[USCC] What is anaerobic composting?

Fri Feb 13 10:49:10 CST 2009

Hello Compost World,
Anaerobic composting is a term I hear a lot in Europe. It is a misnomer as
far as I can see. It comes from the developing anaerobic digestion industry
> basically, people trying to relate AD to thermophilic composting (which is
much more commonplace and understood). We really need to stop using this
term, and simply educate better about AD.
Ron

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Craig Coker
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 6:01 PM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [USCC] What is anaerobic composting?

Myron (and colleagues):

A few years ago, a man in Boone, NC tried to advocate anaerobic composting.
What he was doing was building a compacted mound of sawdust (~ 20' H x 50' W
x 100' L or so) and then excavating rectangular holes (think "graves") and
emplacing livestock mortality in the holes.  He'd cover them back up with
sawdust, compact it again, and let it rot for several years.  He then
harvested entombed remains and offered the "compost" for sale. 

I have seen this operation four times since 1998 and I will say the "system"
worked, as his compost was completely decomposed mortality compost and he
was selling it readily.  I believe the sawdust was so densely packed around
the mortalities that there was no way oxygen could have gotten in to
facilitate aerobic composting.  There was no leachate (due, I'd imagine, to
the sheer depth of sawdust).  

Unfortunately (or, fortunately, depending on one's point of view) the State
of NC shut him down in 2008 for failure to get a solid waste composting
permit as the site was within the required 50' setback from his property
line.

Craig 

-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Myron Hirschman
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 12:23 PM
To: 'Compost Discussion List'
Subject: [USCC] What is anaerobic composting?

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
www.compostingcouncil.org or call the USCC at 631.737.4931
____________________________________________________________________________
_
Compost maillist - compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
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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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