By Jazlyn Baptiste

A group of Adelphi graphic design students recently visited the Staten Island sanitation complex as part of their work with the NYC Department of Sanitation. Students in Professor David Pierce’s Graphic Design Studio I course are collaborating with NYC to promote three different programs: Disposal of Dangerous Waste, Composting and Lithium Battery Disposal.

The Staten Island compost facility was one stop on the tour.

Photo by Tahreem Shah

On Thursday, Oct. 1, Professor Pierce’s students visited the Staten Island complex to see the composting process and how trash is disposed of. These students toured the composting facility and special waste facilities. Within the composting facilities, students saw machines sorting out trash, organizing soil, heating the soil, cooling the soil and packaging the composted material for distribution. Each student chose a topic they wanted to work on and derived inspiration from seeing the work firsthand.

Big Apple compost containers are ready for delivery.

Photo by Tahreem Shah

Afterwards, the group went to the Staten Island Transfer Station, where collected trash is deposited. Each garbage truck passes through a scanner to see if there is any radioactive waste. If there is no radioactive waste detected, the drivers can safely dispose of the garbage.

Adelphi students tour the Staten Island transfer facility.

Photo by Tahreem Shah

Senior computer science major Tahreem Shah, who minors in graphic design, enjoyed the experience immensely. She said, “I had a lot of fun, and it really helped me understand more of the process. It also helped me with inspiration and what way I could deliver the topic.”

She was appreciative for having had the opportunity and added, “It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”