PHOENIX, MESA ARIZONA
 
Waste Recycling Equipment, Products, Services, Information and Related Resources

Composting

Organic materials (such as food, wood, and yard waste) make up the majority of the solid waste we throw away, in both residential and commercial environments. These materials could be composted and reused instead of thrown away and added to the waste stream.

Food Waste

1.      Food waste is the number one waste added to landfills.

2.      When food waste decays in landfills, it releases methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas and is very dangerous to the environment.

3.      Throwing food away in regular dumpsters attracts insects and rodents. Food should be stored in a leak-proof reusable bin while waiting to be composted.

4.      Composting is beneficial because it reuses food scraps that would otherwise be thrown away, not only taking them out of the waste stream, but also using them to create another useful product.

5.      Composting can be done on- or off-site, depending on how much waste you r company creates, how much space you have for composting machinery, whether you have enough employees to handle the task, and whether or not you have a usage for the amount of compost that would be created.

There are a few different composting methods to choose from if you are interested in starting your own on-site composting:

1.      In-vessel composting is good for companies who produce any volume of waste and they take up less space than other composting methods.

• -The vessel food waste is put into is enclosed, with a controlled environment (which is probably electrically regulated) inside. The equipment generally will have a way to turn the enclosed waste so it aerates properly.

• -In-vessel composters can be just about any size, depending on how much waste is being processed.

• -Unlike other composting methods, in-vessel composting can be done year-round because it’s contained and the internal environment is controlled.

• -Just about any kind of organic waste can be composted with in-vessel composters.

• It takes a few weeks before the material is properly composted.

2.      Aerated Windrow/Pile Composting is used for large amounts of waste.

-Organic materials are shredded and  placed in long piles or rows. These piles are turned by hand or a machine.

-This method requires large amounts of land and labor

Since large amounts of waste are processed using this method, large amounts of compost are formed.  Be ready to deal with this if you choose this method

3.      Unaerated Static Pile Composting is suitable for small amounts of waste.

-Cannot process meat or grease at all.

-Waste is all placed in one pile instead of rows. Aeration is done by layering the pile with wood chips so air can pass through the pile. Pipes may also be used for aeration.

-This method needs much observation to make sure the process is continually working correctly

-Compost is produced within 3 to 6 months.

4.      Vermicomposting uses worms to break down organic wastes.

-This method is quick and produces a very good compost

-Red worms and organic matter are placed in a container together. Over time, the worms eat food scraps and paper and turn it into a compost called castings, which is used as potting soil.

-This is a relatively simple and quick method of composting and the bind can be sized for the amount of food waste they need to contain.