Langar ProgramSustainability Guidelines
NESSC Waste Disposal and Sustainability Guidelines
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
We thank you for your generous langar sewa at the Westborough Gurdwara Sahib (WGS). As an integral part of our sangat, please follow these guidelines for waste disposal and sustainability in our kitchen and langar hall programs.
Our Three-Stream Waste Disposal System
WGS is committed to proper waste disposal to divert reusable items from landfills. We use three disposal methods:
Compost
Converted into nutrient-rich soil by our partner Black Earth Compost
- • Vegetable peelings
- • Food scraps
- • Cha patthi (tea leaves)
- • Napkins
- • Compostable plates, cups, spoons
Recycling
Processed by our partner Casella for reuse as raw materials
- • Plastic jugs
- • Metal cans
- • Glass jars
- • Cardboard
- • Paper
- • Plastic water bottles
Garbage
Items that cannot be composted or recycled
- • Plastic bags
- • Plastic film
- • Burlap rice bags
- • Flour atta bags
👨🍳 Kitchen Guidelines
- •Green compostable bags must be used to collect all food scraps and organic materials. Place filled bags in the green bins labeled "Black Earth Compost" near the trash and recycling.
- •Only use Gurdwara-provided tableware (plates, cups, spoons, bowls, napkins) as these are compostable.
🍽️ Langar Hall Guidelines
The family/group taking langar sewa is responsible for proper setup and maintenance of the plate drop-off and composting station. Existing sewadaars may assist with this sewa.
Compost and Drop-Off Setup:
- 1. Place a bucket for unfinished water and liquids
- 2. Set up a bucket for collecting spoons
- 3. Create stations for stacking cups and bowls
- 4. Line waste bin with a green compostable bag
- 5. Tap uneaten food into the compostable bag
- 6. Stack disposable plates; give metal plates to dishwashers
- 7. Replace bags when halfway full
- 8. Place all compost bags in green bins labeled "Black Earth Compost"
Important Commitment
By taking up langar sewa, you commit to following all guidelines listed above. Non-compliance may result in fines for the Gurdwara and environmental damage.
A sustainability committee member will contact you to explain these guidelines and answer any questions.
For questions or concerns, please contact:greensewa@nessc.org
Thank you for your cooperation and for supporting the Earth! 🌍