[USCC] Disposal of glycerin from biodiesel manufacturing

[Craig Coker]

Rufus:

One of my clients, Royal Oak Farm in Huddleston, VA, will be pilot-testing
the composting of WG in their turned windrow operation once construction of
an upgrade is completed in early January.  

I've drafted a pilot-test protocol for VA DEQ to comment on, and have
received their comments on the draft.  Once construction is complete, I'll
get back to finalizing this protocol.

Please feel free to call if any questions. 
 
Regards, 
Craig 
 
 
Craig Coker
Coker Composting & Consulting
3331 Glade Creek Blvd.  Ste. 7
Roanoke, VA  24012
(540) 904-2698  Fax: (540) 904-6732
Cell: (540) 874-5168
craigcoker at cox.net
www.cokercompost.com
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Chaney, Rufus
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 8:43 AM
To: Compost Discussion List
Subject: [USCC] Disposal of glycerin from biodiesel manufacturing

Dear Composters:

 

I had an inquiry from a regional office of US-EPA regarding safe
disposal of glycerin from biodiesel manufacturing. Apparently the glut
of glycerin has led to some disposal to the sewer which upset POTWs
(high BOD input), and even a stream disposal case with fish kill.
Apparently the large increase in biodiesel manufacturing has overwhelmed
the market for glycerin so much that these alternatives have occurred. 

 

A few months ago we had an inquiry to the USCC Compost Listserve about
composting this material, and although several commented about other
more beneficial routes for consumption of the glycerin, it is still a
problem in need of solutions. Has any composter started accepting waste
glycerin (WG) as a commercial service? Biogas production would seem to
be a more cost effective method of handling WG, but hauling can beat
other cost considerations, and inexpensive disposal is the interest of
the manufacturer even if they would seek a biogas production alternative
over time. Even direct land application has been attempted but with the
high BOD you can imagine the induced N deficiency that caused. It could
be managed but both biogas and composting seem to me to be preferable to
direct land application.

 

If you have tested or are commercially accepting WG for composting or
other environmentally acceptable disposal, please let me know and I'll
forward your information to EPA. Share your results to help prevent
additional environmental problems from irresponsible WG disposal.

 

Thanks,

 

Rufus 

 

Rufus L. Chaney, Ph.D.

USDA-Agricultural Research Service

Environmental Management & By-Product Utilization Lab

Bldg. 007, Room 013, BARC-West

Beltsville, MD  20705-2350

Phone: 301-504-8324

Fax: 301-504-5048

 

Join us at the US Composting Council's 16th Annual Conference & Trade Show
Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland, CA | February 9-12, 2008.
The National forum for those involved in the development and expansion of
the composting and organics recycling industry.
Conference Highlights, Registration forms, Exhibitor information and
Sponsorship Opportunities available at the USCC website:
www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931 
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost
_______________________________________
This list is a service provided by the US Composting Council (USCC).
(c) Copyright 2004 United States Composting Council - All rights reserved

Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the USCC, the Foundation, or
the Board of Directors.

Non-members of USCC are encouraged to join the Council through its website
at: http://www.compostingcouncil.org/membership.cfm

Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their
posting privileges suspended. For discussion list policies and information
regarding subscribing, unsubscribing, digest or other options, go to:
http://mailman.cloudnet.com/mailman/listinfo/compost

For additional help in unsubcribing or to report bugs and problems, send a
message to the List Manager at compostlistmanager at compostingcouncil.org