Yard Waste ManagementYard Waste Management

Presentation 2:Presentation 2:The Composting ToolkitThe Composting Toolkit

Funded by the Indiana Funded by the Indiana Department of Department of Environmental Environmental Management Recycling Management Recycling Grants ProgramGrants Program

Developed by the Indiana Developed by the Indiana Rural Community Rural Community Assistance Program - Assistance Program - RCAPRCAP

Introduction toIntroduction to

Yard Waste Management OptionsYard Waste Management Options

Percents (By Weight)Percents (By Weight)2003 EPA Statistics2003 EPA Statistics

35.2% - Paper/Paperboard/Cardboard35.2% - Paper/Paperboard/Cardboard12.1% - Yard Waste12.1% - Yard Waste11.7 % - Food Waste11.7 % - Food WasteThat is over 50% of the MSW that can easily be composted!That is over 50% of the MSW that can easily be composted!

11.3% - Plastics11.3% - Plastics8.0% - Metals8.0% - Metals7.4% - Rubber, Leather, Textiles (Clothing)7.4% - Rubber, Leather, Textiles (Clothing)5.3% - Glass5.3% - Glass1.0% - Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)1.0% - Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)2.2% - Other2.2% - Other

5.8 % - Wood5.8 % - WoodSome of this “wood” portion of the waste stream tends to be within furniture or Some of this “wood” portion of the waste stream tends to be within furniture or

building products and is often treated and not suitable for composting.building products and is often treated and not suitable for composting.Some of this “wood” portion of the waste stream is pallets which make an excellent Some of this “wood” portion of the waste stream is pallets which make an excellent

mulch product. mulch product.

Recycling RatesRecycling RatesNational: 30.6%National: 30.6%__________________________________________________________________________________________Food Scraps: 2.7%Food Scraps: 2.7%

Yard Waste: 56.3%Yard Waste: 56.3%__________________________________________________________________________________________Motor Vehicle Batteries: 96.4%Motor Vehicle Batteries: 96.4%Steel Cans: 58.8%Steel Cans: 58.8%Aluminum Cans: 40.0%Aluminum Cans: 40.0%Paper/Paperboard/Cardboard: 48.1%Paper/Paperboard/Cardboard: 48.1%Glass Bottles: 18.8%Glass Bottles: 18.8%Plastic Containers and Packaging: 9.6%Plastic Containers and Packaging: 9.6%__________________________________________________________________________________________Container and Packaging Waste: 38.8% Container and Packaging Waste: 38.8% Non-durable Goods: 31.0%Non-durable Goods: 31.0%Durable Goods: 18.1%Durable Goods: 18.1%

(2003 EPA Statistics)(2003 EPA Statistics)

The Second Most Recycled ItemThe Second Most Recycled Item

By weight, yard waste is the #2 most recycled By weight, yard waste is the #2 most recycled material in the United Statesmaterial in the United States

16.1 million tons of yard trimming are 16.1 million tons of yard trimming are recycled annually (Second only to corrugated recycled annually (Second only to corrugated boxes and paperboard boxes which recover boxes and paperboard boxes which recover 21.9 million tons annually) 21.9 million tons annually)

Wood packaging is also recycled to a Wood packaging is also recycled to a respectable tune of 1.3 million tons annuallyrespectable tune of 1.3 million tons annually

(2003 EPA Statistics) (2003 EPA Statistics)

An Impressive RiseAn Impressive Rise

Over approximately 20 years, composting has Over approximately 20 years, composting has become a significant portion of the nations become a significant portion of the nations total recyclingtotal recycling

Yard Waste Composting (Recycling) by Year:Yard Waste Composting (Recycling) by Year: 1970: Negligible1970: Negligible 1980: Negligible1980: Negligible 1990: 12%1990: 12% 2000: 56.5%2000: 56.5%

Yard WasteYard Waste

What Is Yard Waste . . .What Is Yard Waste . . . Grass ClippingsGrass Clippings LeavesLeaves Tree TrimmingsTree Trimmings Brush TrimmingsBrush Trimmings

Yard WasteYard Waste

Yard Waste By Weight And VolumeYard Waste By Weight And Volume

Yard Waste By Weight . . .Yard Waste By Weight . . . Grass Clippings represent the largest portion, Grass Clippings represent the largest portion,

approximately 50%approximately 50% Leaves represent approximately 25%Leaves represent approximately 25% Tree and Brush Trimmings represent Tree and Brush Trimmings represent

approximately 25%approximately 25% Yard Waste By Volume . . .Yard Waste By Volume . . .

Leaves represent the largest volume item in the Leaves represent the largest volume item in the yard waste streamyard waste stream

Yard Waste Seasonal NatureYard Waste Seasonal Nature Unlike other parts of the municipal solid waste stream, the Unlike other parts of the municipal solid waste stream, the

volume and weight of collected yard waste varies greatly over volume and weight of collected yard waste varies greatly over the course of a year.the course of a year.

The majority of grass will be collected over summer months.The majority of grass will be collected over summer months. The majority of leaves will be collected over fall months.The majority of leaves will be collected over fall months. The collection of both grass and leaves drop to near-zero over The collection of both grass and leaves drop to near-zero over

winter months.winter months. Of all components of the yard waste stream, large limbs and Of all components of the yard waste stream, large limbs and

stumps tend to be the most year-round in disposal.stumps tend to be the most year-round in disposal. During growing seasons yard waste can represent as much as During growing seasons yard waste can represent as much as

50% of the residential waste stream.50% of the residential waste stream.

Composting Programs andComposting Programs and

Yard Waste Management ProgramsYard Waste Management Programs

Across The United StatesAcross The United States

Composting Facilities NationallyComposting Facilities Nationally

There are about 3,227 yard waste composting There are about 3,227 yard waste composting facilities in the United States, primarily facilities in the United States, primarily located in the Northeast and the Midwest.located in the Northeast and the Midwest.

The State of Ohio has the most composting The State of Ohio has the most composting facilities of any State.facilities of any State.

(2003 number from EPA)(2003 number from EPA)

States with Yard Waste BansStates with Yard Waste Bans

A Cost Effective SolutionsA Cost Effective Solutions

Based on national averages . . .Based on national averages . . . For yard waste, compost programs are clearly the For yard waste, compost programs are clearly the

most cost effective means of managing this portion most cost effective means of managing this portion of the solid waste stream.of the solid waste stream.

For food waste and contaminated paper products, For food waste and contaminated paper products, compost programs may also be the most cost compost programs may also be the most cost effective management solution.effective management solution.

Cost Effective In IndianaCost Effective In Indiana But more important than national averages . . .But more important than national averages . . .

Successful Indiana programs support the national averages! Successful Indiana programs support the national averages! Composting is a cost effective solution right here in Composting is a cost effective solution right here in Indiana.Indiana.

On a cost-per-ton basis yard waste management comes out On a cost-per-ton basis yard waste management comes out least expensiveleast expensive

State Average for Garbage Collection and Disposal: $90.80 per tonState Average for Garbage Collection and Disposal: $90.80 per ton State Average for Recyclables Collection and Recycling: $143.87 State Average for Recyclables Collection and Recycling: $143.87

per tonper ton State Average for Yard Waste Collection and State Average for Yard Waste Collection and

Composting: $62.40 per tonComposting: $62.40 per ton Averages come from a 1997 study of 240 Indiana Cities Averages come from a 1997 study of 240 Indiana Cities

and Towns conducted by the Indiana Institute on Recyclingand Towns conducted by the Indiana Institute on Recycling

Introduction to CompostingIntroduction to Composting

So Let’s Talk About Composting . . . So Let’s Talk About Composting . . .

CompostCompost

NOUN OR VERB?NOUN OR VERB? BOTH!BOTH! The verb: “Composting” is the process by The verb: “Composting” is the process by

which microorganisms break down waste and which microorganisms break down waste and turn it into a valuable product.turn it into a valuable product.

The noun: This end product is referred to The noun: This end product is referred to simply as “compost.”simply as “compost.”

Types of Composting:Types of Composting:By MaterialBy Material

MSW CompostingMSW Composting Composting of Municipal Solid Waste Stream. Waste is Composting of Municipal Solid Waste Stream. Waste is

ground, metals removed, and all remaining materials ground, metals removed, and all remaining materials composted. composted. Usually produces low quality compost.Usually produces low quality compost.

Yard Waste CompostingYard Waste Composting Limited only to the yard waste portion of the waste stream.Limited only to the yard waste portion of the waste stream.

Food Waste CompostingFood Waste Composting Most commonly the vegetable waste only. Animal byproducts Most commonly the vegetable waste only. Animal byproducts

require higher temperatures and much greater care to prevent require higher temperatures and much greater care to prevent spreading of pathogens. spreading of pathogens.

Co-compostingCo-composting Common term when one or all of the above are combined with Common term when one or all of the above are combined with

sewage sludge and the combined mixture is then composted.sewage sludge and the combined mixture is then composted.

Types of Composting:Types of Composting:By TechniqueBy Technique

Backyard CompostingBackyard Composting In-Vessel CompostingIn-Vessel Composting Windrow Composting Windrow Composting (10 ft.wide, 6 ft. high, < 150 ft. long)(10 ft.wide, 6 ft. high, < 150 ft. long)

Forced AerationForced Aeration Worm Composting/VermicompostingWorm Composting/Vermicomposting Mulch ProductionMulch Production Co-Composting Co-Composting (Sewage Sludge [Nitrogen rich] + Wood Waste)(Sewage Sludge [Nitrogen rich] + Wood Waste)

Land ApplicationLand Application

Types of Composting:Types of Composting:Aerobic or Anaerobic?Aerobic or Anaerobic?

We are talking today about We are talking today about AEROBICAEROBIC composting. composting. That is, composting in the presence of OXYGENThat is, composting in the presence of OXYGEN Microorganisms decompose organics Microorganisms decompose organics aerobicallyaerobically

(with oxygen) under carefully controlled conditions (with oxygen) under carefully controlled conditions to produce finished compostto produce finished compost

Anaerobic decomposition is what occurs in a landfill Anaerobic decomposition is what occurs in a landfill with Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Leachate being with Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Leachate being three major products. three major products.

Backyard CompostingBackyard Composting Low tech.Low tech. Lowest energy costs Lowest energy costs

because the compost is because the compost is treated at the location where treated at the location where it was “created”.it was “created”.

Many styles of bins. The Many styles of bins. The key, however, is not the bin key, however, is not the bin but maintaining optimal but maintaining optimal conditions.conditions.

Backyard composting is Backyard composting is considered considered SOURCE SOURCE REDUCTIONREDUCTION by the EPA by the EPA hierarchy of waste hierarchy of waste management.management.

In-vesselIn-vessel

In-Vessel CompostingIn-Vessel Composting

Operations and Energy Intensive.Operations and Energy Intensive. Most commonly used for MSW composting.Most commonly used for MSW composting. Most commonly used in Europe where space is at a premium.Most commonly used in Europe where space is at a premium. Because of high initial and operating costs, not a major point Because of high initial and operating costs, not a major point

of discussion in the composting tool-kitof discussion in the composting tool-kit

Windrow CompostingWindrow Composting

Most common method of yard waste Most common method of yard waste composting in the United Statescomposting in the United States

Generally a “row” of material is composted, Generally a “row” of material is composted, usually about 10-25 feet wide, 6 feet high, and usually about 10-25 feet wide, 6 feet high, and as long as 150 feet.as long as 150 feet.

Windrow composting has been shown to be Windrow composting has been shown to be highly cost effective. For community highly cost effective. For community programs it is the major point of emphasis for programs it is the major point of emphasis for the composting tool-kit.the composting tool-kit.

Windrow CompostingWindrow Composting

Forced AerationForced Aeration

A variation on the windrow pile with the A variation on the windrow pile with the addition of air being forced through the pile addition of air being forced through the pile via pipes at the base of the pile.via pipes at the base of the pile.

Worm CompostingWorm Composting

Can be done indoors or outdoorsCan be done indoors or outdoors Uses the macro-organism, red worms, verses the Uses the macro-organism, red worms, verses the

micro-organisms used in other forms of compostingmicro-organisms used in other forms of composting Most effective with vegetable matter food wastes Most effective with vegetable matter food wastes Can be very small or very large scaleCan be very small or very large scale

Mulch ProductionMulch Production

Not a true form of “composting” (in the verb Not a true form of “composting” (in the verb sense)sense)

An excellent method of managing certain An excellent method of managing certain woody waste productswoody waste products

Mulch is a valuable and much sought after Mulch is a valuable and much sought after gardening productgardening product

Mulch ProductionMulch Production

Woody wastes are ground/shreddedWoody wastes are ground/shredded Can be colorizedCan be colorized Some municipal programs provide the product Some municipal programs provide the product

free-of-chargefree-of-charge From home improvement stores, to From home improvement stores, to

commercial composting and mulching commercial composting and mulching operations, to the corner gas station, bags or operations, to the corner gas station, bags or truckloads of mulch can and are purchased by truckloads of mulch can and are purchased by landscapers and gardeners everywhere.landscapers and gardeners everywhere.

Co-CompostingCo-Composting Co-composting utilizes combining sewage sludge (which is Co-composting utilizes combining sewage sludge (which is

nitrogen rich) with woody wastes (which are carbon rich) for nitrogen rich) with woody wastes (which are carbon rich) for composting.composting.

This type of composting is not covered within the “tool-kit.”This type of composting is not covered within the “tool-kit.”

Land ApplicationLand Application

Land application is the direct incorporation of raw, Land application is the direct incorporation of raw, uncomposted, leaves, grass, and/or other non-woody uncomposted, leaves, grass, and/or other non-woody landscaping waste directly into the soil.landscaping waste directly into the soil.

The raw yard waste decomposes slowly over a period The raw yard waste decomposes slowly over a period of time and are incorporated back into the soil.of time and are incorporated back into the soil.

Land application must be managed carefully to Land application must be managed carefully to ensure proper proportions to prevent aesthetic or ensure proper proportions to prevent aesthetic or environmental problems from occurring.environmental problems from occurring.

Land ApplicationLand Application

Wrapping Up Our IntroductionWrapping Up Our Introduction

Conclusions – Renewable ResourceConclusions – Renewable Resource

As with all forms of recycling we must shift from As with all forms of recycling we must shift from looking at compostables as “waste” and instead as a looking at compostables as “waste” and instead as a feedstock for a useful finished productfeedstock for a useful finished product

Many people do not realize that peat moss is MINED. Many people do not realize that peat moss is MINED. At best, peat moss is a At best, peat moss is a VERY SLOWLYVERY SLOWLY renewable renewable resource.resource.

Compost and mulch both offer a RENEWABLE Compost and mulch both offer a RENEWABLE RESOURCE that is an effective alternative to peat RESOURCE that is an effective alternative to peat moss.moss.

Conclusions – Cost EffectiveConclusions – Cost Effective

Based on national averages . . .Based on national averages . . . For yard waste, compost programs are clearly the most cost For yard waste, compost programs are clearly the most cost

effective means of managing this portion of the solid waste effective means of managing this portion of the solid waste stream.stream.

For food waste and contaminated paper products, compost For food waste and contaminated paper products, compost programs may also be the most cost effective management programs may also be the most cost effective management solution.solution.

But more important than national averages . . .But more important than national averages . . . Successful Indiana programs support the national averages! Successful Indiana programs support the national averages!

Composting is a cost effective solution right here in Composting is a cost effective solution right here in Indiana.Indiana.

Conclusions – Win-WinConclusions – Win-Win

Composting is a Composting is a COST EFFECTIVECOST EFFECTIVE means of means of managing over 50% of the municipal solid managing over 50% of the municipal solid waste stream.waste stream.

Composting is a Composting is a COST EFFECTIVECOST EFFECTIVE means of means of meeting landfill diversion goals. meeting landfill diversion goals.

That sure sounds like a win-win scenario to That sure sounds like a win-win scenario to me!me!

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

Thank You!Thank You!

Additional Questions, Comments, or You Additional Questions, Comments, or You Think You Have A Potential Pilot CommunityThink You Have A Potential Pilot Community Please Feel Free to Contact Me:Please Feel Free to Contact Me:

Mark W. DavisMark W. Davis

Technical Assistance ProviderTechnical Assistance Provider

Rural Community Assistance ProgramRural Community Assistance Program

Office: 1-800-382-9895Office: 1-800-382-9895

Wireless: (812) 320-0720Wireless: (812) 320-0720

E-mail: mdavis@incap.orgE-mail: mdavis@incap.org