Composting

Composting and Organic Waste Recycling

Organic Waste Recycling can be achieved through Composting. Composting is a technique that can be applied for treating various organic waste streams, such as waste foodstuffs and garden refuse. Garden refuse makes up a substantial component of municipal waste streams, and composting is an innovative method of treating such organic waste. Compost is a stable organic compound that is formed by aerobic processes (in the presence of oxygen). Compost can be manufactured in several ways to various grades of quality, the three most commonly used composting methods are conventional windrowing, static dome aeration and forced aeration. The latter is a method applied to the In-Vessel-Composting (IVC) technique which is preferred by GreenEng.

Forced aeration is achieved in a static pile, typically achieved in vessel (IVC), by forcing air into the organic residue being composted. The air being forced into the compost provides a constant supply of oxygen for the aerobic composting process effecting a more rapid biodegradation process. Static Dome Aeration technique comprises the building up of a single windrow built around aeration channels and towers which can be simply constructed void-forms in the pile. This technique can be advantageous to remote or rural communities as an appropriate low cost waste treatment option. This technique has been widely researched by the University of Kwazulu Natal’s School of Civil Engineering, Building Science and Survey.

Composting provides an eco-friendly solution to the treatment of organic waste whilst avoiding methane emissions. Such avoidance of methane emissions can generate carbon credits if the system and processes are appropriately managed and monitored. GreenEng offers a variety of site-specific composting system alternatives that are designed to meet the environmental and socio-economic needs of both the client and the receiving environment .