[USCC] What is anaerobic composting?

Fri Feb 13 10:34:36 CST 2009

Anaerobic composting is what most of us try to avoid. We spend energy and resources turning and/or aerating to keep our piles from turning anaerobic is much as possible. Maybe the folks claiming to benefit from it are just giving up.

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com [mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Dan Noble
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 5:37 PM
To: Compost Discussion List
Subject: Re: [USCC] What is anaerobic composting?

Too late!  It's already in the industrial lexicon, like the word "organic". 
Again... Google it and see all the papers.
Dan, ACP, www.healthsoil.org

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Donald Lewis" <LewisDV at mda.state.md.us>
To: "'Compost Discussion List'" <compost at mailman.cloudnet.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 11:07 AM
Subject: Re: [USCC] What is anaerobic composting?

>I would ask this list whether anaerobic and compost are even compatible 
>words. Engineers usually use the term "Anaerobic Composting" to mean 
>"Anaerobic digestion". The term "anaerobic digestion" can then be reserved 
>for sewage, which everyone knows is bad. The problem with what is called 
>"anaerobic composting" is that anaerobic processes stink and produce a 
>product with very low pH, and containing phytotoxic chemicals.
>
> What the engineer was trying to describe is a product that is decomposed 
> in the absence of air. Currently, there is a process that has drawn a fair 
> amount of attention that involves anaerobic digestion with the collection 
> of methane to be used as a fuel, followed by mixing with a bulking agent 
> like wood chips and aerobic composting. This process can result in an 
> acceptable product if the odor problems at the beginning of the composting 
> process can be dealt with.
>
> Don Lewis
> Compost Coordinator
> Maryland Department of Agriculture
> 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway
> Annapolis, MD 21401
> Tel. # 410-841-2721
>
>>>> "Myron Hirschman" <hirschsys at aol.com> 2/12/2009 12:23 PM >>>
> I was recently in a meeting discussing composting options for the 
> community.
> Their engineer mentioned anaerobic composting as a system.  I didn't have
> the opportunity to get that explained to me. I am guessing he meant 
> systems
> that didn't have forced aeration ( if that is what he meant I disagree 
> with
> his use of the terms).
>
> Please educate me.
> What is anaerobic composting?
>
> Thanks
> Myron H
> myron at hirschsystems.com
>
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> 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 
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> _______________________________________
> 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
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> Members posting CC copies to the list and other addresses may have their 
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_______________________________________
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