so, now my problem will be to convince the custodial staff that we will not have an infestation of rodents due to composting but I need some help, as the more I read about compost, there is a likelihood that we will have some kind of rodents happening about (even if we omit fats/meats/dairy)...can somebody help me frame an argument?
I could be covert about it, but I want to use the compost bin as a learning experience for the kids- not something i'm doing undercover.

Our rats seem to be cyclical, several years nothing, then one year they're around. I have had rats (2 and I got 'em both) get into a windrow once in four years of having larger exposed (not in a tumbler) piles. I see mice more often but we have mice everywhere.

My solution would be to make a deal to remove all the composting materials if rodents do become an issue. I'd also line the inside of the pallets with a 1/2 inch hardware cloth. Barring that, I'd find a sponsor to supply a couple of tumblers. (or get a kitty)

Lloyd

P.S. For those that couldn't grasp the hyperbole, I was joking about the kitty.

Sheesh.

But that doesn't necessarily mean I suggest you forgo the composting operation if the school is located in a pretty urban area :-) You've gotten some pretty good advice already on how to make the pile less appealing or less accessible. I'd use the construction of a good, strong, rodent-proof compost bin as a class project. One other tip is to consider fermenting food waste (Bokashi) before adding it - just collect and store in those lidded 5 gallon buckets that are so common with food prep services/school cafeterias. Rats apparently find the aroma of fermented veggies and scraps unappealing and will steer clear.

I knew there was trouble as soon as you said the janitor answered your question with a question. That type of person needs to be 'handled'. The good news, if you succeed, he will be an asset. I don't know if you can get him warmed up to the idea, but it is worth trying.

You might have to start your compost with leaves and grass as a demonstration. Once you get that going, you can start adding the food waste.

You are going to need a good supply of 'browns'. Shredded leaves are best.

Good luck.

But I would follow the other suggestions already given re: rodent-proofing the bins and would arm myself with reliable information and documentation in print.

Karen

Something tells me that might not be the best answer.

To help them with rodent control, you might consider getting a feral cat from the local cat rescue organization. Obviously, you'll want one that was fixed.

Feed the cat outdoors, by the compost bin. If the compost bin is away from the building, it will serve as 'bait' for the rodents, drawing them out into the open, and the cat will do the rest.

That sort of thing is going on where I work. We have a cafeteria, and the company supports a feral cat feeding program. The cats are fixed and identified by putting a notch in one of their ears. Volunteers feed the cats at a cat feeding station way out by the pond, but the cats hang out near the dumpster at the back at the cafeteria.

thanks all again, you are a terrific help! (i'm so glad i found this site!)

You could use one of those completely contained fabricated compost bins, that are specifically made to keep out rodents. They aren't free... but it is an alternative for composters who live in rodent prone areas.

For him to say they already have mice so there shouldn't be a compost pile, shoots a hole in his own argument.

I often disturb little mousiekins when I uncover my Northern California pile. Back when I lived in Baltimore, I had to give up on composting because all the neighbors were sick of seeing the rats run in and out of the air holes in my plastic bin.

In rural central New York, we called the compost pile the raccoon snack bar.

Animals are looking for food, are will certainly dig through a compost pile if they think they'll find something tasty.

I don't advocate dumping a feral cat on your schoolyard. It's neither fair to the cat or the songbirds.

Maybe the best solution for you is to only compost with garden cuttings and leaves, and omit food from your mix.