[USCC] food waste

[Matthew Cotton]

Brian -

As someone who has worked on siting and permitting over 25 large  
commercial composting facilities (and I've written at least as many  
Odor Impact Minimization Plans), I am of the opinion that the chosen  
method of composting depends more on the site than the feedstocks.  
One of the largest composting facilities in California, which accepts  
food scraps from over 1,000 grocery stores, uses a windrow method.  
Windrows can work for food scraps composting, but site constraints  
(predominantly proximity to sensitive receptors, but also available  
area, meteorological conditions, etc.) may suggest more process/odor  
control.

Large amounts of grass in yard trimmings has probably led to more  
odor issues at composting facilities than food scraps, which is one  
way of saying that if you pay attention to the fundamentals you can  
manage odor with any system. However, in my experience, the site  
location also plays a huge role.

I'm not aware of any studies which compare odor generation from a  
windrow versus an aerated static pile system - the primary difference  
from an odor standpoint is that you can take an "area  
source" (windrows) and make it predominantly a "point  
source" (assuming the use of a biofilter, at least in negatively  
aerated systems). However, two excellent recent articles (both in the  
September, 2006, BioCycle) are Will Brinton's "Compatibility of  
Digestion and Composting" (BioCycle, September 2006, pg. 42) which  
among other things discusses some issues with composting large  
amounts of food scraps. I also recommend Jan Allen and Will Bakx's  
article "Increasing Feedstock Throughput on a Smaller  
Footprint"  (Same BioCycle, pg. 32) which discusses some of the  
benefits of switching from a windrow system to an aerated static pile  
system (primarily from a space utilization, not an odor reduction,  
standpoint).

Not every facility should take every feedstock, but any system  
(windrow, aerated static pile, in vessel, etc) can be poorly run and  
cause odors.

Matthew Cotton
Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC
19375 Lake City Road
Nevada City, CA  95959
530-265-4560
mattcotton at mindspring.com



On Nov 6, 2006, at 7:57 AM, Brian Pugh wrote:

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> Hello everyone,
>
> My question is very general in nature.  I've been asked to look into
> food waste composting for my City and I'm concerned about odors from
> windrows if that method is pursued.  In the experience of the list  
> here,
> is it better to do in-vessel or windrows and can I be led to studys  
> that
> discuss this topic?  Thanks.
>
> Brian.
>
> Brian Pugh
> Waste Reduction Coordinator
> Fayetteville Solid Waste and Recycling
> 479-718-7685
> 479-444-3478 Fax
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