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Composting Technology in The United States: Research and Practice

The document discusses different composting technologies used in the United States, including windrow systems, aerated static pile systems, and in-vessel systems. Windrow systems involve arranging organic materials into long piles that are periodically turned. Aerated static pile systems introduce controlled air into large static piles to prevent anaerobic conditions. In-vessel systems aim to rapidly digest materials through careful process monitoring and control, but are more complex and costly than other systems.

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Adeesha Deshan
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45 views

Composting Technology in The United States: Research and Practice

The document discusses different composting technologies used in the United States, including windrow systems, aerated static pile systems, and in-vessel systems. Windrow systems involve arranging organic materials into long piles that are periodically turned. Aerated static pile systems introduce controlled air into large static piles to prevent anaerobic conditions. In-vessel systems aim to rapidly digest materials through careful process monitoring and control, but are more complex and costly than other systems.

Uploaded by

Adeesha Deshan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Composting Technology in the United States:

Research and Practice


ROBERT J. TARDY and R. W. BECK, Denver, CO, USA

Introduction

Composting is a time-honored, worldwide practice as an inexpensive, effective


means of enriching soil for crops and gardens. Over the past two decades, com-
posting has become an increasingly common method for reducing the volume of
organic materials- particularly yard waste- sent to Iandfills. In Europe, the entire
organic portion of municipal solid waste (MSW) is often composted. Up until
recently, that approach had been Iess common in the United States; however, as
more states enact tougher landfilllaws, diverting a higher percentage of organics
found in MSW is attracting more interest.
Although composting has been around for centuries, we are continuing to leam
more about ways to make composting a more cost-effective alternative to source
reduction, methods of controlling odors, and new technologies enabling accep-
tance of a greater variety of organic materials.
In the United States, this knowledge is pursued through the efforts of develop-
ers, academia, environmental entities, and municipal governments.

Composting technologies

Basics ofthe Composting Process


In its most basic form, composting needs no technology - it is simply the natural
result of microbial breakdown of organic materials in the presence of oxygen; this
same process has been producing humus (organic topsoil) in forests for millen-
nia. Technology was introduced into the composting process to regulate the meth-
ods used in order to produce certain qualities of compost, and to increase the speed
of the process to enable the processing of !arger volumes of materials.

M. de Bertoldi et al. (eds.), The Science of Composting


© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 1996
940 THE SCIENCE OF COMPOSTING

Types of Technologies

In the United States, composting technologies are typically classified into three
basic methods: windrow systems, aerated static pile systems, and in-vessel sys-
tems. The first two methods are relatively simple and inexpensive to develop. In-
vessel systems are more costly to build and operate; however, they can be built in
a smaller area and offer better process control.

Windrow Systems
In the windrow approach, the feedstock is arranged in long piles (windrows) on a
gently sloping site that may be open to the air or covered. Windrows are aerated
through natural convection, assisted by periodic turning with front-end loaders or
special turning equipment. The turning frequency depends on the material's mois-
ture, texture, and stability, aeration methods, and operational goals such as odor
control, composting speed, or pest control. Blowers may be used to force air
through the windrows for more efficient aeration and heat removaL Both windrow
and aerated windrow facilities typically rely on process controls to minimize
odors.

Static Pile Systems


In a static pile system, the feedstock is placed in a !arge pile that is not disturbed
during composting. Air is introduced into the pile through duct systems installed
beneath the pile. Aerated static pile operations avoid anaerobic conditions by intro-
ducing a controlled volume of air into each pile. This air can be positive, blowing
up through the pile, or negative, drawing air down through the pile.
Several operators of static pile systems use negative aeration during active com-
posting and no aeration during curing. Some operators use positive aeration during
both stages, while other operators use positive aeration during active composting
and no aeration during curing. One operator uses negative aeration during both
phases.
Most aerated static pile facilities use process controls for managing odors (i.e.,
optimizing aeration, moisture control, porosity, etc.), as opposed to using more
costly systems for capturing and processing odorous process air.
In general, aerated static pile systems have higher capital costs but lower Oper-
ating costs than windrow systems.

ln-Vessel Systems
In-vessel systems are designed to promote rapid digestion rates by careful moni-
toring and control of the composting process. Although these systems can pro-
duce an end-product more quickly, they are more complex and costly to build,
operate, and maintain. Designs for in-vessel systems vary widely; however, they

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