MSU Student Launches Compost Operation in Starkville
Microbiology student Tanner Marlow is reducing landfill waste at Mississippi State University using larvae.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Organic Food
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Tanner Marlow, a graduate student at Mississippi State University, runs a composting venture called ReClaim that diverts organic waste from local partners. The operation, based at the South Farm, utilizes black soldier fly larvae to turn waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Why it matters
The business addresses the limited availability of sustainable waste management options in rural areas. By processing organic matter locally, the project aims to significantly lower the volume of waste sent to landfills.
The current compost pile at the South Farm weighs over 15,000 pounds. Projections indicate the total could reach 80,000 pounds by the end of 2026.
The players
Tanner Marlow
He is a microbiology graduate student at Mississippi State University who founded the composting venture ReClaim.
Mississippi State University
It is a public research institution that provides the space, equipment, and support for the ReClaim composting project.
The details
ReClaim collects organic waste from MSU Dining and the Mississippi Horse Park twice a week. The collected material is fed to black soldier fly larvae, which consume the waste and naturally decompose it into fertile soil.
Timeline
The compost pile is projected to reach 80,000 pounds by the end of 2026.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader societal movement toward localized, circular waste management systems. It follows the pattern of the EPA's national waste management reduction targets for organic materials by demonstrating how small-scale operations can mitigate environmental impact.
Residents and local institutions may see reduced landfill dependency as the project scales up its collection efforts. The increased availability of locally produced, nutrient-rich soil could also support community gardening and landscape initiatives in the Starkville area.
The takeaway
Innovative uses of natural decomposers like black soldier fly larvae can provide practical solutions for waste management. Implementing similar small-scale composting habits at home can help households reduce their own contribution to local landfill waste.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to improve sustainability and agricultural practices on our Organic Food page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Reflector.
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Do you believe local composting programs are an effective way to improve community waste management?
