[USCC] Calculating Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Composting

[Cary Oshins]

Eric, if the reason for your question stems from concerns over climate
change and your carbon footprint, you have to understand that the CO2
released during composting has two sources--the decomposition of the
compostable material and the equipment used to move and process the
material.  The CO2 from decomposition is part of the "short-term carbon
cycle", that is, it was captured from the air during photosynthesis and goes
back into the air during decomposition, so does not "count" from a carbon
footprint perspective.  However, the diesel fuel and other energy used and
exhausts emitted do count, and will completely depend on the equipment you
use and the scale of operation, so any ball park estimate would be
meaningless.
There will be several new factsheets on composting and global warming on our
new website, due to launch in the very near future.  Watch for it!
Take care,
Cary


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Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
US Composting Council
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fax: 484-274-6779
cary at compostingcouncil.org
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-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Eric Simenson
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2008 9:44 PM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: [USCC] Calculating Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Composting

  Does anyone have an equation to calculate how much carbon dioxide is 
released during composting?  I realize it depends on many factors, so 
ballpark numbers are just fine.

Thanks everyone,
Eric Simenson

Boulder Compost Co.
720-837-3286
www.bouldercompost.com
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