From bplatt at ilsr.org  Fri Apr  3 08:19:35 2009
From: bplatt at ilsr.org (Brenda Platt)
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 09:19:35 -0400
Subject: [USCC] $ for composting in stimulus package?
Message-ID: <55887b8b0904030619k6140ae8u77c37b160728f255@mail.gmail.com>

I received this inquiry.  Can anyone answer it?
Cheers,
Brenda

-- 
Brenda Platt
Institute for Local Self-Reliance
927 15th Street, NW, 4th Fl
Washington, DC  20005
202-898-1610 ext. 230
www.ilsr.org

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: ? ? ? ?Composting - support
Date: ? Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:20:38 -0400
From: ? MARY ROSE <maggierose333 at verizon.net>
To: ? ? <info at ilsr.org>

Is there any money set aside in the Stimulus Program for the development
of composting projects? ?If so, how does one go about checking into it?

Thank you,
Maggie Rose

From kpowell at kdheks.gov  Fri Apr  3 08:28:44 2009
From: kpowell at kdheks.gov (Ken Powell)
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:28:44 -0500
Subject: [USCC] Soybean Oil
Message-ID: <4EBB566B08AAE84F979D5E093B69705002EDD0FFD4@HEWXCCLU.kdhe.state.ks.us>


Good Morning Compost World,

We have a facility in Kansas that has been approached about taking some waste soybean oil and filter cake with soybean oil.  We know about the spontaneous combustion potential and are working on making sure that it is thoroughly mixed when it arrives to eliminate that problem.  What I cannot find is a C/N ratio for the oil.  Soybean meal has a low C/N ratio but my guess is that the oil has a high C/N ratio.  Any references would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ken Powell
Environmental Scientist
Kansas Department of Health & Environment
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320
Topeka, KS  66618
Phone  785-296-1121  Fax  785-296-1592
email  kpowell at kdheks.gov<mailto:kpowell at kdheks.gov>
web  www.kdheks.gov/waste<http://www.kdheks.gov/waste>

Please note my new e-mail address is kpowell at kdheks.gov<mailto:kpowell at kdheks.gov>


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From LewisDV at mda.state.md.us  Fri Apr  3 10:30:58 2009
From: LewisDV at mda.state.md.us (Donald Lewis)
Date: Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:30:58 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Soybean Oil
In-Reply-To: <4EBB566B08AAE84F979D5E093B69705002EDD0FFD4@HEWXCCLU.kdhe.state.ks.us>
References: <4EBB566B08AAE84F979D5E093B69705002EDD0FFD4@HEWXCCLU.kdhe.state.ks.us>
Message-ID: <49D5F372.B618.00F1.0@mda.state.md.us>

Hi, everyone,
 
Soybean oil has only a negligible amount of nitrogen. My concern would be that it is basically a fatty material and may screw up the process if it is present in too great an amount.
 
Don Lewis
Compost Coordinator
State Chemist Office
MD Dept. of Agriculture
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone 410-841-2721
 
email lewisdv at mda.state.md.us 

>>> Ken Powell <kpowell at kdheks.gov> 4/3/2009 9:28 AM >>>
Good Morning Compost World, We have a facility in Kansas that has been approached about taking some waste soybean oil and filter cake with soybean oil. We know about the spontaneous combustion potential and are working on making sure that it is thoroughly mixed when it arrives to eliminate that problem. What I cannot find is a C/N ratio for the oil. Soybean meal has a low C/N ratio but my guess is that the oil has a high C/N ratio. Any references would be appreciated. Thanks, Ken Powell Environmental Scientist Kansas Department of Health & Environment 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320 Topeka, KS 66618 Phone 785-296-1121 Fax 785-296-1592 email kpowell at kdheks.govweb www.kdheks.gov/wastePlease note my new e-mail address is kpowell at kdheks.gov

From edo_mcgowan at hotmail.com  Fri Apr  3 11:18:54 2009
From: edo_mcgowan at hotmail.com (Edo McGowan)
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 16:18:54 +0000
Subject: [USCC] Soybean Oil
In-Reply-To: <4EBB566B08AAE84F979D5E093B69705002EDD0FFD4@HEWXCCLU.kdhe.state.ks.us>
References: <4EBB566B08AAE84F979D5E093B69705002EDD0FFD4@HEWXCCLU.kdhe.state.ks.us>
Message-ID: <BLU102-W8D0F5BE47EBA003FA5A3F80890@phx.gbl>



To produce soybean oil, the soybeans are cracked, adjusted for
moisture content, rolled into flakes and solvent-extracted with
commercial hexane. The oil is then refined, blended for different
applications, and sometimes hydrogenated.The question to ask, what part of the process is this waste from and that may give you more info on what's in it?


The major unsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil are triglycerides
and include about 7% C18:3; 51% C-18:2; and 23% C-18:1. It also
contains the saturated fatty acids 4% stearic acid and 10% palmitic
acid.

Soybean oil has a relatively high proportion, 7?10%, of
oxidation prone linolenic acid. The Epoxidized soybean
oil Molecular
formula :
C57H106O10---see below---------, there is no nitrogen here.


Cheers--------------Edo








> From: kpowell at kdheks.gov
> To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
> Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 08:28:44 -0500
> Subject: [USCC] Soybean Oil
> 
> 
> Good Morning Compost World,
> 
> We have a facility in Kansas that has been approached about taking some waste soybean oil and filter cake with soybean oil.  We know about the spontaneous combustion potential and are working on making sure that it is thoroughly mixed when it arrives to eliminate that problem.  What I cannot find is a C/N ratio for the oil.  Soybean meal has a low C/N ratio but my guess is that the oil has a high C/N ratio.  Any references would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Ken Powell
> Environmental Scientist
> Kansas Department of Health & Environment
> 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320
> Topeka, KS  66618
> Phone  785-296-1121  Fax  785-296-1592
> email  kpowell at kdheks.gov<mailto:kpowell at kdheks.gov>
> web  www.kdheks.gov/waste<http://www.kdheks.gov/waste>
> 
> Please note my new e-mail address is kpowell at kdheks.gov<mailto:kpowell at kdheks.gov>
> 
> 

_________________________________________________________________
Experience all of the new features, and Reconnect with your life.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9650730

From aburman at recycle.com  Fri Apr  3 17:47:27 2009
From: aburman at recycle.com (Aaron Burman)
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 18:47:27 -0400
Subject: [USCC] $ for composting in stimulus package?
In-Reply-To: <55887b8b0904030619k6140ae8u77c37b160728f255@mail.gmail.com>
References: <55887b8b0904030619k6140ae8u77c37b160728f255@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <003b01c9b4ae$2a110f00$7e332d00$@com>

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants have two possible
composting applications:
  - Increase in participation and efficiency rates for material conservation
programs
  - Reduction and capture of methane and GHGs: reduce, capture and use of
methane

I believe the first could be applied to organics collection programs and the
second to increased diversion of organics to a composting facility
(reduction of methane production).

Feel free to call with any questions. We are working with a number of
municipalities to determine the best use of their EECBG money.


Aaron Burman
Project Engineer
Resource Recycling Systems
www.recycle.com
734-996-1361 ext. 240 (voice)
734-996-5595 (fax)
aburman at recycle.com
DISCLAIMER:
Electronic Mail is not secure, may not be read every day, and should not be
used for urgent or sensitive issues. ?The material in this transmission may
contain confidential information intended for the addressee. If you are not
the addressee, any disclosure or use of this information by you is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please delete
it and destroy all copies.



-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Brenda Platt
Sent: Friday, April 03, 2009 9:20 AM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: [USCC] $ for composting in stimulus package?

I received this inquiry.  Can anyone answer it?
Cheers,
Brenda

-- 
Brenda Platt
Institute for Local Self-Reliance
927 15th Street, NW, 4th Fl
Washington, DC  20005
202-898-1610 ext. 230
www.ilsr.org

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: ? ? ? ?Composting - support
Date: ? Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:20:38 -0400
From: ? MARY ROSE <maggierose333 at verizon.net>
To: ? ? <info at ilsr.org>

Is there any money set aside in the Stimulus Program for the development
of composting projects? ?If so, how does one go about checking into it?

Thank you,
Maggie Rose
_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
Conference Highlights & Program, 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


From oecos at earthlink.net  Fri Apr  3 20:47:44 2009
From: oecos at earthlink.net (Jeffrey Creque)
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 2009 18:47:44 -0700
Subject: [USCC] Soybean Oil
Message-ID: <380-2200946414744546@earthlink.net>

My fairly extensive experience with composting olive oil contaminated
materials leads me to suggest a maximum 1% oil content in your compost
feedstock;
I'd  recommend you consider diverting the oil to a biodiesel producer,
assuming quantities warrant.

Jeff Creque
West Marin Compost Coalition


> [Original Message]
> From: Ken Powell <kpowell at kdheks.gov>
> To: Composting Council (compost at mailman.cloudnet.com)
<compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
> Date: 4/3/2009 7:26:36 AM
> Subject: [USCC] Soybean Oil
>
>
> Good Morning Compost World,
>
> We have a facility in Kansas that has been approached about taking some
waste soybean oil and filter cake with soybean oil.  We know about the
spontaneous combustion potential and are working on making sure that it is
thoroughly mixed when it arrives to eliminate that problem.  What I cannot
find is a C/N ratio for the oil.  Soybean meal has a low C/N ratio but my
guess is that the oil has a high C/N ratio.  Any references would be
appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ken Powell
> Environmental Scientist
> Kansas Department of Health & Environment
> 1000 SW Jackson, Suite 320
> Topeka, KS  66618
> Phone  785-296-1121  Fax  785-296-1592
> email  kpowell at kdheks.gov<mailto:kpowell at kdheks.gov>
> web  www.kdheks.gov/waste<http://www.kdheks.gov/waste>
>
> Please note my new e-mail address is
kpowell at kdheks.gov<mailto:kpowell at kdheks.gov>
>
>



From alexassoc at earthlink.net  Mon Apr  6 12:49:13 2009
From: alexassoc at earthlink.net (alexassoc@earthlink.net)
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 13:49:13 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Greenhouse Gases
Message-ID: <000501c9b6df$ffc320b0$ff496210$@net>

Hello Compost World,

I was  wondering if anyone out there was familiar with any research which
has studied ammonia-based fertilizer usage and its potential for creating
nitrous oxide (a powerful greenhouse gas)? Any direction would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

 

 

 

 

Ron Alexander
R. Alexander Associates, Inc.
1212 Eastham Drive
Apex, NC 27502
USA
919-367-8350
919-367-8351 fax
alexassoc at earthlink.net
www.alexassoc.net 


From kurtzk at u.washington.edu  Tue Apr  7 13:06:50 2009
From: kurtzk at u.washington.edu (Katherine E Kurtz)
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:06:50 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [USCC] Greenhouse Gases
In-Reply-To: <000501c9b6df$ffc320b0$ff496210$@net>
Message-ID: <alpine.LRH.2.01.0904071106500.23141@hymn13.u.washington.edu>

Hello Ron,
I am currently working on a study looking at N2O emissions from different fertilizers and amendments. Unfortunately I don't have results to share with you yet. I'll keep you posted though. In the mean time, you might want to check out the following articles:

B.C. Ball, Crichton, & Horgan. 2008. Dynamics of upward and downward N2O and CO2 fluxes in ploughed or no-tilled soils in relation to water-filled pore space, compaction and crop presence. Soil & Tillage Research.

Enzo Favoino and Dominic Hogg. 2008. The potential role of compost in reducing greenhouse gases. Waste Management & Research.

Life Cycle Inventory and Life Cycle Assessment for Windrow Composting Systems
Recycled Organics Unit, The University of New South Wales
Copyright © Department of Environment and Conservation NSW September 2006

Kate Kurtz
University of Washington






On Mon, 6 Apr 2009, alexassoc at earthlink.net wrote:

> Hello Compost World,
>
> I was  wondering if anyone out there was familiar with any research which
> has studied ammonia-based fertilizer usage and its potential for creating
> nitrous oxide (a powerful greenhouse gas)? Any direction would be
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ron
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Ron Alexander
> R. Alexander Associates, Inc.
> 1212 Eastham Drive
> Apex, NC 27502
> USA
> 919-367-8350
> 919-367-8351 fax
> alexassoc at earthlink.net
> www.alexassoc.net
>
> _______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, 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
>


From jeremie.verdier at gmail.com  Wed Apr  8 16:44:44 2009
From: jeremie.verdier at gmail.com (=?ISO-8859-1?Q?J=E9r=E9mie_VERDIER?=)
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 2009 23:44:44 +0200
Subject: [USCC] Leachate management - Anaerobic Digestion - Analyses
Message-ID: <6979e9730904081444m29b24496m947d14d03d2bd485@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Composting Team!


What's the best management with *leachate from green waste composting*?

A. Could it generally have a good *fertilizer value?*

And could it have any *negative effects* when spreading to land?


B. What treatment would you propose before spreading to land? / send it to
sewer?


C. Would leachate from any mixed green/Kitchen waste be suitable for
Anaerobic Digetion?

To produce the electricity for the plant to be self sufficient?


D. In order to decide, what are the key elements to analyze?

Many thanks,

*J?r?mie Verdier*

**Technical Operations
Veolia Environmental Services (UK) plc
154a Pentonville Road
London
N1 9PE

( Tel +44 (0)207 833 6484

*7 *Fax +44 (0)20783 77489

( Mobile +44 (0)78666 78549
, E-mail *Jeremie.Verdier at veolia.co.uk*

From cscoker at verizon.net  Thu Apr  9 09:41:03 2009
From: cscoker at verizon.net (Craig Coker)
Date: Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:41:03 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Leachate management - Anaerobic Digestion - Analyses
In-Reply-To: <6979e9730904081444m29b24496m947d14d03d2bd485@mail.gmail.com>
References: <6979e9730904081444m29b24496m947d14d03d2bd485@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <0D315A807D2C47989B7A15CB82C73274@LAPTOP>

Jeremie:

I would refer you to:
The Composting Association (UK), ?Options for management and control of
compost liquor and excessive rainfall conditions?, Information Sheet No. 37,
August 2007.
Or
"Operator Insights: Storm Water Treatment", April 2008 Biocycle magazine at
www.jgpress.com

Regards,
Craig

Craig Coker ? Coker Composting & Consulting
1213 Spradlin Rd., Vinton, VA 24179
Tel.: (540) 890-1086, Fax: (540) 890-1087
Cell: (540) 874-5168, Email: cscoker at verizon.net
Web: www.cokercompost.com.
 
 This e-mail communication (including any attachments) may contain legally
privileged and confidential information intended solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, you should
immediately stop reading this message and delete it from your system. Any
unauthorized reading, distribution, copying or other use of this
communication (or its attachments) is strictly prohibited.

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of J?r?mie VERDIER
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 5:45 PM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: [USCC] Leachate management - Anaerobic Digestion - Analyses

Dear Composting Team!


What's the best management with *leachate from green waste composting*?

A. Could it generally have a good *fertilizer value?*

And could it have any *negative effects* when spreading to land?


B. What treatment would you propose before spreading to land? / send it to
sewer?


C. Would leachate from any mixed green/Kitchen waste be suitable for
Anaerobic Digetion?

To produce the electricity for the plant to be self sufficient?


D. In order to decide, what are the key elements to analyze?

Many thanks,

*J?r?mie Verdier*

**Technical Operations
Veolia Environmental Services (UK) plc
154a Pentonville Road
London
N1 9PE

( Tel +44 (0)207 833 6484

*7 *Fax +44 (0)20783 77489

( Mobile +44 (0)78666 78549
, E-mail *Jeremie.Verdier at veolia.co.uk*
_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
Conference Highlights & Program, 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


From JackH at rexius.com  Thu Apr  9 11:35:53 2009
From: JackH at rexius.com (Jack Hoeck)
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 09:35:53 -0700
Subject: [USCC] Poison Oak in Compost
Message-ID: <82282F9A43724E478EDB794CD38BB0960B834D@rexius-exch.corp.rexius.com>

Hello Compost World

 

Does anyone have any info on the fate of poison oak/poison ivy oils in
composting systems or in soil? Can it survive a 90 to 120 day compost
cycle?

 

Jack Hoeck

VP Environmental Services

Rexius

1275 Bailey Hill Rd.

Eugene, OR 97402

1-541-342-1835

1-888-473-9487

jackh at rexius.com

 

Sustainable Solutions for Landscape, Community and the Environment

 

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From matt at mattcotton.com  Thu Apr  9 14:13:46 2009
From: matt at mattcotton.com (Matthew Cotton)
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 12:13:46 -0700
Subject: [USCC] Poison Oak in Compost
In-Reply-To: <82282F9A43724E478EDB794CD38BB0960B834D@rexius-exch.corp.rexius.com>
References: <82282F9A43724E478EDB794CD38BB0960B834D@rexius-exch.corp.rexius.com>
Message-ID: <43B64B27-4EE4-4504-A34A-DD6FEFCCFDD1@mattcotton.com>

Jack -

This is an issue that comes up from time to time with compost. Bob  
Rynk did a Q&A column on this for BioCycle back in 2000 (see below)  
and found that the active chemical in Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac (Urushiol)  
is pretty hardy stuff.  No definitive fate of Urushiol in compost  
studies that I've heard of.

If you live around the stuff you know that it can and does get on  
anything, tools, clothes, dogs, etc. It can also take days to present  
symptoms.  I'm sure that some of this material finds it's way into  
commercial compost piles and I imagine it is at least somewhat  
degraded by the composting process. However, as Bob's article  
cautions against burning, I would be very careful about composting  
it. I wouldn't and don't compost it at home;  I know of at least one  
reliable case of a colleague inhaling compost with poison oak in it  
(at a farm-scale facility) and internalizing the poison resulting in  
many unpleasant injections and time off. I also imagine that in a  
typical commercial facility it gets diluted quite substantially with  
other materials.

Hope this is useful. I'm scratching a little already.

Matthew Cotton
Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC
19375 Lake City Road
Nevada City, CA  95959
(530) 265-4560
Fax (530) 265-4547
matt at mattcotton.com
www.mattcotton.com

A Reader's Q&A column in BioCycle (May 2000) discussed the possible  
fate of the poison ivy toxin during composting. I have pasted the Q&A  
text below. It seems consistent with the comments submitted so far.

************************************************************************ 
***


Q. What is the fate of poison ivy in a composting system?  The owners  
of a large pile of brush have asked to burn the pile.  They say  
composting will not destroy the oils in the plant. Will burning pose  
even a greater threat through airborne contamination?

A. While there is a great deal of information available about the  
poison ivy plant, and the rash that it causes, there is little  
guidance available about how to dispose of it.  Fact sheets, books,  
and web pages caution us not to touch poison ivy, and not to burn it,  
but they stop short of
recommending how to dispose of poison ivy vegetation. Burning poison  
ivy is a bad idea (except under controlled conditions).  People have  
developed severe reactions from breathing in smoke particles from  
burning vines. Burying poison ivy in the ground and putting it in the  
trash have been suggested
as disposal methods but these alternatives have obvious  
disadvantages, especially if poison ivy is mixed with large  
quantities of yard trimmings. Apparently, there isn?t a good method,  
or at least a certain method of safely disposing of poison ivy.

  Intuitively, some poison ivy experts and composting practitioners  
guess that the poison ivy toxin decomposes during composting but  
there are plenty of ?ifs? and ?maybes? in their statements. Outside  
of the compost pile, there is ample evidence that the poison ivy  
toxin can persist and remain potent
for years.  Unfortunately, there isn?t a clear cut answer about the  
fate of poison ivy during composting. Here is what we do know.

  The rash that occurs from poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac  
is caused by a family of organic compounds called urushiol  
(pronounced oo-roo shee-ohl , or you-ROO-she-ol, depending whether  
you read it in the north or south). Urushiol includes several organic  
molecules with an aromatic structure,
categorized as catechols. The literature on poison ivy also refers to  
the toxin as an oil or oleoresin but urushiol is the more specific  
term used to identify the oily toxin in the sap.

  The urushiol-carrying sap is present in the roots, stems, leaves  
and fruit (but not in the pollen). The roots, in particular, contain  
high concentrations of urushiol. The sap is released when the plant  
is damaged by bruising, cutting, mowing, scraping, wind, or insects.  
One also can contact
urushiol indirectly after the sap gets on clothing, shoes, tools,  
pets, and bark and firewood previously covered with poison ivy.   
Urushiol is not volatile but shredding, mowing, or burning the plants  
can create airborne particles that increases the chance of exposure.  
The plant is most potent in
the spring and early summer when the sap is rising and the urushiol  
content is high. The dreaded sap is less abundant in the winter but  
still present and potent in the roots, stems, vines and twigs of the  
plant. Therefore, if yard trimmings contain poison ivy (or poison oak  
or sumac) residue, there
are urushiols about.

  Urushiol is a stubborn substance.  It has been shown to remain  
potent on dead plants, clothing and contaminated objects for years  
(bad news for everyone).  In one study, plants stored in dry  
conditions and in submerged water for 17 months were less potent but  
stilled caused a rash in sensitive
individuals. However, these are not the biologically-rich conditions  
of a compost pile.  Because urushiol is organic, it is subject to  
biological degradation (good news for composters).  One reference  
even suggests that under hot humid conditions, urushiol becomes inert  
in about a week (more good
news for composters). Unfortunately, the research basis for this  
statement is not identified.

  Still, there are other indications that urushiol decomposes  
naturally. First, we are not overrun with cases of poison ivy despite  
the persistence of the toxin and ubiquity of the plants. Secondly,  
according to Susan Carol Hauser, author of Nature?s Revenge1, leaves  
that naturally fall off the plant
do not contain urushiol. Furthermore, leaves do gradually lose  
potency over time. Finally, there is anecdotal testimony.  For  
instance, commenting to the U.S. Composting Council Internet  
listserv, the manager of a large yard trimmings facility mentioned  
that users of raw shredded yard trimmings
mulch have reported developing the poison ivy rash while no users of  
the composted product have.

  Large-scale composting could be a rational approach for disposing  
of poison ivy-laden yard trimmings, given the lack of good  
alternatives and the fact that urushiol is thought to decompose under  
conditions typical to composting. However, without more scientific  
evidence, it remains a risky venture.
In any case, it deserves due caution and common sense in handling the  
raw feedstocks and the products. To adequately decompose, the  
urushiol must be exposed. Because poison oak, sumac, and even poison  
ivy are woody plants with fairly thick stems, the plant material  
needs to be shredded prior to
composting. However, shredding also releases the sap, spreading it  
among the shredded material and possibly into the air near the  
shredder. This raises concerns about using uncomposted mulch made  
from the shredded yard trimmings containing poison ivy.  As a side  
note, given the uncertainties, it is
wise to keep poison ivy vegetation out of the backyard compost pile.

1 Additional sources of information: 1. Nature?s Revenge, The Secrets  
of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac and Their Remedies, Susan  
Carol Hauser, Lyons & Buford Publishers; 2. Poison Ivy, Western  
Poison Oak and Poison Sumac Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  website:
http://res.agr.ca/brd/poisivy.html; 3. Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Its  
Cousins, by Isadora Stehlin, U.S. Food and Drug Administration  
website: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/796_ivy.html; 4. Poison  
Ivy, Oak & Sumac Information Center website : http:// 
poisonivy.aesir.com/.




On Apr 9, 2009, at 9:35 AM, Jack Hoeck wrote:

> Hello Compost World
>
>
>
> Does anyone have any info on the fate of poison oak/poison ivy oils in
> composting systems or in soil? Can it survive a 90 to 120 day compost
> cycle?
>
>
>
> Jack Hoeck
>
> VP Environmental Services
>
> Rexius
>
> 1275 Bailey Hill Rd.
>
> Eugene, OR 97402
>
> 1-541-342-1835
>
> 1-888-473-9487
>
> jackh at rexius.com
>
>
>
> Sustainable Solutions for Landscape, Community and the Environment
>
>
>
> <image001.jpg>_______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference &  
> Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL.  
> The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the  
> Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most  
> Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical  
> Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations  
> at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference  
> Highlights & Program, 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


From dmhill at aol.com  Thu Apr  9 15:40:20 2009
From: dmhill at aol.com (dmhill@aol.com)
Date: Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:40:20 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Greenhouse Gases
In-Reply-To: <000501c9b6df$ffc320b0$ff496210$@net>
References: <000501c9b6df$ffc320b0$ff496210$@net>
Message-ID: <8CB876A8814C0FC-F00-147D@webmail-dd15.sysops.aol.com>


 Ron, 
The Department of Energy has done a fair amount of research on this. Check out: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/archive/87-92rpt/chap4.html 

Also see: 
A.F. Bouwman, "Exchange

of Greenhouse Gases Between Terrestrial Ecosystems and Atmosphere,"

in A.F. Bouwman (ed.), Soils and the Greenhouse Effect(New

York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, 1990), pp. 61127.



J.M. Bremner and A.M. Blackmer,

"Nitrous Oxide: Emissions from Soil during Nitrification

of Fertilizer Nitrogen," Science, Vol. 199 (1978),

pp. 295296.







J.M. Duxbury and P.K. McConnaughey.

"Effect of Fertilizer Source on Denitrification and Nitrous

Oxide Emission in A Maize Field," Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J.

, Vol. 50 (1986), pp. 644648.




 
David Hill
CycleLogic
www.mycyclelogic.com


 

-----Original Message-----
From: alexassoc at earthlink.net
To: 'Compost Discussion List' <compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
Sent: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 1:49 pm
Subject: [USCC] Greenhouse Gases










Hello Compost World,

I was  wondering if anyone out there was familiar with any research which
has studied ammonia-based fertilizer usage and its potential for creating
nitrous oxide (a powerful greenhouse gas)? Any direction would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

 

 

 

 

Ron Alexander
R. Alexander Associates, Inc.
1212 Eastham Drive
Apex, NC 27502
USA
919-367-8350
919-367-8351 fax
alexassoc at earthlink.net
www.alexassoc.net 

_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, 
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest Conference & 
Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling 
Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & 
Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at 
the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, 
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



 


From fwang at norcalwaste.com  Thu Apr  9 16:38:05 2009
From: fwang at norcalwaste.com (Fengyu Wang)
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 14:38:05 -0700
Subject: [USCC] Leachate management - Anaerobic Digestion - Analyses
In-Reply-To: <6979e9730904081444m29b24496m947d14d03d2bd485@mail.gmail.com>
References: <6979e9730904081444m29b24496m947d14d03d2bd485@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <971EF37BF54F564FAB51000744CAB5D0024DF7E11D@EXCH-INT01.norcalwaste.com>

Hi J?r?mie Verdier,

To answer your question, here are some simple leachate management ideas for compost world to discuss:

What's the best management with *leachate from green waste composting*?
First of all, try to minimize the generation of the leachate by,
1. Not over water the compost piles, and turn the compost piles within one hour after applied water.
2. Use ComposTex (breathable cover, rain will not go in the piles) during the heavy raining season.

A. Could it generally have a good *fertilizer value?*
Yes. But it may smell bad if you do not get rid of it fast.

And could it have any *negative effects* when spreading to land?
It may have *negative effects* if the leachate have heavy salt content or other contaminations, such as lead. 
It also may *negative effects* to surface and possible ground water if it runs off.
You may need to consult local regulators before spreading.

B. What treatment would you propose before spreading to land? / send it to sewer?
If the leachate is only from compost piles, recommend use it back to the compost piles when water is needed. The fertilizer value will be back to your compost. 
However, you may only use the leachate at the beginning of the compost process, not after the pathogen reduction process, absolutely not during the curing process.

C. Would leachate from any mixed green/Kitchen waste be suitable for Anaerobic Digestion? To produce the electricity for the plant to be self sufficient?
Yes, it is an excellent feedstock for anaerobic digester, especially leachate from food waste.

D. In order to decide, what are the key elements to analyze?
Simple tests would be:
For land application: nutrients, salts, pH and metals.
For Anaerobic digestion: BOD (or Volatile solids), total solids, salts, pH and metals.

Best Regards,

Fengyu Wang
Norcal Waste Systems Inc.
6426 Hay Road
Vacaville, CA 95687
Phone: (707)678-4718 ext.26
Fax: (707)768-5695
Email: fwang at norcalwaste.com




A big sustainability leader with a small footprint.




From alexassoc at earthlink.net  Thu Apr  9 17:10:05 2009
From: alexassoc at earthlink.net (alexassoc@earthlink.net)
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 18:10:05 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Poison Oak in Compost
In-Reply-To: <82282F9A43724E478EDB794CD38BB0960B834D@rexius-exch.corp.rexius.com>
References: <82282F9A43724E478EDB794CD38BB0960B834D@rexius-exch.corp.rexius.com>
Message-ID: <004901c9b95f$efe936c0$cfbba440$@net>

Jack,

I did some digging on the issue of poison ivy for a client, and here's what
I found out...

As far as the transmittal of poison ivy through compost or mulch, I have
found only anecdotal evidence (not university research) dismissing this
likelihood. Although staff involved in grinding and managing poison ivy may
get it through processing, it is probably unlikely that the actual irritant
(urushiol) would persist through the composting process. Urushiol is an oily
substance which should be susceptible to decomposition and therefore should
be at negligible levels in mature compost and mulch containing poison ivy
plant matter.

For what it's worth. Saying this, I'm not 'betting the house on it' either
way.
Ron
  


-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Jack Hoeck
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 12:36 PM
To: Compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: [USCC] Poison Oak in Compost

Hello Compost World

 

Does anyone have any info on the fate of poison oak/poison ivy oils in
composting systems or in soil? Can it survive a 90 to 120 day compost cycle?

 

Jack Hoeck

VP Environmental Services

Rexius

1275 Bailey Hill Rd.

Eugene, OR 97402

1-541-342-1835

1-888-473-9487

jackh at rexius.com

 

Sustainable Solutions for Landscape, Community and the Environment

 



From oecos at earthlink.net  Thu Apr  9 21:04:53 2009
From: oecos at earthlink.net (Jeffrey Creque)
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2009 19:04:53 -0700
Subject: [USCC] Poison Oak in Compost
Message-ID: <380-2200945102453171@earthlink.net>

We compost poison oak fairly regularly as a small percentage of our green
waste composting operation  without any apparent ill effect.

Jeff Creque
West Marin Compost Coalition



> [Original Message]
> From: Matthew Cotton <matt at mattcotton.com>
> To: Compost Discussion List <compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
> Date: 4/9/2009 12:18:01 PM
> Subject: Re: [USCC] Poison Oak in Compost
>
> Jack -
>
> This is an issue that comes up from time to time with compost. Bob  
> Rynk did a Q&A column on this for BioCycle back in 2000 (see below)  
> and found that the active chemical in Poison Oak/Ivy/Sumac (Urushiol)  
> is pretty hardy stuff.  No definitive fate of Urushiol in compost  
> studies that I've heard of.
>
> If you live around the stuff you know that it can and does get on  
> anything, tools, clothes, dogs, etc. It can also take days to present  
> symptoms.  I'm sure that some of this material finds it's way into  
> commercial compost piles and I imagine it is at least somewhat  
> degraded by the composting process. However, as Bob's article  
> cautions against burning, I would be very careful about composting  
> it. I wouldn't and don't compost it at home;  I know of at least one  
> reliable case of a colleague inhaling compost with poison oak in it  
> (at a farm-scale facility) and internalizing the poison resulting in  
> many unpleasant injections and time off. I also imagine that in a  
> typical commercial facility it gets diluted quite substantially with  
> other materials.
>
> Hope this is useful. I'm scratching a little already.
>
> Matthew Cotton
> Integrated Waste Management Consulting, LLC
> 19375 Lake City Road
> Nevada City, CA  95959
> (530) 265-4560
> Fax (530) 265-4547
> matt at mattcotton.com
> www.mattcotton.com
>
> A Reader's Q&A column in BioCycle (May 2000) discussed the possible  
> fate of the poison ivy toxin during composting. I have pasted the Q&A  
> text below. It seems consistent with the comments submitted so far.
>
> ************************************************************************ 
> ***
>
>
> Q. What is the fate of poison ivy in a composting system?  The owners  
> of a large pile of brush have asked to burn the pile.  They say  
> composting will not destroy the oils in the plant. Will burning pose  
> even a greater threat through airborne contamination?
>
> A. While there is a great deal of information available about the  
> poison ivy plant, and the rash that it causes, there is little  
> guidance available about how to dispose of it.  Fact sheets, books,  
> and web pages caution us not to touch poison ivy, and not to burn it,  
> but they stop short of
> recommending how to dispose of poison ivy vegetation. Burning poison  
> ivy is a bad idea (except under controlled conditions).  People have  
> developed severe reactions from breathing in smoke particles from  
> burning vines. Burying poison ivy in the ground and putting it in the  
> trash have been suggested
> as disposal methods but these alternatives have obvious  
> disadvantages, especially if poison ivy is mixed with large  
> quantities of yard trimmings. Apparently, there isnít a good method,  
> or at least a certain method of safely disposing of poison ivy.
>
>   Intuitively, some poison ivy experts and composting practitioners  
> guess that the poison ivy toxin decomposes during composting but  
> there are plenty of ìifsî and ìmaybesî in their statements. Outside  
> of the compost pile, there is ample evidence that the poison ivy  
> toxin can persist and remain potent
> for years.  Unfortunately, there isnít a clear cut answer about the  
> fate of poison ivy during composting. Here is what we do know.
>
>   The rash that occurs from poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac  
> is caused by a family of organic compounds called urushiol  
> (pronounced oo-roo shee-ohl , or you-ROO-she-ol, depending whether  
> you read it in the north or south). Urushiol includes several organic  
> molecules with an aromatic structure,
> categorized as catechols. The literature on poison ivy also refers to  
> the toxin as an oil or oleoresin but urushiol is the more specific  
> term used to identify the oily toxin in the sap.
>
>   The urushiol-carrying sap is present in the roots, stems, leaves  
> and fruit (but not in the pollen). The roots, in particular, contain  
> high concentrations of urushiol. The sap is released when the plant  
> is damaged by bruising, cutting, mowing, scraping, wind, or insects.  
> One also can contact
> urushiol indirectly after the sap gets on clothing, shoes, tools,  
> pets, and bark and firewood previously covered with poison ivy.   
> Urushiol is not volatile but shredding, mowing, or burning the plants  
> can create airborne particles that increases the chance of exposure.  
> The plant is most potent in
> the spring and early summer when the sap is rising and the urushiol  
> content is high. The dreaded sap is less abundant in the winter but  
> still present and potent in the roots, stems, vines and twigs of the  
> plant. Therefore, if yard trimmings contain poison ivy (or poison oak  
> or sumac) residue, there
> are urushiols about.
>
>   Urushiol is a stubborn substance.  It has been shown to remain  
> potent on dead plants, clothing and contaminated objects for years  
> (bad news for everyone).  In one study, plants stored in dry  
> conditions and in submerged water for 17 months were less potent but  
> stilled caused a rash in sensitive
> individuals. However, these are not the biologically-rich conditions  
> of a compost pile.  Because urushiol is organic, it is subject to  
> biological degradation (good news for composters).  One reference  
> even suggests that under hot humid conditions, urushiol becomes inert  
> in about a week (more good
> news for composters). Unfortunately, the research basis for this  
> statement is not identified.
>
>   Still, there are other indications that urushiol decomposes  
> naturally. First, we are not overrun with cases of poison ivy despite  
> the persistence of the toxin and ubiquity of the plants. Secondly,  
> according to Susan Carol Hauser, author of Natureís Revenge1, leaves  
> that naturally fall off the plant
> do not contain urushiol. Furthermore, leaves do gradually lose  
> potency over time. Finally, there is anecdotal testimony.  For  
> instance, commenting to the U.S. Composting Council Internet  
> listserv, the manager of a large yard trimmings facility mentioned  
> that users of raw shredded yard trimmings
> mulch have reported developing the poison ivy rash while no users of  
> the composted product have.
>
>   Large-scale composting could be a rational approach for disposing  
> of poison ivy-laden yard trimmings, given the lack of good  
> alternatives and the fact that urushiol is thought to decompose under  
> conditions typical to composting. However, without more scientific  
> evidence, it remains a risky venture.
> In any case, it deserves due caution and common sense in handling the  
> raw feedstocks and the products. To adequately decompose, the  
> urushiol must be exposed. Because poison oak, sumac, and even poison  
> ivy are woody plants with fairly thick stems, the plant material  
> needs to be shredded prior to
> composting. However, shredding also releases the sap, spreading it  
> among the shredded material and possibly into the air near the  
> shredder. This raises concerns about using uncomposted mulch made  
> from the shredded yard trimmings containing poison ivy.  As a side  
> note, given the uncertainties, it is
> wise to keep poison ivy vegetation out of the backyard compost pile.
>
> 1 Additional sources of information: 1. Natureís Revenge, The Secrets  
> of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac and Their Remedies, Susan  
> Carol Hauser, Lyons & Buford Publishers; 2. Poison Ivy, Western  
> Poison Oak and Poison Sumac Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  website:
> http://res.agr.ca/brd/poisivy.html; 3. Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Its  
> Cousins, by Isadora Stehlin, U.S. Food and Drug Administration  
> website: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/796_ivy.html; 4. Poison  
> Ivy, Oak & Sumac Information Center website : http:// 
> poisonivy.aesir.com/.
>
>
>
>
> On Apr 9, 2009, at 9:35 AM, Jack Hoeck wrote:
>
> > Hello Compost World
> >
> >
> >
> > Does anyone have any info on the fate of poison oak/poison ivy oils in
> > composting systems or in soil? Can it survive a 90 to 120 day compost
> > cycle?
> >
> >
> >
> > Jack Hoeck
> >
> > VP Environmental Services
> >
> > Rexius
> >
> > 1275 Bailey Hill Rd.
> >
> > Eugene, OR 97402
> >
> > 1-541-342-1835
> >
> > 1-888-473-9487
> >
> > jackh at rexius.com
> >
> >
> >
> > Sustainable Solutions for Landscape, Community and the Environment
> >
> >
> >
> > <image001.jpg>_______________________________________
> > Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference &  
> > Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL.  
> > The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the  
> > Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most  
> > Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical  
> > Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations  
> > at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference  
> > Highlights & Program, 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
>
> _______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade
Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
Conference Highlights & Program, 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



From jeremie.verdier at gmail.com  Fri Apr 10 15:44:25 2009
From: jeremie.verdier at gmail.com (=?ISO-8859-1?Q?J=E9r=E9mie_VERDIER?=)
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:44:25 +0200
Subject: [USCC] Leachate management - Anaerobic Digestion - Analyses
In-Reply-To: <971EF37BF54F564FAB51000744CAB5D0024DF7E11D@EXCH-INT01.norcalwaste.com>
References: <6979e9730904081444m29b24496m947d14d03d2bd485@mail.gmail.com>
	<971EF37BF54F564FAB51000744CAB5D0024DF7E11D@EXCH-INT01.norcalwaste.com>
Message-ID: <6979e9730904101344r7e115196t6138de7e557dafa5@mail.gmail.com>

Thank you very much for all these useful tips, Fengyu and Craig.

I am particularly interested when you say that leachate from food waste is
?an excellent feedstock for *anaerobic digester*?! We are actually about to
build an in vessel composting facility, which is expected to treat kitchen
waste.

Does anyone has any publication/figures which deal about that? Or any case
study?

Many thanks

*J?r?mie Verdier*

Technical Operations
Veolia Environmental Services (UK) plc
154a Pentonville Road
London
N1 9PE

( Tel +44 (0)207 833 6484

*7 *Fax +44 (0)20783 77489

( Mobile +44 (0)78666 78549

, E-mail *Jeremie.Verdier at veolia.co.uk*




2009/4/9 Fengyu Wang <fwang at norcalwaste.com>

> Hi J?r?mie Verdier,
>
> To answer your question, here are some simple leachate management ideas for
> compost world to discuss:
>
> What's the best management with *leachate from green waste composting*?
> First of all, try to minimize the generation of the leachate by,
> 1. Not over water the compost piles, and turn the compost piles within one
> hour after applied water.
> 2. Use ComposTex (breathable cover, rain will not go in the piles) during
> the heavy raining season.
>
> A. Could it generally have a good *fertilizer value?*
> Yes. But it may smell bad if you do not get rid of it fast.
>
> And could it have any *negative effects* when spreading to land?
> It may have *negative effects* if the leachate have heavy salt content or
> other contaminations, such as lead.
> It also may *negative effects* to surface and possible ground water if it
> runs off.
> You may need to consult local regulators before spreading.
>
> B. What treatment would you propose before spreading to land? / send it to
> sewer?
> If the leachate is only from compost piles, recommend use it back to the
> compost piles when water is needed. The fertilizer value will be back to
> your compost.
> However, you may only use the leachate at the beginning of the compost
> process, not after the pathogen reduction process, absolutely not during the
> curing process.
>
> C. Would leachate from any mixed green/Kitchen waste be suitable for
> Anaerobic Digestion? To produce the electricity for the plant to be self
> sufficient?
> Yes, it is an excellent feedstock for anaerobic digester, especially
> leachate from food waste.
>
> D. In order to decide, what are the key elements to analyze?
> Simple tests would be:
> For land application: nutrients, salts, pH and metals.
> For Anaerobic digestion: BOD (or Volatile solids), total solids, salts, pH
> and metals.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Fengyu Wang
> Norcal Waste Systems Inc.
> 6426 Hay Road
> Vacaville, CA 95687
> Phone: (707)678-4718 ext.26
> Fax: (707)768-5695
> Email: fwang at norcalwaste.com
>
>
>
>
> A big sustainability leader with a small footprint.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
> January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
> Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
> Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
> Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
> Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
> Conference Highlights & Program, 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
>

From nicks at ccicenter.org  Mon Apr 13 15:04:18 2009
From: nicks at ccicenter.org (Nick Shorr)
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:04:18 -0400
Subject: [USCC] food-courts or fast-food franchises who have initiated
	organics diversion
Message-ID: <A70D8D419DE5844BA5470FF22370FFE201A7C2FB@BTU.ccicenter.local>

Folks,

 

The non-profit I work for began a pilot project to develop our region's
composting infrastructure a few months ago. So far, we have recruited
half-a-dozen major food-waste generators, helped to train them in
organics separation, design signage, etc, and hook them up with a
commercial-scale composter in the region. We are actively interested in
increasing the volume of organics that are diverted, the number of
composting facilities and organics haulers, and the markets for compost
in the region. 

 

We have begun to work with a large mall. Although the malls' own
'sustainability coordinator' is gung-ho, she is aware that it might be a
struggle to convince her food-court tenants (including McDonald's,
Houlihan's, Pizza Hut and several others) to participate. We thought
that if any of the corporations these managers work for had prior
experience in diversion anywhere else in the US, they might encourage
their managers at this food court to sign on. 

 

Do any of you know of mall food-courts and/or fast-food franchises
anywhere in the country who have initiated organics diversion? 

Any contact info or even some leads to who/where these might be would be
greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks very much,

 

Nick Shorr

 

Regional Composting and Recycling Initiatives

Pennsylvania Resources Council

Western Regional Office

64 South 14th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-488-7490 x232

 

 


From jac at magicsoil.com  Tue Apr 14 07:09:01 2009
From: jac at magicsoil.com (John A. Crockett)
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:09:01 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes
Message-ID: <200904141209.n3EC93nk028762@omr7.networksolutionsemail.com>

How can we make composting more profitable, and eliminate foul odors at the
same time?  Is the answer in asking the question?

Could you work well without oxygen? While that may seem like a dumb
question, maybe we ought to be asking whether the microbes in our compost
can work very effectively with limited oxygen.

What is the oxygen level in your compost?  Have you ever, much less, do you
routinely check the oxygen and CO2, on a cross section profile basis?  OR,
do you assume that you have little control over how productive the microbes
are?

We have an introduction to our research at: www.magicsoil.com/research.  And
That only begins to scratch the surface.  In one experiment that we did
almost five years ago, working with 'identical' compost feedstock, compost
that we put on 'forced' aeration, and turned three times in the course of
six days, ended up with 49 times more active bacteria than bacteria
population in the compost that remained in a passively aerated windrow.

Is it possible, even likely, that turn around time, how long it takes to
'complete' the composting process is related to how many active bacteria,
and how much active fungi are working, performing the composting process?

In January of 1996 I did my first oxygen depletion test and found that the
microbes crashed the oxygen level from 19% down to 2% in 15 minutes when I
turned off the forced aeration.  That was a turning point for me, convincing
me that full time forced aeration was vital to empowering the microbes.aca

I started tinkering with forced aeration in January of 1996, and in April of
1998 put into service our first diesel powered compost aeration system,
including a 157' long manifold with 27 ports on it.  It performed above my
highest expectations and was incredibly inexpensive to operate, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, every week.  Of course the systems we design now are
many times more efficient.

Does it make sense that if we want the microbes to be efficient composters,
that we've got to provide them with good working conditions?  Is there a
real possibility that if deprived of oxygen, the microbes may raise a big
stink?

Is it possible that installing an efficient full time forced aeration system
might actually lower your unit cost, by significantly improving turn around
time, while also eliminating foul odors?  Are you more concerned with
minimizing total cost, our unit cost; what about focusing on optimizing net
profit.

Working Together to Create a Sustainable Environment,
John A. Crockett, a.k.a. Dr. Mike Robe
Mother Nature's Farms
(845) 225-7763
http://www.magicsoil.com/
jac at magicsoil.com
? 


From andrew.kessler at turningearthllc.com  Tue Apr 14 10:04:30 2009
From: andrew.kessler at turningearthllc.com (Andrew Kessler)
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:04:30 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Waste Disposal and Management Data
Message-ID: <35E548A1-0DFC-4CD3-A912-CA248C85A3B8@turningearthllc.com>

Hello everyone.  We're looking for detailed waste disposal/ management  
data.  Chartwell Solid Waste Group (http://140.174.125.220/index.htm)  
offers a variety of off the self and custom data including location,  
type of disposal facility, pricing, volume, capacty.  Who else  
supplies this kind of research?  We'd like to understand all of our  
alternatives.  Thanks!

Andrew Kessler
Turning Earth, LLC
(845) 259-8400 (office)
(917) 251-5662 (cell)
(845) 622-3649 (fax)
andrew.kessler at turningearthllc.com


From epsteinee at comcast.net  Tue Apr 14 10:37:05 2009
From: epsteinee at comcast.net (Eliot Epstein)
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:37:05 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes
In-Reply-To: <200904141209.n3EC93nk028762@omr7.networksolutionsemail.com>
Message-ID: <26D70E1E2D95454F81FA0C27C7F1A6A7@D75H2DF1>

John,

To make your composting operation more profitable is basically an
operational management aspect. Eliminating or minimizing odors makes your
operations more profitable by avoiding complaints from nearby receptors and
avoiding fines by regulators. I have been involved in several operations
which were poorly operated and therefore resulted in odors. As a consequence
more money was spent on lawyers. Some facilities had actually been required
to close or ended up I high capital costs.

You can not have composting without oxygen. As a minimum I recommend 10%.
Mesophilic microbes which are responsible for the predominant and rapid
decomposition need oxygen. Odors become more foul when you have anaerobic
conditions.

There are many ways one can operate a facility in an efficient way to be
more cost effective and reduce or minimize odors. This depends on your
process, local conditions, microclimate, etc. I refer you to the excellent
work which was done at the Islip facility by Dr. Stu Buckner. One of his
papers is titled: Effects of turning frequency and mixture composition on
process conditions and odor concentrations during grass composting. Islip
has done numerous studies.

I don't think it is my role or any other consultant or company to try to
give you specific operational information.

Eliot

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of John A. Crockett
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 8:09 AM
To: U.S. Composting Council listserve
Subject: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes


How can we make composting more profitable, and eliminate foul odors at the
same time?  Is the answer in asking the question?

Could you work well without oxygen? While that may seem like a dumb
question, maybe we ought to be asking whether the microbes in our compost
can work very effectively with limited oxygen.

What is the oxygen level in your compost?  Have you ever, much less, do you
routinely check the oxygen and CO2, on a cross section profile basis?  OR,
do you assume that you have little control over how productive the microbes
are?

We have an introduction to our research at: www.magicsoil.com/research.  And
That only begins to scratch the surface.  In one experiment that we did
almost five years ago, working with 'identical' compost feedstock, compost
that we put on 'forced' aeration, and turned three times in the course of
six days, ended up with 49 times more active bacteria than bacteria
population in the compost that remained in a passively aerated windrow.

Is it possible, even likely, that turn around time, how long it takes to
'complete' the composting process is related to how many active bacteria,
and how much active fungi are working, performing the composting process?

In January of 1996 I did my first oxygen depletion test and found that the
microbes crashed the oxygen level from 19% down to 2% in 15 minutes when I
turned off the forced aeration.  That was a turning point for me, convincing
me that full time forced aeration was vital to empowering the microbes.aca

I started tinkering with forced aeration in January of 1996, and in April of
1998 put into service our first diesel powered compost aeration system,
including a 157' long manifold with 27 ports on it.  It performed above my
highest expectations and was incredibly inexpensive to operate, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, every week.  Of course the systems we design now are
many times more efficient.

Does it make sense that if we want the microbes to be efficient composters,
that we've got to provide them with good working conditions?  Is there a
real possibility that if deprived of oxygen, the microbes may raise a big
stink?

Is it possible that installing an efficient full time forced aeration system
might actually lower your unit cost, by significantly improving turn around
time, while also eliminating foul odors?  Are you more concerned with
minimizing total cost, our unit cost; what about focusing on optimizing net
profit.

Working Together to Create a Sustainable Environment,
John A. Crockett, a.k.a. Dr. Mike Robe
Mother Nature's Farms
(845) 225-7763
http://www.magicsoil.com/
jac at magicsoil.com
? 

_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
Conference Highlights & Program, 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


From rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu  Tue Apr 14 14:21:46 2009
From: rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu (Rhonda Sherman)
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:21:46 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Fast food organics diversion
Message-ID: <49E4E24A.6020906@ncsu.edu>

A program was set up in 2007 to vermicompost food and paper waste from 250 McDonald's restaurants in Hong Kong.

Rhonda Sherman 
Extension Solid Waste Specialist
Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department
North Carolina State University
Box 7625, Raleigh, NC  27695-7625
Phone 919/515-6770  Fax 919/515-6772
E-mail: rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu
Website: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/people/faculty/sherman 

Nick Shorr wrote: 
Do any of you know of mall food-courts and/or fast-food franchises
anywhere in the country who have initiated organics diversion? 

Nick Shorr
Regional Composting and Recycling Initiatives
Pennsylvania Resources Council
Western Regional Office
64 South 14th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-488-7490 x232

 


From gbrec at comcast.net  Tue Apr 14 14:29:48 2009
From: gbrec at comcast.net (Gary Bright)
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:29:48 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes
In-Reply-To: <200904141209.n3EC93nk028762@omr7.networksolutionsemail.com>
Message-ID: <20090414192949.BF8C5B1ACF9@mx1.cloudnet.com>

John A. Crockett:

Finally, you have made more sense than anyone commenting on the subject of 
aeration;  its benefits, accomplishment, etc.

A number of years ago when I became interested in composting I had this
Friend who was in the mushroom business.  He also was a Forester.  Jack
said to me while watching a compost procedure take place, namely called
a "cook out"  (continuous aeration inside a tunnel set up) He said,
"Gary, composters need to pick up where mushroom farmers have left off".
As time passes and I read your comments John, it becomes so very apparent
Jack made a very true statement.  Your right John, feed those microbes
enough air and often.   We did just that last month and composted food
waste with sawdust & wood (small) shavings and at the end of the 7th day,
temperature went from 138 to 90 which signified it was ready for curing.
Another tip from the mushroom farmers is don't just let compost sit and
cure, keep inducing air but a very minimal rate.  That speeds up the
curing time.  Anyway, love to hear the kind of stuff you put in this
composting chat system.  Thanks........Gary Bright..Odor One Composting
Technologies.

-----Original Message-----
From: John A. Crockett [mailto:jac at magicsoil.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 8:09 AM
To: U.S. Composting Council listserve
Subject: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes

How can we make composting more profitable, and eliminate foul odors at the
same time?  Is the answer in asking the question?

Could you work well without oxygen? While that may seem like a dumb
question, maybe we ought to be asking whether the microbes in our compost
can work very effectively with limited oxygen.

What is the oxygen level in your compost?  Have you ever, much less, do you
routinely check the oxygen and CO2, on a cross section profile basis?  OR,
do you assume that you have little control over how productive the microbes
are?

We have an introduction to our research at: www.magicsoil.com/research.  And
That only begins to scratch the surface.  In one experiment that we did
almost five years ago, working with 'identical' compost feedstock, compost
that we put on 'forced' aeration, and turned three times in the course of
six days, ended up with 49 times more active bacteria than bacteria
population in the compost that remained in a passively aerated windrow.

Is it possible, even likely, that turn around time, how long it takes to
'complete' the composting process is related to how many active bacteria,
and how much active fungi are working, performing the composting process?

In January of 1996 I did my first oxygen depletion test and found that the
microbes crashed the oxygen level from 19% down to 2% in 15 minutes when I
turned off the forced aeration.  That was a turning point for me, convincing
me that full time forced aeration was vital to empowering the microbes.aca

I started tinkering with forced aeration in January of 1996, and in April of
1998 put into service our first diesel powered compost aeration system,
including a 157' long manifold with 27 ports on it.  It performed above my
highest expectations and was incredibly inexpensive to operate, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, every week.  Of course the systems we design now are
many times more efficient.

Does it make sense that if we want the microbes to be efficient composters,
that we've got to provide them with good working conditions?  Is there a
real possibility that if deprived of oxygen, the microbes may raise a big
stink?

Is it possible that installing an efficient full time forced aeration system
might actually lower your unit cost, by significantly improving turn around
time, while also eliminating foul odors?  Are you more concerned with
minimizing total cost, our unit cost; what about focusing on optimizing net
profit.

Working Together to Create a Sustainable Environment,
John A. Crockett, a.k.a. Dr. Mike Robe
Mother Nature's Farms
(845) 225-7763
http://www.magicsoil.com/
jac at magicsoil.com
? 




From paul.olivier at esrint.com  Tue Apr 14 15:46:59 2009
From: paul.olivier at esrint.com (Paul Olivier)
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:46:59 +0700
Subject: [USCC] Fast food organics diversion
In-Reply-To: <49E4E24A.6020906@ncsu.edu>
References: <49E4E24A.6020906@ncsu.edu>
Message-ID: <26982a580904141346y1a229d03r6f013180c2644277@mail.gmail.com>

I visited this facility and it is quite impressive.
It is operated by two Australian brother, David and Chris Ellery.

-- 
Paul A. Olivier
27c Pham Hong Thai, Ward 10
Dalat City
Lam Dong Province
Vietnam

Louisiana telephone: 1-337-447-4124 (rings Vietnam)
Mobile: 0906941573 (in Vietnam)
Mobile: 84-906941573 (outside Vietnam)
Skype address: Xpolivier

On Wed, Apr 15, 2009 at 2:21 AM, Rhonda Sherman <rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu>wrote:

> A program was set up in 2007 to vermicompost food and paper waste from 250
> McDonald's restaurants in Hong Kong.
>
> Rhonda Sherman
> Extension Solid Waste Specialist
> Biological & Agricultural Engineering Department
> North Carolina State University
> Box 7625, Raleigh, NC  27695-7625
> Phone 919/515-6770  Fax 919/515-6772
> E-mail: rhonda_sherman at ncsu.edu
> Website: http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/people/faculty/sherman
>
> Nick Shorr wrote:
> Do any of you know of mall food-courts and/or fast-food franchises
> anywhere in the country who have initiated organics diversion?
>
> Nick Shorr
> Regional Composting and Recycling Initiatives
> Pennsylvania Resources Council
> Western Regional Office
> 64 South 14th Street
> Pittsburgh, PA 15203
> 412-488-7490 x232
>
>
>
> _______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
> January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
> Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
> Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
> Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
> Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
> Conference Highlights & Program, 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
>

From hirschsys at aol.com  Tue Apr 14 16:22:40 2009
From: hirschsys at aol.com (Myron Hirschman)
Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:22:40 -0500
Subject: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes
In-Reply-To: <20090414192949.BF8C5B1ACF9@mx1.cloudnet.com>
References: <200904141209.n3EC93nk028762@omr7.networksolutionsemail.com>
	<20090414192949.BF8C5B1ACF9@mx1.cloudnet.com>
Message-ID: <000801c9bd47$250015a0$6f0040e0$@com>

Gary

What was the moisture content when the temp started to drop?  Do you think
you could have prematurely cooled the compost down by pushing too much air
threw the compost mixture after it started to lose some of its energy.
Seven days is fast.....I wonder if there will be a lot of composting yet to
occur in the curing pile ..... I haven't seen your feedstock.

I am also not sold on small particle size in a compost pile.  It is much
harder to get uniform air flow and much easier to get contaminants in the
finished compost by mechanically grinding feedstocks too small initially
rather than letting nature do the work.  Again , I haven't seen your
feedstocks.

Natural aeration or assisting naturally occurring aeration is what I like to
see (also less electricity).  Too large of fans( too much air change) can
cause: air channeling, pre-mature cooling, drying the material out, high
operating costs,  etc.

We are here to help the natural processes and we need to create an
environment ideal for our microbes not people.  O2 doesn't need to be near
the 20 % level humans require in a compost pile.  

Some of my questions and thoughts.



Myron Hirschman
Myron at hirschsystems.com

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Gary Bright
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 2:30 PM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes

John A. Crockett:

Finally, you have made more sense than anyone commenting on the subject of 
aeration;  its benefits, accomplishment, etc.

A number of years ago when I became interested in composting I had this
Friend who was in the mushroom business.  He also was a Forester.  Jack
said to me while watching a compost procedure take place, namely called
a "cook out"  (continuous aeration inside a tunnel set up) He said,
"Gary, composters need to pick up where mushroom farmers have left off".
As time passes and I read your comments John, it becomes so very apparent
Jack made a very true statement.  Your right John, feed those microbes
enough air and often.   We did just that last month and composted food
waste with sawdust & wood (small) shavings and at the end of the 7th day,
temperature went from 138 to 90 which signified it was ready for curing.
Another tip from the mushroom farmers is don't just let compost sit and
cure, keep inducing air but a very minimal rate.  That speeds up the
curing time.  Anyway, love to hear the kind of stuff you put in this
composting chat system.  Thanks........Gary Bright..Odor One Composting
Technologies.

-----Original Message-----
From: John A. Crockett [mailto:jac at magicsoil.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 8:09 AM
To: U.S. Composting Council listserve
Subject: [USCC] Composting & oxygen for the microbes

How can we make composting more profitable, and eliminate foul odors at the
same time?  Is the answer in asking the question?

Could you work well without oxygen? While that may seem like a dumb
question, maybe we ought to be asking whether the microbes in our compost
can work very effectively with limited oxygen.

What is the oxygen level in your compost?  Have you ever, much less, do you
routinely check the oxygen and CO2, on a cross section profile basis?  OR,
do you assume that you have little control over how productive the microbes
are?

We have an introduction to our research at: www.magicsoil.com/research.  And
That only begins to scratch the surface.  In one experiment that we did
almost five years ago, working with 'identical' compost feedstock, compost
that we put on 'forced' aeration, and turned three times in the course of
six days, ended up with 49 times more active bacteria than bacteria
population in the compost that remained in a passively aerated windrow.

Is it possible, even likely, that turn around time, how long it takes to
'complete' the composting process is related to how many active bacteria,
and how much active fungi are working, performing the composting process?

In January of 1996 I did my first oxygen depletion test and found that the
microbes crashed the oxygen level from 19% down to 2% in 15 minutes when I
turned off the forced aeration.  That was a turning point for me, convincing
me that full time forced aeration was vital to empowering the microbes.aca

I started tinkering with forced aeration in January of 1996, and in April of
1998 put into service our first diesel powered compost aeration system,
including a 157' long manifold with 27 ports on it.  It performed above my
highest expectations and was incredibly inexpensive to operate, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, every week.  Of course the systems we design now are
many times more efficient.

Does it make sense that if we want the microbes to be efficient composters,
that we've got to provide them with good working conditions?  Is there a
real possibility that if deprived of oxygen, the microbes may raise a big
stink?

Is it possible that installing an efficient full time forced aeration system
might actually lower your unit cost, by significantly improving turn around
time, while also eliminating foul odors?  Are you more concerned with
minimizing total cost, our unit cost; what about focusing on optimizing net
profit.

Working Together to Create a Sustainable Environment,
John A. Crockett, a.k.a. Dr. Mike Robe
Mother Nature's Farms
(845) 225-7763
http://www.magicsoil.com/
jac at magicsoil.com
? 



_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
Conference Highlights & Program, 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
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From dmhill at aol.com  Wed Apr 15 06:37:57 2009
From: dmhill at aol.com (dmhill@aol.com)
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:37:57 -0400
Subject: [USCC] food-courts or fast-food franchises who have initiated
 organics diversion
In-Reply-To: <A70D8D419DE5844BA5470FF22370FFE201A7C2FB@BTU.ccicenter.local>
References: <A70D8D419DE5844BA5470FF22370FFE201A7C2FB@BTU.ccicenter.local>
Message-ID: <8CB8BD5C235D182-338-1CED@WEBMAIL-DC11.sysops.aol.com>


 Nick,
If you will contact me, either by phone or email I will be happy to supply you some contractors in the Baltimore Washington area working with national companies.

David Hill
CycleLogic
301-493-5180
www.mycyclelogic.com 


 


 

-----Original Message-----
From: Nick Shorr <nicks at ccicenter.org>
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Sent: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 4:04 pm
Subject: [USCC] food-courts or fast-food franchises who have initiated organics diversion










Folks,

 

The non-profit I work for began a pilot project to develop our region's
composting infrastructure a few months ago. So far, we have recruited
half-a-dozen major food-waste generators, helped to train them in
organics separation, design signage, etc, and hook them up with a
commercial-scale composter in the region. We are actively interested in
increasing the volume of organics that are diverted, the number of
composting facilities and organics haulers, and the markets for compost
in the region. 

 

We have begun to work with a large mall. Although the malls' own
'sustainability coordinator' is gung-ho, she is aware that it might be a
struggle to convince her food-court tenants (including McDonald's,
Houlihan's, Pizza Hut and several others) to participate. We thought
that if any of the corporations these managers work for had prior
experience in diversion anywhere else in the US, they might encourage
their managers at this food court to sign on. 

 

Do any of you know of mall food-courts and/or fast-food franchises
anywhere in the country who have initiated organics diversion? 

Any contact info or even some leads to who/where these might be would be
greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks very much,

 

Nick Shorr

 

Regional Composting and Recycling Initiatives

Pennsylvania Resources Council

Western Regional Office

64 South 14th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

412-488-7490 x232

 

 

_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, 
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest Conference & 
Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling 
Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & 
Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at 
the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, 
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



 


From Peck.Cara at epamail.epa.gov  Wed Apr 15 18:33:15 2009
From: Peck.Cara at epamail.epa.gov (Peck.Cara@epamail.epa.gov)
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:33:15 -0700
Subject: [USCC] Compost Digest, Vol 61, Issue 7
Message-ID: <OF8F1E0371.378DFD5C-ON88257599.00815C39-88257599.008162CE@epamail.epa.gov>

Hi Nick,

In regards to your question about composting at fast food chains. 

EPA Region 9 is currently funding a grant to the City of Modesto 
implementing a commercial food waste composting program. They have worked 
with chains like Pizza Hut, Applebees, etc. and I know it was difficult at 
first. They might have some words of wisdom for you and can let you know 
all of the chains they worked with. Please contact me if you would like 
further information. 

Thanks,
Cara

Cara Peck
Agriculture Program 
U.S. EPA, Region 9 
San Francisco, California
Tel:       415-972-3382
Fax:      415-947-3583
peck.cara at epa.gov

From susan.darleyhill at WLSSD.Duluth.MN.US  Thu Apr 16 13:35:29 2009
From: susan.darleyhill at WLSSD.Duluth.MN.US (Susan DarleyHill)
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:35:29 -0500
Subject: [USCC] School food waste separation tables
Message-ID: <E31AC7DA98D7DE4E92F79C6637ECA37C01A3827E@w2s0911309.wlssd.net>

Greetings -
Is anyone aware of a source for pre-fabricated food waste separation
tables either designed specifically for elementary school cafeterias or
something suitably adaptable. We have some locally constructed tables in
use but was wondering if any large scale fabrication was happening
anywhere.

Susan Darley-Hill
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
Duluth, MN

From howard at stenndesign.com  Thu Apr 16 14:03:25 2009
From: howard at stenndesign.com (howard stenn)
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:03:25 -0700
Subject: [USCC] LEED credits for compost use
Message-ID: <A03F89C1-CB5E-42B0-8B50-33C7E4918A6A@stenndesign.com>

Hello,
Do you know of projects that have received LEED credits for use of  
compost in the MR categories:  3-Materials Reuse, 4-Recycled Content,  
5-Regional Materials, or 6-Rapidly Renewable? Soil and LCD are  
explicitly excluded from MR 2-Construction Waste Management; but the  
others are vague.
Howard Stenn
Stenn Design
206.463.6523
howard at stenndesign.com


From woundedegomusic at gmail.com  Thu Apr 16 15:13:59 2009
From: woundedegomusic at gmail.com (Bill Ross)
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:13:59 -0500
Subject: [USCC] Urine-soaked Cardboard
Message-ID: <21BD832A92654D57A6E39B57CD8D0AE0@BillRoss>

Can anyone tell me...

1) If I soak cardboard in hog urine and let it compost, will it result in a balanced fertilizer? Will it be considered organic?

2) If I feed only cardboard to worms, will the worms provide the Nitrogen and whatever else to make it a balanced fertilizer?

3) How much does weight change during composting? Will a ton of cardboard yield a ton of compost?

4) If I don't wash the ink off of cardboard boxes before composting, can it still be called organic? What if they are processed through worms?

Thanks so much.

Bill Ross
billross @t woundedego (dot} com

From edo_mcgowan at hotmail.com  Fri Apr 17 08:30:00 2009
From: edo_mcgowan at hotmail.com (Edo McGowan)
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:30:00 +0000
Subject: [USCC] Urine-soaked Cardboard
In-Reply-To: <21BD832A92654D57A6E39B57CD8D0AE0@BillRoss>
References: <21BD832A92654D57A6E39B57CD8D0AE0@BillRoss>
Message-ID: <BLU102-W20B5C9FF6893D25CF2D4AA807B0@phx.gbl>


A complex question, this--------"Will it be considered organic?" To be effective commercially, one would need a lot of hog urine and thus that most probably would come from a CAFO. But then considering how hogs are now raised in these large crowded operations, one needs to know what is in that feed stock (urine) besides urine. There may be large amounts of antibiotics within the urine, some interesting pathogens, and hormones. Would the average fastidious purchaser of certified organic really want this and can you guarantee that it is totally removed or degraded by the composting? The other is a technical question of antibiotics being there in the first place and how might that affect the definition of "ORGANIC"?

Rufus Chaney, well-known in the compost science field, noted--------- "It is clear that many antibiotics are
readily biodegraded during either anaerobic digestion or composting of
manure and biosolids. But not all are so rapidly biodegraded."

Thus from a marketing perspective, it appears that this "But not all are so rapidly biodegraded" adds considerable complexity to the potential claim of organic in the customer's mind and could have a back-lash in the market.

Dr Edo McGowan


> From: woundedegomusic at gmail.com
> To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
> Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:13:59 -0500
> Subject: [USCC] Urine-soaked Cardboard
> 
> Can anyone tell me...
> 
> 1) If I soak cardboard in hog urine and let it compost, will it result in a balanced fertilizer? Will it be considered organic?
> 
> 2) If I feed only cardboard to worms, will the worms provide the Nitrogen and whatever else to make it a balanced fertilizer?
> 
> 3) How much does weight change during composting? Will a ton of cardboard yield a ton of compost?
> 
> 4) If I don't wash the ink off of cardboard boxes before composting, can it still be called organic? What if they are processed through worms?
> 
> Thanks so much.
> 
> Bill Ross
> billross @t woundedego (dot} com
> _______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, 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

_________________________________________________________________
Reinvent how you stay in touch with the new Windows Live Messenger.
http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9650731

From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org  Fri Apr 17 10:27:56 2009
From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins)
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:27:56 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Urine-soaked Cardboard
In-Reply-To: <BLU102-W20B5C9FF6893D25CF2D4AA807B0@phx.gbl>
References: <21BD832A92654D57A6E39B57CD8D0AE0@BillRoss>
	<BLU102-W20B5C9FF6893D25CF2D4AA807B0@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <008401c9bf71$156d63f0$40482bd0$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>

The term "certified organic" in the US is reserved for food and fiber, so
compost cannot be certified.  Rather, compost can be "approved for use on
organic farms" which is done by certifying agencies. In fact, manure (and
the resulting compost) does NOT have to come from an organic source. Compost
does have to meet time and temperature standards.

To answer some of the other questions:

> 1) If I soak cardboard in hog urine and let it compost, will it result in
a balanced fertilizer? Will it be considered organic?
It is unlikely to be a "balanced fertilizer" using just those two sources.
Is it really just the urine or is it swine manure, which is very high
moisture? The only way to know will be to do a trial batch and have it
analyzed.

> 
> 2) If I feed only cardboard to worms, will the worms provide the Nitrogen
and whatever else to make it a balanced fertilizer?
Worms not add nitrogen. They also find ammonia toxic, and swine manure is
high in ammonia.

> 
> 3) How much does weight change during composting? Will a ton of cardboard
yield a ton of compost? 
Typically you lose about half the mass.

> 
> 4) If I don't wash the ink off of cardboard boxes before composting, can
it still be called organic? What if they are processed through worms?
Most inks were detoxified in the 80's and 90's and are not a problem.  There
were problems with Boron toxicity form compost with high cardboard content,
but I don?t know if that is still an issue.  Again, try it and let us know!
  

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
US Composting Council
?
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/
Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!


-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Edo McGowan
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 9:30 AM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: Re: [USCC] Urine-soaked Cardboard


A complex question, this--------"Will it be considered organic?" To be
effective commercially, one would need a lot of hog urine and thus that most
probably would come from a CAFO. But then considering how hogs are now
raised in these large crowded operations, one needs to know what is in that
feed stock (urine) besides urine. There may be large amounts of antibiotics
within the urine, some interesting pathogens, and hormones. Would the
average fastidious purchaser of certified organic really want this and can
you guarantee that it is totally removed or degraded by the composting? The
other is a technical question of antibiotics being there in the first place
and how might that affect the definition of "ORGANIC"?

Rufus Chaney, well-known in the compost science field, noted--------- "It is
clear that many antibiotics are
readily biodegraded during either anaerobic digestion or composting of
manure and biosolids. But not all are so rapidly biodegraded."

Thus from a marketing perspective, it appears that this "But not all are so
rapidly biodegraded" adds considerable complexity to the potential claim of
organic in the customer's mind and could have a back-lash in the market.

Dr Edo McGowan


> From: woundedegomusic at gmail.com
> To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
> Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:13:59 -0500
> Subject: [USCC] Urine-soaked Cardboard
> 
> Can anyone tell me...
> 
> 1) If I soak cardboard in hog urine and let it compost, will it result in
a balanced fertilizer? Will it be considered organic?
> 
> 2) If I feed only cardboard to worms, will the worms provide the Nitrogen
and whatever else to make it a balanced fertilizer?
> 
> 3) How much does weight change during composting? Will a ton of cardboard
yield a ton of compost?
> 
> 4) If I don't wash the ink off of cardboard boxes before composting, can
it still be called organic? What if they are processed through worms?
> 
> Thanks so much.
> 
> Bill Ross
> billross @t woundedego (dot} com


From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org  Fri Apr 17 11:05:08 2009
From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins)
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:05:08 -0400
Subject: [USCC] RFP for Food Scrap Processing Facility Feasibility Study
	Released by Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District
Message-ID: <009701c9bf76$48834b60$d989e220$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>

The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD) is currently
soliciting proposals for professional services to contribute to a
feasibility study to build a food scrap processing facility as part of the
Central Vermont Recovered Biomass Facility project, to be completed by
August 15, 2009.

The purpose of the project will be to conduct research to determine the
scientific, technical, social, and economic feasibility of building a
bio-digester facility at Vermont Tech that will generate electricity and
heat from biomass feedstock composed of post-consumer food scraps and cow
manure. The project will also determine the feasibility of building and
operating a food scrap processing facility to provide post- consumer food
scraps to the CVRBF and other anaerobic digesters. The project objective
will be to determine technical specifications, feedstock makeup and
processing parameters that, in a subsequent phase, will lead to the
construction of a recovered biomass facility. Additionally, the project will
be leveraged to provide education in renewable energy technology
applications and entrepreneurial farm management to students from Vermont
Tech and other academic institutions throughout the region.

All proposals must be received no later than close of business on May 1,
2009.

The RFP may be found by following the links from the USCC homepage,
www.compostingcouncil.org


Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
US Composting Council <http://www.compostingcouncil.org/> 

phone: 484-547-1521

fax: 484-274-6779

cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org <mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org> 
USCC Main Office:

1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

 
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/

Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!

 


From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org  Mon Apr 20 07:03:00 2009
From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:03:00 -0400
Subject: [USCC] SunChips bags on the way to compost
Message-ID: <010401c9c1af$f3daf360$db90da20$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>

This story is in from USA today. I got it from Delaware OnLine
(http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090419/BUSINESS/904190338/1003) via
my Google News Service. If only we had enough composting facilities to take
the bags!

Cary Oshins

USCC

 

April 19, 2009

SunChips bags on the way to compost

Frito-Lay expects to have package ready in 2010

By CHARISSE JONES
USA Today 

NEW YORK -- Have a snack. Then feed the earth.

That's what chip munchers will be able to do when Frito-Lay introduces what
it said will be "the world's first compostable chip bag" by Earth Day 2010.

The snack maker is rolling out a media campaign this month touting that it
has taken the first step toward creating an environmentally friendly pouch
for SunChips, a multigrain product that is already associated with healthier
snacking.

"We're seeing a much greater concern about the planet by consumers," said
Gannon Jones, vice president of portfolio marketing for Frito-Lay North
America, a business unit of PepsiCo.

And Jones said that, "When it comes to the environment ... far and away,
consumers would say if there's one thing that you could improve, it would be
your packaging."

Supermarket shelves are currently being filled with new 10.5-ounce SunChips
bags with an outer layer made of plant-based polylactic acid (PLA).
Researchers now are focusing on making the inside of the pouches, including
the critical layer that keeps the chips crisp and fresh, eco-friendly as
well.

In a nation where "organic" and "fair trade" have become part of the
lexicon, packaging experts and environmental advocates say companies such as
Frito-Lay have realized the importance of showing they are helping to
preserve the environment, whether it's reducing the fuel used to make and
transport their products or altering the type of packaging that coffee, cold
cuts or conditioners come in.

A January report by The Hartman Group, a market researcher, found that
packaging was key for consumers who are concerned about the environment.

"It was almost like a marker or indicator as to how good or bad a company
may be," said Laurie Demeritt, the agency's president. "And in most cases,
when they thought about packaging [they asked], 'What can happen to it after
I get it home? Is it recyclable? Is it biodegradable?' "

Of the 1,600 people surveyed for the report, 75 percent said it was at least
somewhat important that packaging be recyclable, while 51 percent felt it
was at least somewhat important that it be compostable, meaning it breaks
down with the presence of oxygen and water.

While brands have used recycled paper for years to contain cereal, pasta and
other products, companies are increasingly taking additional steps to help
the environment, such as reducing the weight or amount of packaging.

Kraft, which has a goal to cut packaging by 150 million pounds by 2011,
shrank the amount of plastic used in each Kraft salad dressing bottle by 19
percent last year, a change that will save more than 3 million pounds
annually, said Roger Zellner, Kraft's director of sustainability for
research, development and quality. Kraft's Oscar Mayer Deli Creations cut
cardboard use 30 percent per package this year.

By fall, plastic half-liter Aquafina bottles will be 20 percent lighter,
said Bart Casabona, spokesman for PepsiCo North America Beverages. Casabona
said the weight per bottle has been cut from 24 grams in 2002 to 10.9 grams
now, saving 75 million pounds of plastic annually.

Frito-Lay is telling consumers that it is using renewable materials with a
print and online ad campaign that includes a Web video showing a SunChips
bag crumbling in the earth over 14 weeks, and an insert of a fully
compostable package in this week's People magazine, with directions to toss
the sample into an active compost bin.

"It's walking a technological tightrope because we're balancing the need to
have it break down with the need to have good shelf sustainability," said
Tony Knoerzer, Frito-Lay North America's vice president, packaging and
sustainability. "We need a significant amount of moisture protection for our
products because if they don't stay dry, they're not crisp."

 

 

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
 <http://www.compostingcouncil.org/> US Composting Council

1010 North 13th St.

Allentown, PA 18102

phone: 484-547-1521

fax: 484-274-6779

 <mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org> cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org
USCC Main Office:

1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

 
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/

Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!

 


From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org  Mon Apr 20 07:17:44 2009
From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:17:44 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Downtown Atlanta recycles self into a Zero Waste Zone
Message-ID: <010c01c9c1b2$02a0c580$07e25080$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>

>From CNN (via Google News) comes this story on Atlanta's Zero waste Zone,
where composting is prominently featured.  Don't miss the excellent video.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/04/17/gsif.atlanta.zero.waste.zone/?imw=Y
<http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/04/17/gsif.atlanta.zero.waste.zone/?imw=Y&
iref=mpstoryemail#cnnSTCText> &iref=mpstoryemail#cnnSTCText

 

Cary

 

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
 <http://www.compostingcouncil.org/> US Composting Council

1010 North 13th St.

Allentown, PA 18102

phone: 484-547-1521

fax: 484-274-6779

 <mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org> cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org
USCC Main Office:

1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

 
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/

Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!

 


From alh54 at cornell.edu  Mon Apr 20 10:55:30 2009
From: alh54 at cornell.edu (Allison L H Jack)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:55:30 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Urine soaked cardboard
Message-ID: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420115239.01e5d9c0@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>

Hi all,

Bill do you mean hog urine or effluent from a manure lagoon? Those are two
very different materials.

Tom Christenberry runs a hog manure vermicomposting facility in North
Carolina, I saw him speak at one of Rhonda Sherman's vermicomposting
workshops a few years back. He might be able to answer some of your
questions about working with this feedstock in a vermicomposting system.

Adding to Cary's comments on this: In order for a nutrient amendment (or
pest control product) to be used in commercial certified organic
agriculture it must meet the current guidelines in the National Organic
Program legislation. These rules are constantly being updated. The Organic
Materials Review Institute (OMRI) tests materials and then creates an
official list of what products certified organic growers can use. You will
see "OMRI listed" on many labels and that's what it means.

In order for a compost-based product to be OMRI listed it must meet the
time and temperature requirements for PFRP (taken right out of the
biosolids rules). There was an effort to categorize vermicomposts
separately, but as it stands now the only OMRI listed vermicomposts go
through an initial thermophilic composting step to meet the pathogen
reduction requirements. Edo's right on this point though, nowhere in the
regulation does it say that the manure feedstock for the compost has to
come from a certified organic facility. That would of course be
complicated because most certified organic livestock systems are at least
partially pasture-based, so there is no easy way to collect the manure in
a central location. I don't know if this is the case for all livestock
operations, but the dairy providing manure to a NY vermicomposting
facility keeps any sick animals in a separate barn because they can't be
on medication and be milked. This barn does not connect to the central
manure collection pool, so any manure from medicated livestock does not
end up as a feedstock in the vermicomposting process.

Getting your material OMRI listed is only important if you are planning to
market it to commercial growers. The home gardener market is much more
open. Bags of Malorginite have the word "natural" on them and home
gardeners buy it when they or may not be aware that this material is
composted biosolids from Detroit which would not be allowable amendments
under the NOP rules. Very few hobby gardeners scrutinize where their
amendments come from and I know there is a lot of confusion in the general
public over labeling.

-Allison
Cornell University



**************************************************************************************
Allison L H Jack
Graduate Student
Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
http://pppmb.cals.cornell.edu
Cornell University
335 Plant Science
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.273.5762
************************************************************************************* 


"...Advancing a productive and sustainable agriculture"
from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences mission statement

From alh54 at cornell.edu  Mon Apr 20 12:24:27 2009
From: alh54 at cornell.edu (Allison L H Jack)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:24:27 -0400
Subject: [USCC] correction
Message-ID: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420130915.03750b18@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>

A postscript:

Patrick McNelly caught my typo and poor geographical knowledge, thanks!

The product is of course Milorganite and it is from Milwaukee, not Detroit.

My point about the confusion surrounding labelling is the same however. On 
the front page of Milorganitie's website it says "For better results. 
Naturally." Home gardeners wishing to increase their soil organic matter 
may be confused about what "natural" means and may or may not know that the 
biosolids feedstock used in Milorganite is not allowable in commercial 
organic agriculture under the 2002 federal regulation.

I volunteer and garden at the Ithaca Community Garden where the rules 
clearly state that plots must be "maintained organically" but don't provide 
any guidance on what that means or which legal definition of "organic" 
they're referring to. Does that mean I can spray copper sulfate on my plot? 
You can't imagine the level of confusion among gardeners!

Edo made a comment about potential consumer backlash if they discovered 
that a compost was made from manure at a conventional livestock facility. I 
would argue that the average consumer is too confused to evaluate organic 
amendments at this level of detail. Also, as far as I know, there is no 
push to change the National Organic Program's rules to restricting compost 
feedstocks to manure from certified organic livestock facilities.

-Allison
Cornell University

**************************************************************************************
Allison L H Jack
Graduate Student
Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
http://pppmb.cals.cornell.edu
Cornell University
335 Plant Science
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.273.5762
************************************************************************************* 


"...Advancing a productive and sustainable agriculture"
from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences mission statement

From alexassoc at earthlink.net  Mon Apr 20 13:46:20 2009
From: alexassoc at earthlink.net (alexassoc@earthlink.net)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:46:20 -0400
Subject: [USCC] correction
In-Reply-To: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420130915.03750b18@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
References: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420130915.03750b18@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
Message-ID: <002a01c9c1e8$4c3fe8c0$e4bfba40$@net>

Allison,

I do a lot of work in product labeling. Also, please understand that the
term 'organic' on a fertilizer label, as far as state fertilizer control
officials are concerned, relates to the form of nitrogen in the product (not
organic certification). Theses official AAPFCO terms have been around for a
long time, and will not likely be changed. However, there are some new
AAPFCO fertilizer statements that can only be placed on the label of
products that can be used in the production of certified organic food crops.

Thanks,

Ron

 

 

Ron Alexander

R. Alexander Associates, Inc.

1212 Eastham Drive

Apex, NC 27502

USA

919-367-8350

919-367-8351 fax

alexassoc at earthlink.net

www.alexassoc.net 

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Allison L H Jack
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 1:24 PM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: [USCC] correction

 

A postscript:

 

Patrick McNelly caught my typo and poor geographical knowledge, thanks!

 

The product is of course Milorganite and it is from Milwaukee, not Detroit.

 

My point about the confusion surrounding labelling is the same however. On 

the front page of Milorganitie's website it says "For better results. 

Naturally." Home gardeners wishing to increase their soil organic matter 

may be confused about what "natural" means and may or may not know that the 

biosolids feedstock used in Milorganite is not allowable in commercial 

organic agriculture under the 2002 federal regulation.

 

I volunteer and garden at the Ithaca Community Garden where the rules 

clearly state that plots must be "maintained organically" but don't provide 

any guidance on what that means or which legal definition of "organic" 

they're referring to. Does that mean I can spray copper sulfate on my plot? 

You can't imagine the level of confusion among gardeners!

 

Edo made a comment about potential consumer backlash if they discovered 

that a compost was made from manure at a conventional livestock facility. I 

would argue that the average consumer is too confused to evaluate organic 

amendments at this level of detail. Also, as far as I know, there is no 

push to change the National Organic Program's rules to restricting compost 

feedstocks to manure from certified organic livestock facilities.

 

-Allison

Cornell University

 

****************************************************************************
**********

Allison L H Jack

Graduate Student

Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology

http://pppmb.cals.cornell.edu

Cornell University

335 Plant Science

Ithaca, NY 14850

607.273.5762

****************************************************************************
********* 

 

 

"...Advancing a productive and sustainable agriculture"

from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences mission statement

_______________________________________

Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
Conference Highlights & Program, 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


From Michele.Young at sanjoseca.gov  Mon Apr 20 14:50:15 2009
From: Michele.Young at sanjoseca.gov (Young, Michele)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:50:15 -0700
Subject: [USCC] SunChips bags on the way to compost
In-Reply-To: <010401c9c1af$f3daf360$db90da20$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>
Message-ID: <4B7DBB32B8E0254081660CC49C2B7AFA021633D5@ex08.sjcity.net>

I have already had the chip bags brought to me at my office, with folks
asking if they can compost them now.  The advertising on the bag is a
bit misleading, as if the bags they are currently using are compostable
prototypes.  Between our office and the master composters, we are
getting lots of calls on compostable packaging in general.  People are
confused about what to do with all of the compostable plastics that they
are receiving through their purchases.

I think the big problem will be getting the materials to a facility even
if one exists.  How many communities that will be selling these chips
have food waste collection?  Are we prepared with the education that
will help residents understand what can be included in food waste, and
what can not?

I would bet that a good percentage of those chip bags will not make it
to a composting facility, adding more "organics" to the landfill.  Are
we ready to manage a large number of compostable wrappers (and the
resultant non-compostable trash) if this is the start of a trend?  

I think this is an important conversation for us to have as a group
because these little bags represent a whole ice burg of compostable
packaging that I am not sure we are ready for.

Skeptical in San Jose

 
Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost!
 
Michele Young  
City of San Jose
Environmental Services Department
200 E. Santa Clara St.   Tower 10
San Jose,  CA  95113
Phone: (408) 975-2519
FAX: (408) 292-6212 

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Cary Oshins
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 5:03 AM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: [USCC] SunChips bags on the way to compost

This story is in from USA today. I got it from Delaware OnLine
(http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090419/BUSINESS/904190338/1003)
via
my Google News Service. If only we had enough composting facilities to
take
the bags!

Cary Oshins

USCC

 

April 19, 2009

SunChips bags on the way to compost

Frito-Lay expects to have package ready in 2010

By CHARISSE JONES
USA Today 

NEW YORK -- Have a snack. Then feed the earth.

That's what chip munchers will be able to do when Frito-Lay introduces
what
it said will be "the world's first compostable chip bag" by Earth Day
2010.

The snack maker is rolling out a media campaign this month touting that
it
has taken the first step toward creating an environmentally friendly
pouch
for SunChips, a multigrain product that is already associated with
healthier
snacking.

"We're seeing a much greater concern about the planet by consumers,"
said
Gannon Jones, vice president of portfolio marketing for Frito-Lay North
America, a business unit of PepsiCo.

And Jones said that, "When it comes to the environment ... far and away,
consumers would say if there's one thing that you could improve, it
would be
your packaging."

Supermarket shelves are currently being filled with new 10.5-ounce
SunChips
bags with an outer layer made of plant-based polylactic acid (PLA).
Researchers now are focusing on making the inside of the pouches,
including
the critical layer that keeps the chips crisp and fresh, eco-friendly as
well.

In a nation where "organic" and "fair trade" have become part of the
lexicon, packaging experts and environmental advocates say companies
such as
Frito-Lay have realized the importance of showing they are helping to
preserve the environment, whether it's reducing the fuel used to make
and
transport their products or altering the type of packaging that coffee,
cold
cuts or conditioners come in.

A January report by The Hartman Group, a market researcher, found that
packaging was key for consumers who are concerned about the environment.

"It was almost like a marker or indicator as to how good or bad a
company
may be," said Laurie Demeritt, the agency's president. "And in most
cases,
when they thought about packaging [they asked], 'What can happen to it
after
I get it home? Is it recyclable? Is it biodegradable?' "

Of the 1,600 people surveyed for the report, 75 percent said it was at
least
somewhat important that packaging be recyclable, while 51 percent felt
it
was at least somewhat important that it be compostable, meaning it
breaks
down with the presence of oxygen and water.

While brands have used recycled paper for years to contain cereal, pasta
and
other products, companies are increasingly taking additional steps to
help
the environment, such as reducing the weight or amount of packaging.

Kraft, which has a goal to cut packaging by 150 million pounds by 2011,
shrank the amount of plastic used in each Kraft salad dressing bottle by
19
percent last year, a change that will save more than 3 million pounds
annually, said Roger Zellner, Kraft's director of sustainability for
research, development and quality. Kraft's Oscar Mayer Deli Creations
cut
cardboard use 30 percent per package this year.

By fall, plastic half-liter Aquafina bottles will be 20 percent lighter,
said Bart Casabona, spokesman for PepsiCo North America Beverages.
Casabona
said the weight per bottle has been cut from 24 grams in 2002 to 10.9
grams
now, saving 75 million pounds of plastic annually.

Frito-Lay is telling consumers that it is using renewable materials with
a
print and online ad campaign that includes a Web video showing a
SunChips
bag crumbling in the earth over 14 weeks, and an insert of a fully
compostable package in this week's People magazine, with directions to
toss
the sample into an active compost bin.

"It's walking a technological tightrope because we're balancing the need
to
have it break down with the need to have good shelf sustainability,"
said
Tony Knoerzer, Frito-Lay North America's vice president, packaging and
sustainability. "We need a significant amount of moisture protection for
our
products because if they don't stay dry, they're not crisp."

 

 

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
 <http://www.compostingcouncil.org/> US Composting Council

1010 North 13th St.

Allentown, PA 18102

phone: 484-547-1521

fax: 484-274-6779

 <mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org> cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org
USCC Main Office:

1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

 
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/

Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!

 

_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade
Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste,
& Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of
Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility
Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek
Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, 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

From woundedegomusic at gmail.com  Mon Apr 20 18:59:15 2009
From: woundedegomusic at gmail.com (Bill Ross)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:59:15 -0500
Subject: [USCC] Urine soaked cardboard
In-Reply-To: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420115239.01e5d9c0@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
References: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420115239.01e5d9c0@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
Message-ID: <C886CEAB24C44E22B009A5531242CF5F@BillRoss>

Many thanks for all of the helpful responses.

Here is my thinking...

* I have some land available to use to create compost
* Cardboard is free
* Composted cardboard, with no other component, would still provide good 
structure and some nourishment
* If I could supplement the cardboard with nitrogen (and as I understand 
things, urine has nitrogen (and grazing animal urine has tons of it)) it 
would be even more valuable
* Cardboard has lots of air pockets and thus would break down easily, and 
also absorb urine or other supplements

I did a spreadsheet on the business model. I think I did the numbers 
correctly, and it looks very profitable (but I didn't do the numbers with 
Nitrogen added). See attached.

Bill Ross
billross {@t} woundedego {dot com 
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From woundedegomusic at gmail.com  Mon Apr 20 19:35:52 2009
From: woundedegomusic at gmail.com (Bill Ross)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:35:52 -0500
Subject: [USCC] Urine soaked cardboard
In-Reply-To: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420115239.01e5d9c0@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
References: <6.2.1.2.2.20090420115239.01e5d9c0@postoffice8.mail.cornell.edu>
Message-ID: <95646D4936BB4FF8A15054463F9189EC@BillRoss>

In my last spreadsheet, I failed to take into account the fact that 50 
percent of weight is lost during composting. Ie: A ton of cardboard, 
composted, yields a HALF of a ton. So this version takes that into account. 
(I can send the actual spreadsheet to whoever might request it).

I am working with $30 per ton, but that might be optimistic.

I also am not sure I have the formula correct for the amount of land needed. 
In fact, the whole thing seems awfully rosy.

The "bales" I refer to are bales compacted by a compactor.

I welcome "competitors" who pursue my business model and put all of that 
cardboard to better use than filling landfills!

Bill Ross
billross @t woundedego dot com

 


From cscoker at verizon.net  Tue Apr 21 08:03:22 2009
From: cscoker at verizon.net (Craig Coker)
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:03:22 -0400
Subject: [USCC] Calibrating a Reotemp thermometer
Message-ID: <9FEADD9B688B4037B2A8A14B41B12F1E@LAPTOP>

Colleagues:

 

What techniques do you use to calibrate your dial-type windrow thermometers
to ensure the readings are accurate?

 

Thanks,

Craig

 

Craig Coker | Coker Composting & Consulting

1213 Spradlin Rd., Vinton, VA 24179

Tel.: (540) 890-1086, Fax: (540) 890-1087

Cell: (540) 874-5168, Email: cscoker at verizon.net

Web: www.cokercompost.com.

 


From dwad461 at ECY.WA.GOV  Tue Apr 21 13:05:14 2009
From: dwad461 at ECY.WA.GOV (Wadley, Diana (ECY))
Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:05:14 -0700
Subject: [USCC] Calibrating a Reotemp thermometer
In-Reply-To: <9FEADD9B688B4037B2A8A14B41B12F1E@LAPTOP>
References: <9FEADD9B688B4037B2A8A14B41B12F1E@LAPTOP>
Message-ID: <5A09A64D50128E4BAA8965ECFC7D09650434EB00@ecymxblv.ecy.wa.lcl>

I used to use a Reotemp thermometer with the needle gague at the top of
the 36" long stake.  To calibrate, I'd submerge the bottom end of the
stake in a bucket of ice-water and then use a tiny screwdriver in the
slot in the back to adjust the needle to read 32 degrees F.

Hope that helps,

Diana Wadley 
Regional Solid Waste Planner and Grant Officer, Solid Waste & Financial
Assistance Program 
Washington State Department of Ecology, Northwest Regional Office 
3190 160th Ave SE 
Bellevue, WA 98008-5452 
(425) 649-7056,  dwad461 at ecy.wa.gov 
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/ 




-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Coker [mailto:cscoker at verizon.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 6:03 AM
To: USCC Listserv
Subject: [USCC] Calibrating a Reotemp thermometer

Colleagues:

 

What techniques do you use to calibrate your dial-type windrow
thermometers
to ensure the readings are accurate?

 

Thanks,

Craig

 

Craig Coker | Coker Composting & Consulting

1213 Spradlin Rd., Vinton, VA 24179

Tel.: (540) 890-1086, Fax: (540) 890-1087

Cell: (540) 874-5168, Email: cscoker at verizon.net

Web: www.cokercompost.com.

 



From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org  Wed Apr 22 08:23:38 2009
From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins)
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:23:38 -0400
Subject: [USCC] City of Gardner, MA, issues RFP to design, permit,
	build and operate a large scale food waste composting operation
Message-ID: <004a01c9c34d$8c2b5d00$a4821700$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>

The City of Gardner, acting through its Department of Community Development
and Planning (DCDP), invites interested parties to submit proposals for the
designing, permitting, building and operating a large scale commercial food
waste composting operation.

To be considered, proposals must include these threshold criteria:

. A list of similar Vendor-operated projects with references, including
contact information;

. A list of municipal Vendor-operated projects with references, including
contact information;

. A list of existing Vendor-operated projects and current project status;

. Environmental compliance records for each referenced facility;

. A list of Vendor contract defaults and reasons for default with associated
contact information.

 

Proposals must be received by 1:30 PM., Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at the DCDP
office in Room 202, City Hall Annex, 115 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440.
Postmarks and facsimiles are not acceptable. A packet, containing
information about threshold requirements, cost reasonableness, submittal
forms, timelines and other pertinent information is available at the DCDP
offices, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

 

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 1:30 PM, in the
second floor conference room of City Hall Annex, 115 Pleasant Street,
Gardner MA 01440. Proponents are urged to attend.

 

City Hall Annex is accessible to handicapped persons. Translation into other
languages or for the hearing impaired is available upon prior request. For
more information or further assistance, contact the DCDP at (978) 632-3800.

 

By: Department of Community Development and Planning

Robert L. Hubbard, Director

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
 <http://www.compostingcouncil.org/> US Composting Council

2324 W. Tilghman St.

Allentown, PA 18104

phone: 484-547-1521

fax: 484-274-6779

 <mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org> cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org
USCC Main Office:

1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

 
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/

Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!

 


From editinfo at jgpress.com  Thu Apr 23 09:51:01 2009
From: editinfo at jgpress.com (Rhodes Yepsen)
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:51:01 -0400
Subject: [USCC] SunChips bags on the way to compost
In-Reply-To: <4B7DBB32B8E0254081660CC49C2B7AFA021633D5@ex08.sjcity.net>
References: <4B7DBB32B8E0254081660CC49C2B7AFA021633D5@ex08.sjcity.net>
Message-ID: <3F0BEEDB-A40A-453A-B8FE-6FBF1BDD5094@jgpress.com>

Cary, Michele,

I support the development of compostable plastics and am excited that  
large corporations like Frito Lay are willing to invest time and  
money in developing them on such a large scale.  However we need to  
be aware of premature releases of these products, before they are  
entirely compostable.

The problem with these SunChips bags goes beyond the infrastructure  
gap for handling compostable products, although that is a huge  
issue.  The bigger problem is that the bag is not actually fully  
compostable until 2010.  From the article that Cary posted below:  
"Supermarket shelves are currently being filled with new 10.5-ounce  
SunChips bags with an outer layer made of plant-based polylactic acid  
(PLA). Researchers now are focusing on making the inside of the  
pouches, including the critical layer that keeps the chips crisp and  
fresh, eco-friendly as well."

Michele notes that people are already bringing the SunChips bags into  
her office asking about their compostability, and notes that the  
labeling is misleading.  These are a potentially major contamination  
source for existing compost facilities.

Not only that, but consider Frio Lay's "online ad campaign that  
includes a Web video showing a SunChips bag crumbling in the earth  
over 14 weeks."  This is an impressive video, and will be useful in  
2010 when the compostable version is released. But right now it will  
probably only confuse the issues for consumers even further.  (We've  
joked around the office that Frito Lay should post a secondary video  
with instructions on how to separate the compostable lining of the  
SunChips bag).

We should provide counsel to corporations like Frito Lay, which are  
willing to commit time and money for the development of compostable  
products.  It benefits everyone to have these initiatives succeed.

Then we just have to worry about the small feat of a national  
composting infrastructure to handle the products!


Rhodes

Rhodes Yepsen, Associate Editor
BioCycle magazine
Advancing Composting, Organics Recycling & Renewable Energy
(610) 967-4135,  ext.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
BioCycle International Conference
April 27-30, 2009, San Diego
www.BioCycle50.com

Put your compost facility on the map, it's free!  FindaComposter.com





On Apr 20, 2009, at 3:50 PM, Young, Michele wrote:

> I have already had the chip bags brought to me at my office, with  
> folks
> asking if they can compost them now.  The advertising on the bag is a
> bit misleading, as if the bags they are currently using are  
> compostable
> prototypes.  Between our office and the master composters, we are
> getting lots of calls on compostable packaging in general.  People are
> confused about what to do with all of the compostable plastics that  
> they
> are receiving through their purchases.
>
> I think the big problem will be getting the materials to a facility  
> even
> if one exists.  How many communities that will be selling these chips
> have food waste collection?  Are we prepared with the education that
> will help residents understand what can be included in food waste, and
> what can not?
>
> I would bet that a good percentage of those chip bags will not make it
> to a composting facility, adding more "organics" to the landfill.  Are
> we ready to manage a large number of compostable wrappers (and the
> resultant non-compostable trash) if this is the start of a trend?
>
> I think this is an important conversation for us to have as a group
> because these little bags represent a whole ice burg of compostable
> packaging that I am not sure we are ready for.
>
> Skeptical in San Jose
>
>
> Turn Over an Old Leaf - Compost!
>
> Michele Young
> City of San Jose
> Environmental Services Department
> 200 E. Santa Clara St.   Tower 10
> San Jose,  CA  95113
> Phone: (408) 975-2519
> FAX: (408) 292-6212
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
> [mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Cary Oshins
> Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 5:03 AM
> To: 'Compost Discussion List'
> Subject: [USCC] SunChips bags on the way to compost
>
> This story is in from USA today. I got it from Delaware OnLine
> (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090419/BUSINESS/ 
> 904190338/1003)
> via
> my Google News Service. If only we had enough composting facilities to
> take
> the bags!
>
> Cary Oshins
>
> USCC
>
>
>
> April 19, 2009
>
> SunChips bags on the way to compost
>
> Frito-Lay expects to have package ready in 2010
>
> By CHARISSE JONES
> USA Today
>
> NEW YORK -- Have a snack. Then feed the earth.
>
> That's what chip munchers will be able to do when Frito-Lay introduces
> what
> it said will be "the world's first compostable chip bag" by Earth Day
> 2010.
>
> The snack maker is rolling out a media campaign this month touting  
> that
> it
> has taken the first step toward creating an environmentally friendly
> pouch
> for SunChips, a multigrain product that is already associated with
> healthier
> snacking.
>
> "We're seeing a much greater concern about the planet by consumers,"
> said
> Gannon Jones, vice president of portfolio marketing for Frito-Lay  
> North
> America, a business unit of PepsiCo.
>
> And Jones said that, "When it comes to the environment ... far and  
> away,
> consumers would say if there's one thing that you could improve, it
> would be
> your packaging."
>
> Supermarket shelves are currently being filled with new 10.5-ounce
> SunChips
> bags with an outer layer made of plant-based polylactic acid (PLA).
> Researchers now are focusing on making the inside of the pouches,
> including
> the critical layer that keeps the chips crisp and fresh, eco- 
> friendly as
> well.
>
> In a nation where "organic" and "fair trade" have become part of the
> lexicon, packaging experts and environmental advocates say companies
> such as
> Frito-Lay have realized the importance of showing they are helping to
> preserve the environment, whether it's reducing the fuel used to make
> and
> transport their products or altering the type of packaging that  
> coffee,
> cold
> cuts or conditioners come in.
>
> A January report by The Hartman Group, a market researcher, found that
> packaging was key for consumers who are concerned about the  
> environment.
>
> "It was almost like a marker or indicator as to how good or bad a
> company
> may be," said Laurie Demeritt, the agency's president. "And in most
> cases,
> when they thought about packaging [they asked], 'What can happen to it
> after
> I get it home? Is it recyclable? Is it biodegradable?' "
>
> Of the 1,600 people surveyed for the report, 75 percent said it was at
> least
> somewhat important that packaging be recyclable, while 51 percent felt
> it
> was at least somewhat important that it be compostable, meaning it
> breaks
> down with the presence of oxygen and water.
>
> While brands have used recycled paper for years to contain cereal,  
> pasta
> and
> other products, companies are increasingly taking additional steps to
> help
> the environment, such as reducing the weight or amount of packaging.
>
> Kraft, which has a goal to cut packaging by 150 million pounds by  
> 2011,
> shrank the amount of plastic used in each Kraft salad dressing  
> bottle by
> 19
> percent last year, a change that will save more than 3 million pounds
> annually, said Roger Zellner, Kraft's director of sustainability for
> research, development and quality. Kraft's Oscar Mayer Deli Creations
> cut
> cardboard use 30 percent per package this year.
>
> By fall, plastic half-liter Aquafina bottles will be 20 percent  
> lighter,
> said Bart Casabona, spokesman for PepsiCo North America Beverages.
> Casabona
> said the weight per bottle has been cut from 24 grams in 2002 to 10.9
> grams
> now, saving 75 million pounds of plastic annually.
>
> Frito-Lay is telling consumers that it is using renewable materials  
> with
> a
> print and online ad campaign that includes a Web video showing a
> SunChips
> bag crumbling in the earth over 14 weeks, and an insert of a fully
> compostable package in this week's People magazine, with directions to
> toss
> the sample into an active compost bin.
>
> "It's walking a technological tightrope because we're balancing the  
> need
> to
> have it break down with the need to have good shelf sustainability,"
> said
> Tony Knoerzer, Frito-Lay North America's vice president, packaging and
> sustainability. "We need a significant amount of moisture  
> protection for
> our
> products because if they don't stay dry, they're not crisp."
>
>
>
>
>
> ____________________________________
> Cary Oshins
> Assistant Director of Programs
>  <http://www.compostingcouncil.org/> US Composting Council
>
> 1010 North 13th St.
>
> Allentown, PA 18102
>
> phone: 484-547-1521
>
> fax: 484-274-6779
>
>  <mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org> cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org
> USCC Main Office:
>
> 1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
> Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
> phone: 631-737-4931
> fax: 631-737-4939
>
>
> Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
> For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/
>
> Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!
>
>
>
> _______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade
> Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The  
> Largest
> Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood  
> Waste,
> & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of
> Training Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility
> Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek
> Composting Facility. Conference Highlights & Program, 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
> _______________________________________
> Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference &  
> Trade Show, January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL.  
> The Largest Conference & Exhibition in North America for the  
> Composting, Wood Waste, & Organics Recycling Industry. The Most  
> Comprehensive Program of Training Courses, Educational & Technical  
> Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live" Equipment Demonstrations  
> at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility. Conference  
> Highlights & Program, 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
>


From jac at magicsoil.com  Thu Apr 23 15:38:03 2009
From: jac at magicsoil.com (John A. Crockett)
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:38:03 -0400
Subject: [USCC] compostable bags
Message-ID: <200904232038.n3NKc1O3009956@omr16.networksolutionsemail.com>

Rhodes Yepsen is absolutely right, that before bags are put into the
marketplace with the claim that they are "compostable" they need to be
tested, and verified that they are compostable.

At the conference in Oakland in February of 2008, I got some sample
"compostable" bags and they failed the test, and failed miserably.  Weeks at
moisture > 50%, and temperatures > 131?F, with oxygen > 17%, with constant
forced aeration, the bags did not break down.  Everything except the bags
had been shredded to 1/8" and smaller.  Temperature was monitored by
thermocouples linked to an Omega TempScan and computer.  Compost thought the
bacterial dominant phase was turned most every day.

I look forward to vendors sending us samples and having the bags break down,
and being able to report that their bags have demonstrated that they are, in
fact, really compostable, that they do break down.  Our benchmark is six
weeks maximum.

Working Together to Create a Sustainable Environment,
John A. Crockett, a.k.a. Dr. Mike Robe
Mother Nature's Farms
(845) 225-7763
http://www.magicsoil.com/
jac at magicsoil.com
? 


From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org  Thu Apr 23 15:57:17 2009
From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins)
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:57:17 -0400
Subject: [USCC] City of Gardner, MA, issues RFP to design, permit,
	build and operate a large scale food waste composting operation
In-Reply-To: <004a01c9c34d$8c2b5d00$a4821700$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>
References: <004a01c9c34d$8c2b5d00$a4821700$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>
Message-ID: <014301c9c456$1651c920$42f55b60$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>

Please do not contact for more info on the RFP.
Contact info for the city and to obtain an electronic copy:

Jennifer Dymek
Grants Administrator
Department of Community Development & Planning
115 Pleasant Street, Room 202
Gardner, MA 01440
978.632.3800
978.632.1905 Fax
jdymek at gardner-ma.gov
www.gardner-ma.gov

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
US Composting Council

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Cary Oshins
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2009 9:24 AM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: [USCC] City of Gardner, MA, issues RFP to design, permit, build and
operate a large scale food waste composting operation

The City of Gardner, acting through its Department of Community Development
and Planning (DCDP), invites interested parties to submit proposals for the
designing, permitting, building and operating a large scale commercial food
waste composting operation.

To be considered, proposals must include these threshold criteria:

. A list of similar Vendor-operated projects with references, including
contact information;

. A list of municipal Vendor-operated projects with references, including
contact information;

. A list of existing Vendor-operated projects and current project status;

. Environmental compliance records for each referenced facility;

. A list of Vendor contract defaults and reasons for default with associated
contact information.

 

Proposals must be received by 1:30 PM., Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at the DCDP
office in Room 202, City Hall Annex, 115 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA 01440.
Postmarks and facsimiles are not acceptable. A packet, containing
information about threshold requirements, cost reasonableness, submittal
forms, timelines and other pertinent information is available at the DCDP
offices, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

 

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 1:30 PM, in the
second floor conference room of City Hall Annex, 115 Pleasant Street,
Gardner MA 01440. Proponents are urged to attend.

 

City Hall Annex is accessible to handicapped persons. Translation into other
languages or for the hearing impaired is available upon prior request. For
more information or further assistance, contact the DCDP at (978) 632-3800.

 

By: Department of Community Development and Planning

Robert L. Hubbard, Director

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
 <http://www.compostingcouncil.org/> US Composting Council

2324 W. Tilghman St.

Allentown, PA 18104

phone: 484-547-1521

fax: 484-274-6779

 <mailto:cary at compostingcouncil.org> cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org
USCC Main Office:

1 Comac Loop, Suite 14B1
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
phone: 631-737-4931
fax: 631-737-4939

 
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/

Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!

 

_______________________________________
Join us as the US Composting Council's 18th Annual Conference & Trade Show,
January 24-27, 2010 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, FL. The Largest
Conference & Exhibition in North America for the Composting, Wood Waste, &
Organics Recycling Industry. The Most Comprehensive Program of Training
Courses, Educational & Technical Presentations, and Facility Tours & "Live"
Equipment Demonstrations at the Disney/Reedy Creek Composting Facility.
Conference Highlights & Program, 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


From ldoty at telus.net  Thu Apr 23 18:35:41 2009
From: ldoty at telus.net (ldoty@telus.net)
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:35:41 -0600 (MDT)
Subject: [USCC] compostable bags
Message-ID: <8050028.227630.1240529741641.JavaMail.nitido@priv-edmwes95>

An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.cloudnet.com/pipermail/compost/attachments/20090423/c0f93753/attachment.html

From Julie.Berbiglia at nashville.gov  Fri Apr 24 14:37:39 2009
From: Julie.Berbiglia at nashville.gov (Berbiglia, Julie (Public Works))
Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:37:39 -0500
Subject: [USCC] Salmonella threat and eggshells in home compost bins
In-Reply-To: <mailman.0.1240592401.50519.compost@mailman.cloudnet.com>
Message-ID: <C5A02BCEC083C64DA88172F13C2D15E406FCEFF9@HOBVSISMS01.nashville.org>

 
We are getting calls from backyard composters concerned about adding
eggshells to their compost due to salmonella concerns.  Is this a real
risk such that we should recommend against using eggshells in home
compost bins and in gardens? Or is the risk primarily in large scale
municipal and poultry litter composting facilities?

-----------------
Best,
Julie Berbiglia
Metro Beautification & Environment Commission
Office 615/880-2419
Cell 615/642-0532
www.nashville.gov/beautification

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of
compost-request at mailman.cloudnet.com
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 12:00 PM
To: compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: Compost Digest, Vol 61, Issue 14

Send Compost mailing list submissions to
	compost at mailman.cloudnet.com

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
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From cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org  Sun Apr 26 13:46:53 2009
From: cary.oshins at compostingcouncil.org (Cary Oshins)
Date: Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:46:53 -0400
Subject: [USCC] A1 Organics helps Denver Go Green
Message-ID: <001b01c9c69f$5e0d27f0$1a2777d0$@oshins@compostingcouncil.org>

Congratulations to USCC Member and 2008 Composter of the Year A1 Organics,
featured in this article about how a pilot organics collection program could
cut the waste stream from residents of Denver, CO in half.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/going-green/19267766/detail.html 

____________________________________
Cary Oshins
Assistant Director of Programs
US Composting Council
?
Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2009
For more details go to www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/icaw/
Help support our industry. Become a member today!!!




From focus at netidea.com  Thu Apr 30 15:05:59 2009
From: focus at netidea.com (IMI 360)
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:05:59 -0600
Subject: [USCC] Contaminated park brings end to community garden plan
Message-ID: <6151E9F8-F09B-41A8-877F-C593A5074690@netidea.com>

Any info out there about organic remediation of contaminated soil?

Contaminated park brings end to community garden plan

Stanley Avenue Park, in Ottawa's New Edinburgh neighbourhood, was  
fenced off last week after soil tests showed high levels of lead and  
hydrocarbons.

According to the city, the waiting lists for garden plots in most of  
Ottawa's neighbourhoods are two years long.

full story...http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/04/30/ 
ottawa-090430-soil-contamination.html


Paul Hughes
Chair, Calgary Food Policy Council
2011 New Growing Spaces in Calgary by 2011
CLUCK: Calgary Liberated Urban Chicken Klub
http://twitter.com/GardenCommunity
c403.383.3420

P    Please consider the environment before printing this email