can keep track of Rice's composting progress by viewing our Moonshot Diversion Dashboard by clicking here.