UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION A3ENCY
REGION 1
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02203
INFORMATION PACKET ON LEAF COMPOSTING
by the Research Library for RCRA
(617) 573-9687
Autumn, 1993
The following compilation of documents on the subject of leaf
composting has been assembled to assist residents and
municipalities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire
comply with new laws banning the disposal by landfill ing of
leaves and other yard wastes. For further informs-ion about
documents contained in this compilation, contact the Research
Library for RCRA. For further information about programs
described in these documents, contact the document publisher or
author or contact agency listed.
THE ENCLOSED MATERIAL HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE UNITED STATES
EI7VIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, REGION 1, SOLID WASTE PROGRAM TO
DISSEMINATE INFORMATION FROM THE RESEARCH LIBRARY FOR RCRA AND
OTHER SOURCES. INCLUSION OF INFORMATION ABOUT AN ORGANIZATION, A
PRODUCT, OR A SERVICE, DOES NOT REPRESENT ENDORSEMENT BY THE
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY NOR DOES IT
REPRESENT E.P.A. OPINION, POLICY, OR GUIDANCE UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
INDICATED. USERS OF THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE CAUTIONED TO
CONDUCT THEIR OWN EVALUATION OF THE INFORMATION PRIOR TO
DEVELOPING CONCLUSIONS OR OPINIONS.
-------
CONTENTS
The Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Solid
Waste Management "Network of Home Composters" Program, 1992. (MA)
Agricultural Composting In Massachusetts: Past, Present, and
Future, by Maarten van de Kamp, Massachusetts Department of Food
and Agriculture, n.d. (MA)
Commercial Leaf Composting Facilities And Management Services,
August 20, 1991. (MA, CT, NH)
Connecticut Composting: Towns And Quantity, October 16, 1991.
(CT)
NH Municipalities That Compost, October 14, 1991. (NH)
Massachusetts Registered Leaf Composting Operations As Of
November 1, 1990. (MA)
Beyond Beleaf, by MASSPIRG, October, 1990. (MA)
Leaf Composting Technical Assistance Materials, by Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection, August, 1991. (MA)
Planning For a Municipal Leaf Composting Program, by
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, n.d. (MA)
Leaf and Yard Waste Composting Guidance Document, by
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, September,
1991. (MA)
Leaf Composting: A Guide For Municipalities, by Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection, January, 1989. (CT)
Compost Marketing in New England, by Mark E. Lang and Ronald A.
Jager, n.d. (MA, CT, NH)
Expert Advice Sought On Eliminating Odor From Rotting Leaves, by
Neal Learner, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 20, 1993. (MA, CT, NH)
Leaf Composting Manual For New Jersey Municipalities, by Peter F.
Strom and Melvin S. Finstein, Department of Environmental
Science, NJ Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University
and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, n.d.
(MA, CT, NH)
Backyard Composting, by City of Boulder Environmental Affairs
Department, [1991]. (MA, CT, NH)
Leaf Compost Program: Falls Township, Pennsylvania, by
International City Manager's Association, January, 1990.
(MA, CT, NH)
-------
COMMERCIAL LEA? COMPOSTING FACILITIES
AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES
(listed alphabetically)
8/20/91
Agresourca
101 River Rd.
Merrimac, Ma. 01660
Contact: Nathan Tufts
(508) 346-9286
An organic vaste managesent coapany vill accept bagged
(paper) or bulk clean leaves and yard vaste for
incorporation in on-going composting programs at Ipsvich and
Hamilton.
Browning Ferris Industries (BFI)
1080 Airport Rd.
Fall River, Ka. 02720
Contact: Robert DeRoaa
(508) 676-1091
Will collect or accept leaf and yard vaste at their Fall
River facility.
Earthgrov Conpost Services
Earthgro, Inc.
Route /207, P.O. BOX 143
Lebanon, Conn. 06249
Contact: Chris Fields
(203) 642-7591
A composting facility in Lebanon Ct. vill accept, or collect
(pick-up) leaves, grass, other yard vaste and brush. Also
offers site management services. Utilises Scat vindrow
turner, has capability to debag plastic and paper leaf bags.
* (does not recommend use of plastic bags)
-------
Fine Tree Farm
4 Scith St.
Rehcboth, Ma. 02769
Contact: Jerry Fine
(508) 226-3734
A co&posting facility in Rehoboth, Ma. Accepts leaf and
yard waste material. Also offers on site aanageaent
services, can provide a mobile dedicated windrow turner
(Wildcat).
High Acres Associates
38 School St.
Hopkinton, Ma. 01748
Contact: E. Joseph DiCarlo. Pres.
(508) 435-5927
Operates a composting facility in Upton, Ma. Accepts leaves
and othar yard wastes. Will make arrangeaents to collect
(pick up] materials.
Laidlav Waste Systeas, Inc.
404 Wytan St.
Suite t 320
walthaa, Ma. 02154
Contact Allen Dusault
(€17) 890-1937
Operates a composting facility in Plainville, Ma. Hill
collect or accept leaf and yard waste Materials.
Organic Recycling, Inc.
P.O. Box 176
150 Waapanoag Rd.
£. Greenwich, RZ 02818
Contact: Stanley Wide, Dir. of Operations
(401) 884-1455
A composting aanageaent company that offers full site
development and aanageaent services. They also accept leaves
at a regional facility in Melrose, Ma. They offer the use
of a Scat windrow turner, which can be used in the debagging
of leaves collected in plastic or paper leaf bags.
-------
Recycled Earth Technologies (R£T)
22 Paraenter Rd.
Framingham, Ka. 01710
Contact: Mark Scith
(508) 788-0623
Operates a leaf and yard vaste composting facility in
Sudbury. Xa. In addition to yard vaste, this facility also
accepts brush.
Recycled Wood Products
25 Atlantic Ave.
P.O. Box 3043
Woburn, Ka. 01888
Contact: Greg Kaknes
(617) 933-3818
A wood and yard vaste processing facility. Their product is
a fine, double-ground landscape mulch. They accept; leaves,
grass, shrubs, brush, and tree limbs.
Arthur Schofield, Znc.
265 Old Connecticut Path
P.O. Box D
Wayland, Ma. 01778
Contact: Arthur Schofield
(617) 235-6922 or (508) 358-2503
Vendor for bark mulch, screened loaa, and compost.
Accepts leaves for composting on a case by case basis.
Operates a mobile tub grinder and processes trees, limbs,
brush, and pallets. (no size limits on wood vaste)
Westvood Nurseries
34 High Rock St.
Westvood, Ka. 02090
Contact: Jay Beausang
(617) 329-4822
A shredding service for leaves and brush.
* At present has no site and shredding equipment not yet
purchased.
-------
Saa White 4 Sons
16 Westaill St.
Medfield, Ha. 02052
Contact: Daniel White
(508) 359-7291
A leaf, yard vasta, and brush processing facility in
Kedfield Ka. Will accept or collect (pick-up) the above
materials. Materials are ground and aixed with loam and
sold to custoaers.
Yarr Organic Composting Facility
Danforth St.
Franinghaa, Ka. 01701
Contact: Tiaothy Schad
(617) 643-9217
A leaf and yard vaste facility located at NZ Sand and Gravel
Co. in Fraainghaa. They accept leaves and brush.
-------
Tcvr.s & Quasiity 1C/16/91
Tovr.
Quantity
1 |Ar.sor.ia
2 (Ashford
3 |Avon
4 (Barkhacpstead RRDD/1
5 i Beacon Falls*
6 |3ran£ord
7 |3ridgeport
8 JBridgevater
9 JBristol
10 (-rookfield
11 (Canaan
12 [Cheshire*
13 j Coventry*
14 jcromvell
15 JDanbury
16 JDarien**
17 | Derby
18 (last Haddam
19 JEast Hartford
20 Enfield
21 JFaraington
22 JGranby***
23 JGroton
24 JGuilford*
25 JEamden*
26 (Hartford
27 (Harvinton
28 (Hebron*
29 (Lebanon****
30 (Lyme***
31 j Kadis on
32 (Manchester
33 (Mansfield
34 JMiddletovn
35 (Milford*
36 (Morris*
37 (New Britain*
38 (New Fairfield
39 (New Milford****
40 JNevington
41 (North Canaan
42 | North Haven
43 ] North Stonihgton
44 JOrange*
45 JFlainville***
46 [Prospect*
47 j Rocky Hill
48 [Shelton
49 jSimsbury
50 j South Windsor
51 (Southbury**
52 j Southington*
53 j Southington*
54 (Stanford
55 (Stanford
56 | Stonington*
57 (Stratford
2.304 cy|
100 cyj
8.000 cyj
5.760 cy
500 cy
4,000 cy |
6,000 cyj
200 cy|
25.000 cyj
500 cyj
100 cyj
5,340 cy|
1,000 cyj
3,000 cy|
10,000 cyj
6.000 cyj
5,000 cyj
800 cy|
3,500 cyj
5,000 cyj
3,500 cy|
4,000 cyj
1.000 cy|
250 cyj
5,000 cy(
7,820 cy(
100 cyj
500 cyj
20,000 cyj
1,200 cyj
2,000 cyj
18,000 cy[
700 cyj
10,000 cyj
10,000 cyj
n
15,000 cy|
3,000 cyj
10.000 cyj
10,000 cyj
3.200|
20,000 cyj
800 cyj
n
3,600 cy|
1.500 cyj
5,000 cyj
3,000 cy]
300 cyj
12.000 cyj
2,500 cyj
12.140 cyj
18.840 cy|
9.000 cy|
20,000 cyj
1.000 cyj
9.000 cyj
-------
Leaf Composting
A Guide for Municipalities
The State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Local Assistance and Program Coordination Unit
Recycling Program
Leslie Carothers, Commissioner
COXXECTICUTl
RECYCLES!
January 1989
Prepared by
The Urmersiiy of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service
This document is primed on rec%cled paper
-------
I. Planning A Leaf Composting Operation
Planning is the first task in establishing a leaf
composting facilitv Several kev decisions must be made
regarding leaf collection, processing and end use This
section outlines the items that local officials should
consider.
A Volume
Estimate the amount of leaves to be composted.
E=iimates generalh run between 5-10°o of the total solid
-A3ste stream. More specific estimates should be made
(.-ring the fall collection period b^ measuring truck loads
collected. If leaves are collected \%nh other solid wastes,
compare \\eeklv \olume during the rest of the >ear to
:re volume of the fall collection
B. Site Selection
Given the estimated amount of leaves to be composted,
select an adequate site, the size of which should be
ermined by the volume of leaves collected. Approx-
itelv 3.500 to 12.000 cubic vards of leaves per year
^...j be composted on one acre of land depending on the
method used The compost sue requires relativeU flat
orgemlv sloping land and modtriaielv drained soil v\huh
is not affected bv seasonal high water Sue alterations
mav include grading drainage control, security fencing.
road improvements and provisions for fire protection.
C. Collection
Determine the leaf collection svsiem. Leaf collection
involves both municipal collection and independent
haul ing bv residents, groundsktrpeis. and pnvatelv hired
haulers. Independent hauling is common in suburban
communities with leaves brought to the composting site
or a supervised collection station. A major decision is
vxhether to collect leaves in loose form or in bags.
D. End Use
Determine the end use of the compost since this
decision v\ill determine the composting method and
equipment to be employed. Leaf compost is valuable as
a mulch, soil amendment and topsoil substitute.
Potential users can include the io\\n parks, public works
depaitments. residents, landscapers and nurserymen.
Where high quality compost is reqimed. additional steps
v\ill be necessary for processing and screening
E. Processing Method
Choose a composting method appropriate to the end
use Four methods are available for composting leaves
bv themselves, of v\hich the n'mdrou: and turn method
appears thus far to be the most common and cost effective.
• Passive Leaf Piles involve placing the leaves in large
piles and letting them remain there until a usable
product is developed, a minimum of 2-3 years.
Although it is a minimal management method, piling
should not be considered a permanent disposal
technique
• IVtndrou- and Turn requires the leaves to be placed
in individual rcms and turned frequentlv A final
product can be achieved in one vear or less
• Aerated Static Pile requires the leaves to be placed in
a large v\mdrov% through which air is pumped or
pulled. Information regarding use of this technology
with leaves is limited, but it appears that in order to
achieve a final product leaves composted by themselves
require an estimated time of -t to 6 months There
is extensive information regarding this method with
composting seuage sludge
• In-i'essel composting is a fully entlo>cd 'factorv type"
operation mvolv ing mechanical dev ices, controls and/
or forced aeration. The processing period mav be as
short as 10 davs. depending upon the mix of raw
materials.
F. Program Management
Choose a management structure A compost site can
be managed in one of three \\avs:
• Municipally operated and managed. Involves the
assignment of municipal employees and equipment
to the site, with a designated site manager.
• Municipally operated, pm ately managed: Involves the
assignment of municipal employees and equipment
to the site but overall management of pile or windrow
building turning, watering, etc. is conducted bv a
private consultant or manager who is paid a flat fee
or percentage of the tipping fee. usually calculated
on a cubic yardage basis NormalK. the private firm
is also responsible for marketing the final product.
• Privately operated and pm-ately managed: Involves
total svsiem operation bv the private sector under
-------
contract vsiih the communm Normally, such
cor.iracts are of a long-term <5 vears or more) nature
and ma\ or mas not invoNe the availability of
m_mcipally-o^ned orconirolled sues for composting
A* r.Mih the mumcipalK operated 'privatel) managed
approach, the firm receives a fee for leaf delivery and
markets the final product
\ further option \\ould be for a local agricultural
producer to take ihe leaves from ihe town or region
and compost them on the farm, using the compost
as a soil amendment for crop production.
Trie above management options can also be applied
on a regional basts v* uh one io^n supphing a sue, and
others providing equipment and manpower, either
cominuousJv or on a rotating schedule In New Jersey.
one such arrangement results in tipping fees covering
mos: of che costs of the host community's composting
program
G. Budget
Define equipment and personnel requirements and
project costs for collection, processing and end use.
• Equipment: A from-end loader is required to build,
turn and break. dov^n piles Additional equipment
'turning machine, shredder screen, \acuum trucks.
etc.) mil vary depending upon collection, processing
and marketing needs
• Personnel: Properly trained and dedicated staff must
be assigned 10 the operation At a minimum, a site
manager and equipment operator are required. During
the fall, assignment to the site will be on a daily basis.
v,iih less frequent assignments during winter, spring
and summer. As *i'ih equipment, additional personnel
needs v\ill be dictated by the system selected.
• Budget analysts: should be an on-going process in
order to evaluate alternative collection, composting
and disposition methods, \\orkshects are provided in
Section IV for this purpose
H. Process Management
Specify training techniques and time involved. Proper
employee training and site monitoring is critical to ensure
a trouble-free composting operation. Employee training
should be done before operations begin and periodically
thereafter. Local and/or regional training programs will
be necessary.
I. Permits
Prepare a plan for permit request. A Jeaf composting
operation is a solid waste volume reduction processing
uhich will require state permits through ihe Solid
Management 1'rin of tin- Departniem of Emir-
onmenta! Protection tDEP) Specific guidelines for
preparation of an application fora permit can be obtained
through DEP The plan *hich is submitted to DEP
should include, but not be limned to a schematic layout
of the site, a listing of equipment and personnel \Mih
their qualifications (and'or \\hai training thev \vill
receive); an explanation of the composting process, the
monitoring and record keeping techniques for both the
process and the end-product; provisions for control of
odors and leachate from the compost piles, and a
contingency plan if the compost operation temporarily
ceases. Local permits may also be needed
J. Education
Choose a program to help educate the public An on-
going public education program VM!! help maintain
long-term interest and participation During the
planning stages, public meetings should be held and
or materials distributed to e\plam the economic and
environmental benefns of composting as well as to
alleviate concerns aboui us effects on ihe neighboring
community
Additionally., in an area where residents live in close
proximity, a citizens advisory committee can be created
to contribute ideas during planning and to monitor on-
going operations. A staff person can be designated to
respond to inquiries about the program
Before the composting program begins. flvei> or a
mjiling 10 residents should be made to generate interest
in the program and 10 explain hov* to participate
Regular follow-up publicity campaigns, before and after
a year's or a season's operation, are important for on-
going cooperation.
K. Schedule
Prepare an estimated schedule. A leaf compost facility
mav lake up to a year or more to select, design and build.
L. Additional Assistance Contact the following Slate
departments for assistance on leaf composting
Overall Coordination and Information
DEP Local Assistance and Program
Coordination Unit
Connecticut Recycling Program
Rm 115, Slate Office Building
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford. CT 06106 (203) 566-8722
Permitting and Regulatory Issues
DEP Solid Waste Management I"nit
122 Washington Street
Hartford. CT 06106 {2031566-5847
-------
Time Schedule
Task
Season
Determine leaf volume
Idenuf\ sue end use and
composting method
Determine personnel
equipment needi
Budget
Design and permits
Construct site
Tram personnel
legm operations
Fall
Winter
Spring Summer
Fall
Technical Assistance
DEP Local Assistance and Program
Coordination Unit
Connecticut Recycling Progum
Rm 115, Stair Office Buildup
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford. CT 06106 (203) 566-8722
DKP Solid Waste Munugemc-nl l.'nit
122 Washington Sirm
Hartfr>rd. CT 06106 (203) 566-5817
Thr rm\rrsit> of Connedicul Cooperative
Kxtension Service
BoxlT-3fi, !376SiorrsRoad
Storrs. C.T 06269-1036 f203) 1Hfi-112f>
The I'mversiiy of (Jonnc-c ti< ut
Dc'partment of Natural Revources MaruijfmciH
and Kngincering
Box t'-X7. 1376 Stoirs Road
Storis. C.TOfi26!MOH7 (203) IKI5-2810
OmneiiK ul Agricultural KxiM-rimeni Suiioii
123 Huruini{toi) Avctuu-
New Max en. C.T OfnO-1 (203J 7K«)-7272
-------
II. Leaf Collection
The following section describes vanous techniques
which can be employed for leaf collection The primary
requirement of any leaf collection svsiem is thai the leases
be collected free of extraneous material, such as glass,
metal, paper and household solid waste so that a high-
qualitv compost can be produced This means thai
anyone responsible for bagging or collecting leases needs
to be trained and am drop-off location, whether
temporary or at the composting sue itself, must be
supervised. Bevand this, the choice of a specific collection
technique should reflect the volume and qualitv needs
of the end user and the cost of processing the leaves to
supplv (.hat end user If the compost is 10 be used as
landfill cover, for instance, some extraneous material may
be tolerated and screening of the end product mav be
unnecessar> Landscapes and nurseries, however, will
not accept a product which has extraneous material and
the compost may require screening 10 achieve uniformity.
A. Volume
As with cither reoclables, the more convenient the
collection service for leaves, the higher the participation
rate. Consequently, the volume o( leaves arming aj a
municipal composting sue will varv wiih the size of the
area ser\icedb> municipal collection and the convenience
of the collection site to residents and independent haulers.
Population density, established practice, accepted
levels of public service and municipal costs need to be
considered when determining the size of the area to be
provided with municipal leaf collection In some cases,
ihe appropriate approach will simpK be 10 supervise
and publicize an area near the composting sue where
residents, as well as landscapes, businesses and
independent haulers can deliver leaves for composting.
To maximize the amount of leaves composted, however,
a municipality mav decide to provide a collection service
for the v* hole town in addition to providing ihe
supervised drop-off area near the composting site.
If a municipality determines that it cannot econom-
ically provide service throughout the town but wants
to ensure considerable convenience to its residents and
businesses, a compromise can be achieved bv providing
curbside leaf collection to the more denselv populated
areas while providing communitv collection stations in
ihr rest of the town The latter approach involves
stationing a supervised compactor truck, roll-off or other
container at designated locations in accordance wiih a
well-publicized schedule. The town takes the responsi-
bility for transporting the full containers to the
composting site
B. Municipal Collection Methods
Municipalities which provide leaf collection must
make a series of choices about collection techniques and
equipmem. Since these choices impact collection and
processing costs and the quahtv of the end product, a
variety of scenarios should be considered before a decision
is made The best combination of techniques and
equipment for a given municipality is that which most
efficientlv provides the compost required b\ the end user
For instance, leaves can be collected bagged or unbagged
Bagged leaves ivpicallv have little extraneous material
and can be collected quickl> with a standard compactor
truck. However, labor is required at the composting site
to remove the leaves from the bags Conversely, unbagged
leaves can be collected with a vacuum truck or a Front
loader. This process is more time-consuming and the
choice of equipment is less obvious The vacuum works
well on drv leaves, the fiont loader is more efficient for
wet or frozen leaves. In addition, the amount of
extraneous material is likely to be higher than when
leaves are bagged.
A summary of (he advantages and disadvantages of
various collection techniques appears in Table I.
Information regarding leaf collection equipment is found
in Appendix C. In utilizing this information to design
a« jppropnate collection approach, the following issues
should be considered:
(1) Effectiveness in excluding extraneous material;
(2) Availability and cost of labor;
(3) Existing equipment;
(4) Capita?, operaiing and maintenance costs of
equipment;
(5) Cost of bags ( plastic, degradable plastic, paper);
(6) Convenience for residents and businesses;
(7) Susceptibility to adverse weather;
(8) Hazards associated with placing leaves at curb
or in street; and
(9) Potential noise and dust from collection
equipmem
-------
C. Scheduling Municipal Leaf Collection
Leaf collection is a seasonal operation beginning in
mid-October and continuing through earls December.
If an initial collection is made earK in this period, a
second collection may be necessary In addition, some
tovsns also make a spring collection of leaves and other
yard debris. A site for receiving leaves from independent
haulers should be made available even if there is not
a municipal collection in the spring The leaves from
the spring collection should be composted separately
from the fall collection.
D. Public Education and Notification
Regardless of ihe method of collection chosen, residents
and businesses must be educated on a regular basis about
the requirements for participation in the composting
program and the importance of keeping extraneous
material out of their leaf bags or piles. This tvpe of
education can be incorporated into the ongoing publicity
for the overall recycling program. In addition, there
should be a special public notification for each leaf
collection. The notification should include:
(1) A statement of the intent and community benefits
of the composting program;
(2) A description of the intended uses of ihe compost;
(3) A statement that leaves must not contain .
extraneous material such as branches, glass.
metal, paper or household solid waste.
(•}) Instructions regarding the piling, or if bags are
used, the tvpe of bag and bag closure to be used;
(5) Instructions regarding the placement of leaves
at the curb or in the street;
(6) The dates when leaves will be collected in
designated districts and the locations and hours
of community collection stations and other drop-
off locations.
Residen.s can be notified of the leaf collection dates
by letter cr announcements in the newspaper or on a
local radio -.tation If on-streei parking is banned during
leaf collec.on, a notice should be posted on the street
at least 2-: hours in advance, and parking bans should
be rotated within each community.
A map such as that in Figure 1, can be provided to
residents showing the designated leaf collection areas and
the tentatr. e dates for collection in each district. Since
the rate of collection is dependent on weather conditions.
however, anv revisions to the dates need to be publicized.
Figure 1. Leaf Collection Areas Designated by Districts
(Source: South Windsor)
Easi Wmcsor
Ear Hartford
District
1
2
3
4
Leaf Collection Start Date
Oct. 29
Nov. 4
Nov. 12
Nov. 19
-------
Table 1. Collection Options
Procedure and/or Equipment
Advantages
Disadvantages
A. Bagged leaves
I
I. Bag t\pe:
(a) Nonbiodegradable
plastic.
(b) Biodegradable and
photodegradable
plastic.
(c) Biodegradable paper
2. Equipment and procedure.
(a) Compactor truck.
(i) Emptv bag into
compactor.
(ii) Empty bag at
composting site.
(b) Dump truck.*
B. Loose leaves
I. Location of piles:
(a) Curbside.
(b) In street.
Keeps leaves out of street and
prevents blowing leaves.
Pickup not sensitive 10 weather.
Pickup at low cose without special-
ized equipment.
Instructions can be pnnted on bags
provided bv the town.
Loner cosi of bag
Debris can be removed when bag
is emptied
Ltule information is now available
on the use of these bags for leaf
collection or ho\s, they break down
during composting.
Comemence in bagging and great-
er compaction ihan with plastic
bags
Large quantity per load due lo
compaction.
Maximum opportunity for
removal of debris.
Efficient dumping into windrows.
Eliminates debagging operation at
site.
Pickup may be quicker.
No specialized equipment.
Avoid problems associated with
leaves in the street.
Most convenient for collection in
absence of parked cars.
Cost of bags
Time required for debugging
PJaificin compost mus< be a voided.
Costs and possible shortage of labor
for emptying bags.
Higher cost of bag
E.\tra effort in the distribution of
special bags.
Shredding may be required.
Possible increase in time needed for
composting.
High equipment costs unless the
compactor is used for other
purposes
Inefficient use of compactor.
Inconvenience in emptying bags
and forming piles or windrows.
Small quantity per load in absence
of compaction.
Raking of leaves by collection
crew is labor intensive, especially
when collection is by front end
loader.
More extraneous material in
leaves.
Danger to children playing in
leaves. Danger of fire from catalyt-
ic converters.
Either raking or repeated collec-
•Bags can be either hand loaded direct I \ or piled into a from end loader and then lifted into ihe truck
-------
Table 1. Collection Options — continued
Procedure and 'or Equipment
Advantages
Disadvantages
2. Vacuum leaf collector wiih
discharge into wire or
mesh-covered box on dump
truck or trailer.
(a) Mounting options:
(i) On trailer with
discharge into
truck.
(ii) On front of truck
(on hoist used for
snow plow).
(in) On trailer with
leaf box.
(b) Drive options:
(i) Belt.
(li) On engine
crankshaft.
(iii) Power take-off.
3. Catch basin cleaner.
4. Front end loader and dump
truck.
5. Front end loader and
compactor truck with chute
for receiving leaves.
Leaves are shredded to some degree
and are compacted, especially if
somewhac damp.
Load one truck while another is in
transit.
Driver can see operator.
Can be pulled with any type of
truck including one equipped for
snow plowing and sanding.
Belt drive reduces vibration from
impeller to engine which reduces
maintenance costs and increases
service life.
Lower initial costs.
Intermediate cost relative to other
options.
Large units (12 inch suction hose)
are fast and effective with sufficient
suction for collection of wet leaves.
Specialized equipment is optional.
Effective with wet and/or slighth
frozen leaves.
Efficiency can be increased if front
end loader works with a small snow
plow and final cleanup is with a
street sweeper.
Same as in number 4 except that
effective capacity is much greater
with a compactor.
tion if cars are parked on the street.
More extraneous material in leaves.
Ineffective if excessively wet or
frozen.
Dust if dry.
Noise
Moderate expense for specialized
equipment.
Potential danger to operator and
inconvenience from operation at
rear of truck.
Not generally available with belt
drive
Inconvenience in backing trailer to
unload.
Potential danger to operator and
inconvenience from operation at
the rear of the truck.
Higher initial cost.
Vibration from impeller increases
maintenance costs and decreases
service life.
Intermediate cost relative to other
options.
Small units (6-8 inch suction hose)
are slow and clog in excessively wet
or freezing conditions.
Very high initial costs.
Rather high maintenance costs.
Noise.
Leaves must be raked into the street.
(A tractor-pulled rake can be used
only in suburban areas.)
Inefficient with dry leaves.
Same as in number 4.
-------
III. Technical Information
This section contains detailed information about the
composting process and is intended for those mdi\ iduals
who will design, manage and operate leaf composting
facilities
A. Basics of Composting
Composting is a biological process in which micro-
organisms break down organic materials. like leaves, into
a soil-like product called compost The microorganisms
are naturalh present among the leaves If nutrients,
oxygen and moisture are present in the proper amounts,
the microorganisms will heat the leaves up to 100-1-10
degrees (F; and produce a near neutral ipHj product.
This section bnefh describes some of the principles
with which one should be familiar before developing
a composting facilitv The application of the principles
is explained in subsequent sections.
• Microorganisms Decomposition is conducted primar-
ily b> microscopic organisms naturally present in leaf
waste, including bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi.
These microorganisms grow rapidlv on the organic
material, using it as a source of food. Heat, carbon
dioxide. v\ater vapor, and compost are produced in
the process
• \utnents. The availabilitv of carbon and nitrogen is
a limiting factor in the composting process. The
microorganisms need nitrogen for protein. bod\
building and population growth, and carbon is their
energv source In addition, efficient composting
requires carbon and nitrogen to be present in the proper
balance.
The optimum range of (he carbon to nitrogen (C:N)
1.1110 is from 20-1 to 30.1. The moie the C.N ratio
deviates fium this uinge. the slown tin- decomposition
process becomes. With a ratio of greater than -10 to
I. nitrogen represents a limiting factor and the reaction
rate slows. With a C:N ratio lov\er than 15 to I. excess
nitrogen is driven off as ammonia. While this loss of
nitrogen is not detrimental to the process of decom-
position, it lo\\ers the nutiient value of the compost
product.
The C.N ratio in leaves tends 10 range between 60.1
to 80.1. thus, leaf composting is generally slower than
most composting applications. Bv adding nitrogen-
rich materials, such as seaweed or grass clippings, the
C:N ratio will be reduced and improved.
• Oxygen: An adequate supph of air is essential to the
maintenance of efficient composting Aerobes, the
organisms primanh responsible for the rapid decom-
position of organic material, require oxvgen to convert
organic waste to compost Normal air is about 21%
oxvgen If the oxygen content falls below the optimum
level of 5%, these organisms begin to die off and the
composting process is taken over by anaerobes,
organisms which do not require oxygen. Thev operate
much less efficiently and can cause severe odor
problems.
• Temperature Temperature is a kev environmental
factor affecting biological activitv and should be
monitored frequenilv The metabolism of the microor-
ganisms present in the leaves results in a natural
temperature increase Due to the insulating effect ol
the leaf compost pile, the temperature achieved in the
pile affects the makeup of the microbial population
The optimum temperature range is between 100 and
140 degrees F.
Two categories of microorganisms are active in
aerobic composting At temperatures above freezing,
mesophilic organisms become active. As a result of their
aitivitv. the temperature \\ithm the compost pile
increases At temperatures in excess of 110 degrees F.
thermophihr organisms become acu\e. increasing the
rate of decomposition. As the temperature approaches
140 degrees F, the rate of decomposition begins to
decline rapidlv as organisms begin to die off or become
dormant.
• Moisture: In leaf composting, the optimal moisture
content is 40% to 60%. bv weight, or about the
consistent of a w rung-out sponge. Moisture is
required to dissolve the nutrients utilised b\ micioor-
ganisim as well as to provide a suitable environment
for batteiial population growth. A inoisime content
below 40°o limns the availabilit} of nutrients and limits
bacterial population expansion. When the moisture
content exceeds 60°o. the flow of oxvgen is inhibited
and anaerobic conditions begin to develop Leaves
usunllv require additional water ai the strut of the
process.
• pH: During the composting process, the material will
become slightly acidic and then return to near neutral
conditions as stabiluv is approached. Decomposition
is most efficient with a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0
If thepH is too high, nitrogen is driven off as ammonia
As the pH drops below 6.0. the microorganisms begin
to die off and the decomposition slows
-------
The pH level of the compost pile parualh determines
the t>pe of organisms available 10 the decomposition
process
Bacteria are most successful as decomposers when
the pH is between 6 0 and 7 5 Fungi have an optimum
range between 5.5 and 80. Normally, operating leaf
compost systems should not present a pH (acidic)
problem. Should such an occurrence develop, the
addition of lime mav be necessary To minimize this
possibility, keep the pile in an aerobic state. The
normal pH range for finished leaf compost is neutral
to slightly alkaline (7-7.5).
• Particle Size- The microorganisms act on the surface
of the composting materials Smaller particles (the size
of a quarter or smaller) have greater surface area and
break down more quickly. However, extremely small
panicles limit atr (low through ihe materials so some
compromise is required.
• Time: The time required to transform leaves into
finished compost vanes considerably, depending on the
process utilized, from 10 davs 10 3 years. Frequent
aeration, fine particle size and the proper ratio of carbon
to nitrogen speed the process. The process is slowed
by low temperatures and materials with a high
portion of cellulose and lignin.
v. tempesting Methods — An Overview-
Selection of the methodology best suited for the
community will depend upon a variety of factors,
including marketing options, availability, site con-
straints, and equipment opportunities. Additionally, the
availability and usefulness of other organic wastes may
influence the decision-making process wichin each
municipality. The windrow and turn method has been
used most often for leaf composting. A leaf compost
guidance summarv can be found in Table 2
• Posiiir Leaf Piles Leaves are deposited in piles ranging
in height [rom 9 10 20 feet and are left undisturbed
for a minimum of two to three years Leaf piles chat
are too small (less than 6 feei high) should be combined.
An optional measure is to (urn and aerate the leaf pile
in the early spring or late fall Although process
management is minimal, the leaf piles should be
maintained 10 avoid an unsightly appearance and
should be combined after there is a noticeable volume
reduction from the initial leaf pile size Odor ma-- be
a problem when these piles are disturbed as anaerobic
conditions maj exist in ihe oxygen starved center of
the pile, so * md directions should be considered before
vvork on the piles is undertaken. Compost consistency
for end use is fair, as it ma\ retain clumps of
uncomposted leaves.
• ll'indrow and Turn Leaves are deposited on a
compacted pad to form a triangular shaped windrow
(Figure 2a) measuring 10 to 20 feet at the base v\uh
a height of 6 to 12 feet or higher. The windrow length
can be up to several hundred feet long or as long as
the site allows. In this process, the windrows are turned
periodically with a front end bucket loader or a special
turning machine and water is added as needed The
frequency of windrow turning is determined b> ihe
temperature and moisture content of the windrow.
Windrows are combined as they shrink in size The
leaves compost through the v,'inter and spring cure
over the summer and are available for end use bv the
next collection season. The finished compost can be
removed from the composting site to make room for
incoming leaves. The consistency of composi for end
use is good as periodic turning will result in fewer
clumps of undecomposed leaves.
Figure 2. Windrow and Turn Profiles
a. Front End Loader Formation
b. Windrow Turning Machine Formation
-------
Table 2. Leaf Compost Guidance Summary.
Parameter
1. Site information.
Size cubic yards
leaves/acre
Surface
Grade
Leaf Pile
8,000-12,000
Earth pad
2% slope (min)
Method
Windrow and Turn
3.500-8,000
Earth pad (paved surface
acceptable)
2% slope (min)
Forced Aeration
5,000-10,000
Earth or paved
2% slope (min)
: 2.
Drainage
Subsurface
Surface
3.
Suggested separation
distances (in feet) from
compost site.
To residential and
business complexes
From adjacent property
line
From a surface water
body
From ground surface
to bedrock
From ground surface 10
seasonal high water
table (highest seasonal
level)
Compost process lime
4. Curing time (following
compost process)
5. Odor generation
Moderate
Satisfy acceptable water
quahi} criteria for dis-
charge (or contain on site
if needed). Divert surface
water from piles.
200-250'
100'
100'
2-3 years
Not applicable
Can be high at time of ini-
tial pile disturbance.
Moderate
Satisfy acceptable water
qualit> criteria for dis-
charge ( or contain on site
if needed). Divert surface
water from windrows.
200-250'
100'
100'
5'-
Moderate
Satisfy acceptable water
qualm criteria for dis-
charge (or contain on site if
needed). Divert surface
water from aerated
windrows.
200-250'
100'
100'
y*
Varies with frequency of
turning windrows 6-12
months
1 month (min)
4-6 months
1 month (min)
Some odor potential when Minimal problem if the
pile is first disturbed; prop- system is properly de-
er management will reduce
or eliminate this potential;
decreases with pile turning
frequency.
signed, installed and
operated.
•Current State or Connecticut practice followed (or siting solid waste land disposal facilities.
10
-------
Table 2. Leaf Composi Guidance Summary continued.
Parameter
Method
Leaf Pile
Windrow and Turn
Forced Aeration
6 Equipment needs
7 VVaier suppK
3. Operational
9. Comments
Front end loader daily
during leaf collection
period.
Required for (ire con-
trol and weiting of
leaves.
L'p to 45 ga!s/cu yd.
Nothing done to leaf
piles, mav combine leaf
piles after initial pile
shrinkage. Maintain
height of ai least 6 feet.
End product quality
may limit rnarketablity;
shredding will improve
appearance.
Front end loader daily
during leaf collection
period and uhen *in-
drows are turned.
Three or 4 foot stem
t\pe thermometer. For
large leaf composting
facilities, evaluate the
use of specialized me-
chanical equipment for
turning windrows.
Required for fire con-
trol, wetting of leaves;
can use water hose or a
portable water tank
source haiing water
spray capability. Up to
45 gals/cu yd Large
operations may require
on-si.ie water.
Combine windrows
after pile shrinkage oc-
curs (1 or 2 months
after their formation).
Turn windrows as in-
dicated bj temperature
and moisture data.
Acceptable compost
quality; screening ol
compost will give a
more uniform product.
Front end loader, mb
mill grinder, blower
t\pe fan, temperature
and timer switch con-
trols, plastic piping
(both solid and perfo-
rated lengths needed), 3
or 4 foat stem type
thermometer Adequate
electrical capacity. Op-
tional Leaf shredder.
Required for irmiai
wetung of leaves (see
\% tndrov\) and for fire
control
L'p to -J5 gals/cu yd.
Blovt air through the
pile An organic mate-
rial such as feood
chips, sawdust or com-
pos: is used as a pile
cover for insulation.
The frequency and
time of aeration is by
timer switch or temper-
ature controlled.
The Held experiment
data available for this
application is rather li-
mited. Method has
been used successfully
where leaves have been
composted with sewage
sludge {Greenwich,
CTJ.
I
I
11
-------
Use of specialized windrow-turning machines
improves aeration, resulting in shorter time require-
ments for composting. The turning machine is either
self-propelled or machine driven. If machine driven,
it is important that the drive method selected be
properly matched to the machine.
With windrow-machine turning, the machine
selected limits the windrow height to 5 to 7 feet.
Windrow width varies from H to 18 feet to give a
trapezoidal shaped pile, (Figure 2b).
• Aerated Static Pile: The windrow configuration is
similar to that described for windrow and turn except
that the windrow is stationary (static pile) and has a
base of wood chips or some other porous material.
Since the leaves are not turned in this process, it is
particularly important that non-compostable materials
are removed before windrow formation. The leaves are
also put through a tub grinder or shredder before
forming the windrow. A perforated plastic pipe is
placed over or in the base material and air is forced
through the pipe into leaves using an air blower (Figure
3). After the windrow is formed, a 4"-6" layer of
compost, wood chips, sawdust or an equivalent porous
material is placed over the pile to help retain process
heat, moisture and odor. In order to manage windrow
temperature the air movement is controlled either by
a timer switch or manually. Experience with this
method for composting leaves is limited. It is generally
used in sewage sludge composting.
• In-vessel Composting: In-vessel composting encom-
passes a variety of systems involving mechanical
agitation, forced aeration and enclosure within a
building. These systems are designed and supplied by
consultants or commercial suppliers. They are
Figure 3. Aerated Static Pile Profile
Note: Piping size and substrate thickness not in
relative proportion to pile height and width.
Organic Blanket 6"
Leaves
PVC Pipe (4")
Porous Substrate
Organic Blanket
End Cao
Solid PVC Pipe
Solid PVC Pip*
Perforated PVC P'P«
• s°w 7-3X
Porout Sobitrate
12
-------
g-.-rif-allv ncj( rcrj(Kimi(.il!v fcJ>ible for composting
lej-.trs alone bin mjv be appropriate if sludge disposal
:s an issue The advantages include fail processing,
avoidance of weather problems and better process and
odor control
Composting Leases &ilh Srnage Sludge: Lej\es can be
added to sewage sludge 10 proMde a bulking agent for
the sludge The leases provide a carbon nutrient source
and increase the nuinbei of voids 'air spaces; to improve
air passage for process temperature control addition of
o.xvgen. and removal of excess moisture Sewage sludge
composting involves environmental and health concerns
far bevond those associated wiih leaf composting and
requires additional approvals and or permits from DEP
It should be noted, however, that using leaves in this
wav could serve as an alternative to the separate
composting of (raves Composing leaves with sewage
sludge would nonnallv be an option v\uh the forced
aeration and m-vessel method* There may be other
materials currentK being composted for w huh leaves can
serve as a bulking agent.
Composting Leaves With Other Plant Materials: Leaves
can be composted with other forms of plant material,
such as seaweed or grass clippings. One advantage of
a composting practice is an improvement in the
n 10 nitrogen rano (C \r The fresh plant material
des the nitrogen source and results in a faster
composting raie Experimentation is advised before
undertaking this method of composting on a large sea!**
because high nitrogen levels will require much more
frequent turning to prevent odor problems
Backyard Composting: Backward composting involves
the composting of leaves and other vard wastes on a small
scale within the confines of one's own property. This
method is particular]} appropriate for areas where the
residences are located on one-half acre plots or larger.
B.ifkv.ird composting should be encouraged because
residents benefit fioni readih available leaf compost and
the immictpnliiv benefits bv avoiding the cost of handling
and processing the leaves. For further information
regarding backvard composting, contact the local office
of The t'mversHv of Connecticut Cooperauve Extension
Serv ice
C. Facility Siting and Design Considerations
Area Requirements
Sues The facilitv is sized according to the
\earh. seasonal volume of lea\es 10 be handled, taking
into (.consideration the method of leaf collection and the
composting method employed. A good leaf volume
uie can be made from records of the number of truck
« nf leave* hauled For this purpose, one ton of leaves
..... .en to IK ihc fciiuvaleiu of .ippinximatch four cubic
yards of li-jvc-i Additional infoim.ii^Jii is pimidrd iti
Appuulix B In ihr absence of su«h 'I'.fonnation a leaf
volume of six percent of the total annual solid waste
volume can be used Spare requirement* varv according
10 the composting method, ranging from 3.500 co 12.000
cubic v.nd-s of leaver per acre For example. a suggested
guideline for a windrow and turn (acilitv is one acre
for each 6.000 cubic yard of leaves Additional space is
requited for the compost storage and site buffer areas
Compost Storage Area For the wmdiow and tuin
method, the storage area for finished compost should
be an additional 15 percent the size of the windrow-
composing area Compost will need to be kept in the
storage area for a minimum of one month while u cures
Buffer Area Consider the impact of potential odor, on-
site opeiauonal noise and \isual appearance on the
sutiounding neighborhood when siting a compost
facilnv Minimum suggested separation distances of the
compost processing and storage site are 200-250 feet from
occupied buildings and at least 100 feet from adjacent
propem lines. Existing trees and landscaping mav be
used to improve aesthetics b> screening the sue from
public vievv and to reduce equipment noise. The potential
impacts of composting odor and traffic How on adjacent
areas should also be considered.
Ground and Surface Water Protection: A minimum of
5 feei should be maintained between ihe base of the
rieposned leaves and the maximum high water table or
bedtoik This recommendation is based upon thecurrem
State of Connecticut practice for siting solid waste hind
disposal facilities but ma\ be modified in accords nee with
specific site conditions such as soil permeability and
hjdtologic setting High groundw aier can cause severe
problems for equipment movement, especially in the late
winter and spring months when piles must be turned.
The compost processing and storage site should be
at least 100 fen from a surfacr water bodv such as a
bmok. pinul 01 stieam Futilities must ot> sited in
uuoidance with the Cotmeuuui Inland-Wetlands and
Waicr Courses Act and the Connrcticui Sedimentation
and Erosion Control Act.
Site Layout and Preparation; Once an appropriate site
ha> been chosen, a sue plan needs 10 be pie pa red Sample
drat;i;i:us are found in Figtm-s I jmi 5
Compost Pad: This is the surface where composting
ot curs Ii should be constructed of w ell-drained materials
and be designed for heavx. equipment use in all seasons.
Windrow, length should parallel the slope. To prevent
fiom forming a paved surface r.in bf used as a pad
Roads: Roads should be laid oui to provide easv access
for the public, lenf hnulnig \ehirles and fire pniiettion
13
-------
equipment. The road surface should be able to sustain
the load of the vehicles indicated, and be functional in
all types of weather conditions.
Drainage: Locate the site on moderately to well-drained
soil. Excessively well-drained soils should be avoided,
unless site modifications are made. Surface water should
be diverted away from the compost process site and
storage area using a diversion ditch, an interceptor berm
(baled hay or other means) or an interceptor drain. Any
surface or subsurface discharge away from the site must
be made in an environmentally safe and acceptable
manner. Design water diversions and discharge systems
for a 25-year rainstorm. Slopes should be graded at 2-
3 percent (2-3 foot drop in 100 feet), to assist in surface
water removal from the pad. Be sure not to exceed a
5 percent grade.
Water: A source of water is needed for wetting the leaves,
and provision must be made for fire protection. Where
a water source such as a pond or a hydrant is not available,
a water tank vehicle can be used. For very dry leaves,
approximately 45 gallons of water are required for each
cubic yard of leaves. For large operations, an on-site water
source may be necessary.
Site Clearing: Clear the site to provide enough space for
roads, compost processing, storage of compost, and for
fire protection. Before clearing, consider the need for a
buffer zone and visual screening.
Signs: Post a sign at the entrance to the facility identifying
the facility and indicating the hours of operation.
Directional signs will be needed for traffic control. The
leaf receiving area should be identified. Signs may also
be needed to clarify the fact that the facility is for leaves
only, thereby minimizing the addition of contaminants.
Security: Control access roads so that illegal dumping
or vandalism does not occur.
Please see Table 2 for a summary of facility siting and
design considerations.
D. Composting Operation
The following section focuses on the windrow-and-
lurn method of composting leaves. In most settings, this
method will strike a good balance between process
efficiency and operational simplicity. Details about the
operation of the other methods mentioned here can be
found in the references or from consultants engaged to
design a composting system. In addition, a trouble-
shooting guide for operating a windrow and turn facility
is included as Appendix A.
Annual Site Preparation: Prior to the start of the leaf
collection season, regrade the site as needed to maintain
a 2-3 percent slope and to maximize run-off and minimize
Figure 4. Site Setback Distances
S«[a»
100'10
WOOVIV
Note: Depending on site constraints such as property
lines, buildings and surface water, available
acreage for composting will vary. Area loss
could be significant.
ponding of surface water. Bring in fill as needed.
Maintain the drainage system components such as
subsurface drains or diversion ditches.
Review and prepare the site to ensure good vehicle
operation conditions.
Check the availability and method for handling water
to wet leaves. If there is no water at the site, a water
hauling tank vehicle and a mechanism for spraying the
water on the leaves will be needed.
Processing Equipment: Equipment needs and preferen-
ces will vary with each community. Use of existing
equipment is encouraged but this may not always result
in the most efficient operation. In some instances, it may-
be possible to share specialized equipment (i.e., a sieve
or shredder) with nearby towns.
The basic piece of equipment needed for any type of
leaf composting operation is the front end bucket loader.
It is used daily at the site during the leaf collection season.
With windrow-and-turn operations the loader or other
turning equipment must be available for the remainder
14
-------
Figure 5a. Preliminary Site Layout Showing Windrow
and Curing Areas, Proposed Stormwater
Management System and Access Road.
Sourer: Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Qualm Engineering. Division of Solid Wasic.
S'.otc
-..--• O'M
PROPOSED
RECHARGE BASIN
of the vear for windrow turning and reconstruction when
needed. For large operations, specialized turning and
mixing equipment ma', be feasible. Information
regarding compost processing equipment is found in
Appendix D.
For compost process temperature monitoring, a 3-4
foot pointed stem-type thermometer capable of reading
between 0 to 200 degrees F is needed. A spare thermometer
is recommended to confirm temperature calibrations.
Screens, shredders or tub grinders are optional but can
be used to reduce volume, obtain compost uniformity
and remove unwanted materials. Shredding of leaves to
reduce leaf size normally is not needed at the initial stage
as the leaves are adequately reduced in size through the
physical process of moving and turning during collection
and composting. Such shredding, however, may assist
the compost process if moisture levels are low by reducing
the free air space. At the end of the composting curing
process, it may be appropriate to screen the compost to
remove large clumps and woody material. This creates
a more marketable product with a consistent level of
appearance.
Handling Incoming Leaves: Incoming leaves can be
brought directly to the leaf processing area or to a
receiving (staging) area for later transfer to the leaf
compost pad. Compacted leaves brought directly to the
compost pad must be loosened and fluffed for proper
aeration. If citizens are allowed to bring leaves to the
site, a separate drop-off point should be provided for
debagging, traffic control and safetv considerations. Site
supervision is required during this period for quality-
control and the recording of leaf volume delivered to
the site.
Although a leaf receiving area adds another step to
the site operation it allows flexibility in scheduling the
start of the leaf composting process and in scheduling
the debagging of leaves. The leaves should be transferred
to the windrows within a couple of days to prevent the
compost process from starting in the receiving area.
Unless biodegradable bags are used, leaves should be
debagged before they are placed in the windrow.
Debaggers should work on the face of the pile — not
from the ends — so that more people can work on one
pile at the same time. Simple hand tearing of bags seems
to be as efficient as other methods. Empty bags should
be removed immediately and placed in receptacles so they
do not end up in the windrows. If a staging area is used,
leaves should be removed from the debagging area
immediately after opening to make space for the
debaggers to work.
Leaf Wetting: Incoming leaves should be checked for
moisture. A "hand squeeze" test is adequate. If no water
oozes from a handful of squeezed leaves, the leaves should
15
-------
Figure 5b. Compost Site Cui and Fill Recommendation
for Site Grading.
'
Figure 5c. Compost Windrow and Curing Areas
Showing Vehicle Traffic Pattern.
Sourer: Massachusetts Deportment of Environmental
Qualit\ of Engineering, Division of Solid Waste.
be w-tial brfore or while they are being placed in the
windrow. Leaves can be wetted using a hose connected
to the water source or by using a pump-spray mechanism
attached to a portable water tank.
During the early stages of composting, leaves must
be mixed during wetting, otherwise the water will run
off the pile surface instead of penetrating the windrow.
Over-watering is normally not a problem as excess water
will drain off. Once the leaves start to break down,
watering can be done after turning without problems.
With specialized windrow-machine turning, the leaves
are wetted after the first or second turning using a fire
or stick hose. The initial leaf turning breaks up the leaves
to improve their water retention capability. Leaves should
not be over-watered in this process. If pile moisture
measurements can be made, aim for a pile moisture
content of about 43-50 percent.
Windrow Formation: The windrow should be at least
six feet high with a bottom width of about 10 to H feet.
(See Figure 2). If a greater height is used, the windrows
will require more frequent turning.
Start the first windrow 20 feet from the edge of the
composting pad. Leave two feet between the first two
windrows and a 20-foot space between pairs of windrows.
Windrows should run in the direction of the slope to
reduce any tendency for ponding. (Figure 6).
After the windrows have been reduced to almost one-
half of the initial size (about 1 to 2 months after windrow
formation), each pair of windrows is combined into a
single windrow.
During specialized machine turning of the windrow.
leaves will fall into the vacant aisle. It will be necessary
periodically to gather these leaves and place them in the
windrow. Depending on how the windrows are spaced,
windrows are combined 15 to 25 days after the start of
the composting process.
Windrow layout should address fire protection
concerns as needed. Although a leaf windrow fire is an
unlikely occurrence, the layout of the windrows and the
site conditions should provide access for fire fighting
equipment (fire lanes or fire hose and water hydrant).
Compost Process Monitoring: Windrow temperature
measurements should be made and recorded at least twice
a week to monitor the compost process and to determine
when it is complete (see Table 3). Other data to record
at that time are the ambient air temperature, weather
conditions, odor (if detected), pile moisture conditions
and site observations. There should be at least three
temperature measurements per 100 feet of windrow taken
at the lower third of the leaf compost pile using a 3
foot stem-type thermometer (figure 7).
16
-------
Time odor and temperature are indicators of when
the compost process is eompleie After a period of about
6 months begin checking for compost stabilization as
follows Place a sample of the compost in a plastic bag.
seal it, store ai room temperature 24 to 48 hours, and
then open it If ihere is no significant odor, the process
is complete and the compost is ready for movement to
the storage area for curing. Temperature recovery after
windrow turning is another sign of stabilization. If there
is no odor nor increase in temperature in the windrow
occurring within seven days, the compost is stable and
ready for the curing stage
Windrow Turning: Windrows should be turned when
the compost pile temperature drops to 100 degrees F or
if the temperature exceeds HO degrees F. The windrows
may require turning if other process problems develop.
such as odor or excess moisture at the base of the v\ indro^
When turning, the leaves should be lifted high with a
bucket and allowed to cascade to a new location
(figure 8,1 The next turning should be done in the
opposite direction In al! cases, operators should attempt
to get those leaves on the bottom of the windrows to
the top of the new windrows. At the time of turning,
check and remote contaminants Common ones include
plastic, bottles or containers, rocks or stones, automome
hubcaps, tennis balls, and miscellaneous bulks materials
If moisture has to be added to the windrow, try to
schedule the turning operation to coincide with rain or
snow to a•.oid having to pump or deliver water.
At compost sues near residential areas, schedule
windrow turning to avoid noise and/or odor complaints.
Try to select a time when the wind is blowing away
from neighboring buildings. A Kind sock erected at the
sue can be used as a wind direction indicator. Choose
a time of day when most people are likely to be away
or inside their buildings
Leaf Curing: After the leaves have been composted, a
brief curing period is needed to complete biological
stabilization. This can be done at the compost pad or
a separate bulk storage area The compost is left as is
tor at least one month for curing before use. At this point,
compost can be made mio large piles as opposed to
windrows thereby taking up less space
«6. Windrow (WR) Spacing
ccoroi
. Carnpoti Sill
Wfl]
WHS
• Ml in menu
4CCOid*ng
according
to nvpi
17
-------
Finished Product: The finished compost can be screened
;o break up clumps to provide product uniformitv and
improved appearance \n analvsis of compost for selected
chemical constituents such as nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium, lead, cadmium and pH. should be made
Municipalities mav obtain appropriate analysis of the
compost through the Connecticut Agricultural Exper-
iment Station in Nev\. Haven.
Record Keeping: The importance of good record keeping
cannot be over-emphasized. Records should be main-
tained on the quantity of leaves received, process
temperature and moisture, operating costs, the chemical
composition of the compost produced and the quantity
of compost shipped Such information is useful in
assessing the efficiency of the operation and developing
a cost/benefit analysis. Regular observations concerning
odor, noise, and dust are important in evaluating
commenis received bv local and or state officials. The
sue observation recorded for the dav that the complaint
v%as reported might serve to substantiate \\hether or not
the problem could be associated v. ah the leaf composting
process Appendices E and F mav be copied out of this
manual for use by the sue manager.
Contingency Plan: There should be an alternative
arrangement available in the event that leaves cannot
be composted due to unforeseen circumstances; e.g.,
equipment failure or natural disaster.
E. Other Management Considerations
Grass Clippings: Grass clippings have a relatively higher
content of nitrogen than leaves. In some instances,
however, grass may have concentrations of herbicides
(weed killers) used in normal lawn maintenance
programs. Once applied to turf the herbicide may take
a few weeks or months to degrade to a relatively harmless
state. Ongoing research at Rutgers University is expected
to provide additional information on this topic.
Road Salt: Road salt used in ice and snow removal has
not been found to be a problem with regard to high
concentrations in leaves used for composting Generally,
any concentration of salt that mav be deposited on leaves
(during an early fall snowstorm or over the winter for
those leaves picked up in spring) becomes diluted with
a larger amount of leaves that have not been in contact
with road salt.
Pesticides: Pesticides used on trees are normally confined
to a few insecticides and possibly some fungicides. In
a normal year, only a few trees will be selectively sprayed
and in most instances will be treated early in the growing
season (June-July). During those years of high insect
infestation (e.g., gvpsy moth caterpillars), a more
intensive spraying program mav be necessarv However,
Figure 7. Temperature Measurement Technique
1/3 Height
Figure 8. Windrow Turning for Aeration and Mixing
of Leaves
I Lift leaves high with bucket loader and let leaves fall
to new location to create a cascading (mixing) effect
Note The principle of the mixing technique is to move
the top of the windrow to the bottom of the
windrou being formed, mixing the leaves well
during this process.
even in this case treatment will be completed early in
the season (May-June), and by the time leaf fall occurs,
the pesticides will be significantly degraded.
Aspergillus fumigatiu: A fungus spore Aspergillus
fumigatus, may be produced by the composting process
especially when wood chips are used as a bulking agent
in sewage sludge composting. This fungus may be a cause
of lung infections in susceptible humans. Little evidence
exists to demonstrate that this is a concern with leaf com-
18
-------
cipi-KHKJiis HovM-vei inunicip.il compost sites
loll III 1KH 1)1 CMjbilslud 111 ( loir pTO\llllll\ ID lloipluK
it nui iiny home •> Pruple \\ 11)1 diiej^cs causing immune
inn lulling iinlmiiM ilumk! n source (eg street trees in an urban
setting vs >aid trees in low densnv suburban settings).
Research in New Jersev indicates that relamelv low levels
;hould be expected
F. End Use and Disposition of Leaf Compost
Gejieral Characteristics: I eaf compost i> a soil-like
•naterul valued primanlv as a soil amendment. The
nutrient content of leaf compost is usuallv too low 10
consider it as a fertilizer Generally, leaf compost piles
.nclude clumps of uncomposted leaves, branches and
other foreign materials which, if not screened out.
significant!} decrease the value of the compost Screening
or shredding increases the value of the compost.
Market Opportunities: In determining market opportun-
les ihe following procedure should be followed.
Imemorv possible markets
Idemifv their specifications.
• Idemifv their rupacuv to absorb tin- compost. This
should include the amount used each year, the
seasonalnv of use, and projections for long-term usage.
• Identify their shipping and deliverv requirements.
• Idemifv revenue potentials of target markets
There are a number of market opportunities for leaf
compost. The> include.
Municipalities: Continual and extensive need lor
compost t>pe products as soil amendments and mulch.
Screening the compost uill make the product usable on
a larger variety of jobs.
LanditipiHg hidustr Coiinnual .md extensive nrrd lor
compo~!-t\pr piodur •> as suil .unuulmiins .nui nuilcli
Tin- ru-Tipoii phonic IK- s«u-eiu-d to rtin is recommended.
20
-------
Appendix A: Trouble Shooting Guide For Operating Windrows
Problem Cause Solution
Oaor
' Low windrow temperature
i
j
H:?h windrow temperature
\
• Surface ponding
Rats
Mosquitoes
E \cesi moisture
Temperature greater than 140° F
Leaf compaction
; Surface ponding
i
i U'mdrow too small
\ Insufficient moisture
! Poor aeration
Leaf companion
Insufficient oxygen
Depressions or ruis
Inadequate slope
Presence of garbage
Presence of stagnant water
Turn windrow
Turn or reduce wirtdzow size
Turn or reduce windrow size
Eliminate ponding regradc
Combine windrows
Add water while turning windrow
Turn w mdrow
Turn or reduce windrow size
Turn windrow
Fill depression and/or regrade
Grade sue 10 recommended slope
design
Remove garbage
Eliminate ponding
31
-------
Appendix B: Weight, Volume and Bag Count Data
Description
Data*
A. Bagged or loose leases in a compactor truck:
(1) Actual count based on one full load of 31 cu yd, weighing 14,525 Ib and
containing 1,550 bags (Springfield, MA, 1987, reported b> Macy)
(2) Average by truckload based on truck capacity without adjustment
for partial!) filled loads:
a. Averaged over 1,745,380 Ib (Springfield, MA. 1987, reported by Macy)
b Averaged over 1,413,010 Ib (Waterbun, Ct, 1987, from town records)
(3) A grneral estimate (reported bv Derr;
B. Loose leases collected with vacuum equipment and blonn into a leaf box:
(1) Average bv truckload based on truck capacity without adjustment for partially
filled loads
a. Averaged over approximately 150 loads, Scarsdale, NY (reported by Rice)
(2) A general estimate (reported by Derr)
C. Loose leaves loaded into an open truck with a front end loader:
(I) Average by truckload based on truck capacity without adjustment
for partially filled loads.
a. Averaged over 13 loads (Springfield. MA, 1987. reported by Macy)
(2) A grneral estimate [reported bv Derr)
D. Bagged leaves in an open truck:
(1) Based on 9.37 Ib/bag and an assumed average bag volume of 25 gallons
(3.34 cu ft/bag^
9.37 Ib/bag
50.0 bags/cu yd;
468.5 Ib/cu yd;
414 Ib/cu yd
555 Ib/cu yd
450 Ib/'cu yd
190 Ib/cu yd
350 Ib/cu yd
371 Ib/cu yd
250 Ib/cu )d
75.7 Ib/cu yd
•These estimates reflect a v anetj of measurement techniques, moisture conditions, and degrees of compaction and are presented
here as a general guide.
32
-------
Appendix C: Leaf Collection Equipment and Approximate Prices in 1988
Description Cost
A. Compactor trucks:
(1) 20 cu yd; 240 hp diesel, automatic transmission, single axle $80.000
(2) 25 cu yd, 270 hp diesel, automatic transmission double axle $ 95,000
B. Vacuum leaf collectors:
(1) Trailer mounted; belt driven; 12-inch intake; 12,000 cfm;
a) With gasoline engine $ 20,000
b) With diesel engine $ 21.500
(2) Trailer mounted; pouer-take-off and clutch connection; $ 14,000
18-inch intake; 24,000 cfm; diesel engine
(3) Trailer mounted; impeller on engine crankshaft; $ 7,500
18-inch intake, 22,000 cfm; gasoline engine;
a) With 14 cu yd dump box $ 14,500
b) With 20 cu yd dump box $ 16,000
C. Catch basin cleaners:
(1) Complete unit including truck; 12-inch intake; 12,000 dfm; diesel engine
on vacuum unit;
a) 10 cu yd capacity $100,000
b) 16 cu yd capacity $120,000
33
-------
Appendix D: Compost Processing Equipment and Approximate Prices in 1988
Description
A. Front end loaders:
! (1) 90 hp with 1.75 cu >d bucket
(2) 1 15 hp with 3 cu \d bucket
1
(3) 155 hp tractor (without bucket)
a) 3 cu yd bucket
b) 7 cu yd woodchip and snow bucket
c) Quick attachment svstem
(4) 82 hp tractor (vMthout bucket)
a) Lease wiih 1 6 cu vd bucket
(5i 123 hp tractor (without bucket)
a) Lease with 2 -5 cu yd bucket
(6) 158 hp tractor (vs uhout bucket)
a) Lease with 3 0 cu yd bucket
(Note Based on experience in Springfield, MA, a 3 cu yd loader can
load lifted high and allowed to cascade into a new windrow )
Cost
55,000
70,000
80,000
4,800
7,400
3,900
60,000
2,600/month
87.000
3,600/month
$111,000
$ 4,600/month
turn approximately 180 cu >d per hour with each
B. Specialized aerating and turning equipment:
(1) Flail type, self propelled: turns windrows up to 7 ft. high and 18 ft. wide 5160,000
at a rate of up to 3.000 tons per hour; 360 hp; not easily transported j
between sites HO 6" wide and 14' 6" high on low bed trailer! '
(2) Auger t\pe. mounted on a tractor that can be used with numerous optional $180,000
attachments, turns vundro^s up 6 ft. high and 10 ft wide at a rate of up to
3,000 tons per hour; engine options of 177 to 225 hp; not convenient for
long distance transport; can be driven on road at a maximum speed of
20 mi/hr
(3) Flail type: powered b> 177 hp engine while attached to a front loader (loader $ 65,000
not included); turns windrows up to 5 or 6 ft. high and 14 ft. wide at a
rate of up to 800 tons per hour; can be loaded on a flat bed truck with a front
end loader equipped with a quick catch s\stem
(4) Flail t>pe; attaches to a large farm t>pe tractor with a three point hitch and S 30,000
power-take-off (The tractor should have 100 to 225 hp and a hydrostatic
transmission or a creeper transmission with 2 or 3 speeds under 1/3 mi/hr with
power-take-off at 1,000 rpm); turns windrows 5 to 6 ft. high and 14 ft. wide
at a rate of up to 600 tons per hour; special wheels for over the road transport
C. Separating and shredding equipment:
(1) 25 cu yd/hr; 18 hp gasoline engine $ 17,000
(2) 75 cu yd/hr; 55 hp diesel engine $ 40,000
(3) 200 cu yd/hr; 110 hp diesel engine $91,000
34
-------
COMPOST MARKETING IN NEV ENGLAND
Mark E. Lang
Ronald A. Jager
Composting has become a widely accepted sludge management technology
throughout New England. Thirty-five facilities currently operate in the
six state region, processing approximately 150 dry tans of sludge per day.
Interest in composting continues, as demonstrated by sixteen facilities in
the design or construction phases. Another seventeen municipalities and
six regional authorities are considering implementing composting programs.
A survey of the thirty-five composting facilitias currently operating
in New England was conducted to determine the success of their compost
marketing programs. The survey was designed to provide market demand
information to municipalities and regional authorities considering the
implementation of composting facilities, as well as Chose responsible for
developing and maintaining existing compost marketing programs. The
information was obtained by telephone interviews and a literature review.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON PLANTS SURVEYED
Table 1 presents general information about each of the facilities. The
table describes the type of wastewater treatment process, and gives
information about the composting processes employed by the facility. Types
of amendment used and product screening are factors noted as having an
impact on compost marketability. These impacts are discussed in a later
section. For comparison purposes the table provides the current amendment
cost(s) incurred by each facility and compost screening methods.
0608430. d
-------
TABLE 1. COMPOST PROCESS INFORMATION
FACILITY
CONNECTICUT
BRISTOL
FAJRFIELD
GREENWICH
RIDCEFIELD
MAINE
BANGOR
BAR HARBOR
KENNE3UNKPORT
KTTTERY
LINCOLN
OLD ORCHARD
BEACH/ SACO
OLD TOWN/ORONO
RUMFORD/MEXICO
SCARBOROUGH
SOUTH PORTLAND
YARMOUTH
MASSACHUSETTS
BARRE
BRIDGEWATER
LEISTER
MANSFIELD
MARLBOROUGH
ROCKPORT/
GLOUSTER
SOUTH BRIDGE
SWAMPSCOTT
WESTBOROUGH/
SHREWSBURY
WILLJAMSTOWN/
HOOSAC
NEW HAMPSHIRE
BRISTOL
CLAREMONT
DURHAM
LEBANON
MERRJMACX
MILFORD
PLYMOUTH
SUNAPEE
RHODE ISLAND
JAMESTOWN
WEST WARRICK
TREATMENT
PROCESS
AS
AS
AS
EA
P
AS
AS
AS
RBC
AS
AS
RBC/ AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
EA
RBC
EA
AS
AS
AS
P
AS
P
AS
AS
AS
AS
EA
AS
AS
AS
AS
AS
P
EA
EA
AS
AVERAGE SLUDGE
PRODUCTION
(DT/DAY)
13.0
3.0
1.7
3.5
2.0
Q.I
0.1
0.1
0.5
3.0
1.3
0.4
0.9
3.3
0.5
0.01
0.7
0.1
1.2
9.8
1.2
1.9
0.5
2.7
8.0
0.3
3.0
1.4
1.2
12.0
0.8
0.3
0.2
0.2
14.0
COMPOST
PROCESS
ASP
HAB
ASP
SP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
CW
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
AW
CW
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
AW
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
ASP
CW
ASP
AMENDMENT
BA
YW
SD
YW
we
we
BA
we
WS
we
WS
wc/ws
BA
SD
we
we
we
we
we
we
HB
we
WC
WC
WC
WC
WC/BA
WC
WC
WC
we
WC/SD
WC
WC
BA
COST OF
AMENDMENT
(S/CY)
20/TON
0
NA
0
3.00
NA
8.00
6.00
1.25
6.00
2.75
3.40
8.00
11.00
5.40
4.00
5.50
7.80
5.00
5.00
0
7.00
0
5.25
7.23
0
5.50/8.00
6.50
5.00
4.00
5.00
6.60
NA
0
2/TON
PRODUCT
SCREENING
NONE
NONE
TROMMEL
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
TROMMEL
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
TROMMEL
NONE
HARPWIRE
TROMMEL
NONE
TROMMEL
NONE
TROMMEL
HARPWIRE
NONE
TROMMEL
TROMMEL
TROMMEL
HARPWIRE
TROMMEL
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
LEGEND: NA = NOT AVAILABLE HAB = HORIZONTAL AGITATED BIN
AS = ACTIVATED SLUDGE SP = STATIC PILE
EA = EXTENDED AERATION BA = BIOASH
P = PRIMARY HB = HORSE BEDDING
RBC = ROTATING BIOLOGICAL CONTACTOR SD = SAWDUST
ASP = AERATED STATIC PILE WC = WOOD CHIPS
AW = AERATED WINDROW WS = WOOD SHAVINGS
CW = CONVENTIONAL WINDROW
-------
COMPOST MARKETING INFO POTION
Compost is used in various ---ays. Table 2 presents typical uses and
selling prices of finished compost in New England. Where available the
approximate distribution of compost among end users is indicated as a
percentage of the total volume.
Compost distribution methods also vary. The most popular is compost
pick up at the treatment facilities. Host facilities load bulk user
vehicles, while small quantity users must load their own vehicles. Several
facilities delivered compost locally for a modest fee. The price charged
for compost varies considerably throughout New England, from give away
programs to §10 per cubic yard. The average price charged for facilities
which sell compost is $i,37 per cubic yard for large volume commercial
users and $2.55 per cubic yard for small volume residential users.
Twelve of the facilities surveyed give compost away. These include
five facilities which supply all of their compost to public agencies and
publicly owned landfills. To date, twelve facilities have either not
identified markets or developed pricing structures.
The survey identified seven primary compost uses. They are loam
production, agriculture, land reclamation, use by public agencies,
contractors, home owners and private brokers. Of the thirty-five
facilities, eighteen have developed more than one end use for the product.
0608^30.d
-------
TABLE 2. COMPOST MARKETING INFORMATION
FACILITY
COMPOST_SELLING
SELLING'PRICE
COMM/RESID
(S/CY)
TYPICAL USES
CONNECTICUT
BRISTOL
FAIRFIELD
GR2E.NWICH
RIDGEFIELD
MAINE
BANGOR
BAA HARBOR
KENNE3UNKPORT
KITTERY
LINCOLN
OLD ORCHARD
BEACH/ SACO
OLD TOWN/ORONO
RUMFORD/MEXICO
SCARBOROUGH
SOUTH PORTLAND
YARMOUTH
MASSACHUSETTS
BARRE
BRIDGEWATER
0
0
10/3
3
3/0
NA
5/1
2/4
NA/0
NA
NA
LANDFILL, daily cover
PUBLIC AGENCIES highway dept.. tree nursuty
LANDFILL: vegitauve support
PUBLIC AGENCIES, highway dept.. parks dept.
HOMEOWNERS
CONTRACTORS. (70%)
LANDFILL, intermediate cover
PUBLIC AGENCIES: parks dept.. building grounds
HOMEOWNERS
CONTRACTORS
HOMEOWNERS
CONTRACTORS
PUBLIC AGENCIES: parks dept.
HOMEOWNERS
LOAM PRODUCTION
PUBLIC AGENCIES: highway dept.
HOMEOWNERS: (34%)
LOAM PRODUCTION: (66%)
PUBLIC AGENCIES: parks dept.. new construction
LANDFILL: vegitative support
HOMEOWNERS: (90%)
CONTRACTORS
PUBLIC AGENCIES: cesoary
LANDFILL: vegitative support
CONTRACTORS
NURSURJES
LOAM PRODUCTION
HOMEOWNERS
LAND RECLAMATION: gravel pit
NURSERIES: (AVERAGE = 25%)
LOAM PRODUCTION: (AVERAGE = 75%)
AGRICULTURE
PUBLIC AGENCIES: parks dept.
LOAM PRODUCTION
PRIVATE BROKER
CONTRACORS. (20%)
NO MARKET IDENTIFIED: (80%)
STOCK PILE: awaiting classification
STOCK PILE awaiting c'.issificatien
-------
TABLE 2. COMPOST MARKETING INFORMATION
(continued)
FACILITY
COMPOST SELLING
SELLING PRICE
COMM/RESID
(S/CY)
TYPICAL USES
MASSACHUSETTS
(continued)
LEICESTER
MANSFIELD
MARLBOROUGH
ROCKPORT/
GLOUCESTER
SOUTHBRJDGE
SWAMPSCOTT
WESTBOROUGH/
SHREWSBURY
WILLIAMSTOWN/
HOOSAC
NEW HAMPSHIRE
BRISTOL
CLAREMONT
DURHAM
LEBANON
MERRLMACK
MILFORD
PLYMOUTH
SUNAPEE
RHODE ISLAND
JAMESTOWN
WEST WARRICK
NA
NA
NA
NA
0
NA
NA
NA
0
0
0
2
NA/0
NA
NA
0
STOCK PILE, awaiting classification
STOCK PILE, recently classified
PRIVATE BROKER: ccsiract pending compost
classification
LANDFILL: vegitative support
AGRICULTURAL
STOCK PILE: type III compost
STOCK PILE: no marks identified
STOCK PILE: type in compost
PUBLIC AGENCIES parks depc. highway dept.
LANDFILL, vegitative support
LAND RECLAMATION, sand pit
PUBLIC AGENCIES, parks dept.. buddiflg grounds.
cemeteries
PUBLIC AGENCIES parks dept.. highway dept.
HOMEOWNERS: (40%)
CONTRACTORS
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
HOMEOWNERS
CONTRACTORS
PUBLIC AGENCIES, parks dept., highway dept.
HOMEOWNERS
PRIVATE BROKER
PUBLIC AGENCIES: highway dept.. cemetaries
HOMEOWNERS
CONTRACTORS
LAND RECLAMATION: gravel pit
PUBLIC AGENCIES, budding grounds
STATE COLLEGE: (50*)
HOMEOWNERS
NO MARKET IDENTIFIED
LANDFILL, vegitame Jupport
LANDFILL, vegitame support
NA = NOT AVAILABLE
-------
PUBLIC -GENCIE;
Nir.ereen facilities provide compose for public agencies Co use.
Typical recurrir.g uses include the maintenance of parks, recreational
areas, cemeteries, road embankments and building grounds. Workers apply
compost as mulch around trees and shrubs or as a top dressing on lawn
areas. Bristol, Connecticut uses all of its compost as daily cover on
their landfill.
Large one-rime uses of compost have included the construction of
baseball fields, cemeteries, and the installation of roadside curbing. By
far the largest bulk use of compost by the public sector has beer, in the
operation and closure of landfills. One town uses compost as grading
material prior to capping and seven use compost to development vegetative
support layers on their capped landfills.
CONTRACTORS
General ar.d landscape contractors also represent a major market for
compost in New England. Nine facilities reported the sale or give away of
compost to contractors. In Kennebunkporc, Maine, compost facility
operators call contractors each spring to take the compost stockpiled
throughout the winter. In the spring of 1989 the facility distributed 800
to 900 cubic yards of compost in less than three hours. Operators reported
lines of waiting trucks.
LOAM PRODUCTION
Five facilities reported the use of their compost in Che production of
loam. Where markets have been developed, loam production represents a
significant segment. Contractors buy nearly 75 percent of the compost
produced by the Scarborough, Maine facility for $3 per cubic yard. The
contractors mix the material with sandy soil at volumetric compost to soil
ratios ranging from 1:2 to 1:5. Loam is currently selling for $10 to $14
per cubic yard along the Maine sea coast.
0608430.d
-------
HOMEOWNERS
Homeowners also represent a significant market at several facilities.
Mair.e's Bangor, Bar Harbor and Old Orchard/Saco facilities dispense the
bulk of the compost to homeowners. Recipients typically pick up compost at
the plant in containers ranging from five-gallon buckets to pickup trucks.
A disadvantage of this method of distribution is the amount of time the
operating staff spends helping homeowners load containers. Educating
individual users on the proper use of the product also takes time.
AGRICULTURE
To date, the agricultural market in New England is underdeveloped.
Only two facilities, Rockport/Gloucester, Massachusetts and Scarborough,
Maine, report using compost as a top dressing on hayfields.
PRIVATE BROKERS
Private brokers understand the benefits of using compost and are often
associated with large volume soil users. As a result, they can develop
broad markets for compost, ranging from nurseries to the establishment of
golf courses. Municipalities benefit by having their product
professionally marketed, provided they maintain the quality of their
compost. Two of the facilities contacted had entered contracts with
private brokers and a third has an agreement pending successful
classification of their compost by the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP).
LAND RECLAMATION
Two facilities report the use of their compost to reclaim exhausted
gravel pits and a third reports using compost in reclaiming a sandpit.
0608430.d
-------
NO y_--=/I7 IDENTIFIED
Of the nine facilities which had no: successfully marketed their
compost, three were availing classification of the compose by the
Massachusetts DE?, one only recently received classification, and tvo
received Type III classifications. Type III compost is the lowest
classification assigned in Massachusetts. Producers cannot distribute this
material unless the Massachusetts DEP approves its suitability for a
specified use and grants a certificate authorizing the person receiving the
compost to use it.
The remaining three facilities which have not identified markets for
their compost were small generators. Two produced an average of ten to
fifteen cubic yards of compost per day. The third composts sludge after
reed bed dewatering. That facility cleans its reed beds every seven to ten
years, which produces about ninety cubic yards of compost.
FACTORS AFFECTING MARKETABILITY
Three primary factors emerged as having an impact on compost
marketability. These are the type of amendment used, final compost
screening, and the level of effort associated with the marketing program.
Most composting facilities in New England use woodchips as an
amendment. Several facilities, however, have produced what they feel to be
a more desirable product by switching to other amendments. Greenwich,
Connecticut facility personnel note that a significant amount of their
compost is used as surface dressing on new lawns. When woodchips were used
as an amendment the chips became visible during rainstorms, a
characteristic that owners found unattractive. Operators noticed an
increase in interest in their compost when they switched from woodchips to
yardwaste as the amendment.
0608430.d
-------
Similarly, Souch Portlar.c Maine operators saw an improvement in their
market when they switched free aerated static pile composting with
woodchips as the amendment to aerated windrow composting with sawdust.
Five facilities now use bioash as an amendment. Though the primary
reason for switching to bioash was odor control, several facilities noted
that it also produces a more desirable product. Scarborough Maine had
trouble distributing their compost when it included woodchips. Now, with a
product that is Jet black and looks much like high quality loazi,
contractors take compost as fast as the facility generates it.
Kennebunkport, Maine operators say that although they were always able to
market their compost, interest has increased since they switched to bioash.
Although woodchips in the final product may be desirable for some
uses, such as in mulch, several facilities found a screened product easier
to market. Greenwich, Connecticut and Merrimack, New Hampshire both noted
a higher degree of interest in their product when they screened. The
Sunapee, New Hampshire operators, who cleaned the facility's reed beds two
years ago, believe high woodchip content is a key factor in their inability
to distribute their product.
Today, marketing at most facilities remains low profile and is
dependent primarily on word of mouth. Operators emphasize process control.
While Chey must produce a consistently high quality product to develop and
maintain markets, they must also begin developing and maintaining marketing
programs.
The survey identified four key factors in existing successful
marketing programs. Successful marketers understand the proper use of
compost and convey this information to end product users. They maintain
communication with users to help overcome any difficulties, and share in
their successes. They also encourage public agencies and contractors
performing public work to use compost, allowing development of visible
examples of its benefits.
0608430.d
-------
Mark E. Lang and Ronald A. Jager are Project Manager and Project
Engineer respectively, for Dufresne-Henry, Inc. in North Springfield,
Veraonc.
REFERENCES:
1. Goldstein, Nonna; Riggle, David; "Healthy Future for Sludge
Composting." Biocycle, December 1989.
2. Donovan, John. "Markets for Sludge Composts." Biocycle, February
1990.
0608430.d
-------
Services of Mead Data Central, Inc.
PAGE
25TH S70R- :* Level 1 printed in FULL fcrjn
Copyright '993 St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Inc.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
May 20. 1993, THURSDAY, FIVE STAR Edition
SECTION: ZONE WEST; pg. 1
LENGTH: 657 words
HEADLINE: EXPERT ADVICE SOUGHT ON ELIMINATING ODOR FROM ROTTING LEAVES
BYLINE: Neal Learner Post-Dispatch Special Correspondent
BODY:
The foul smell coming from Ladue's leaf mulching facility continues to create
foul tempers among nearby residents.
Ladue's Superintendent of Public Works, Dennis Bible, presented the Ladue
City Council with several proposals to stop the vile smell causea by decaying
vegetation at the leaf composting site. 9810 South Outer 40 Road. But Bible
recommended seeking advice from several experts before going ahead with plans
that would cost the city nearly $ 200.000.'
A number of residents frcm the adjacent neighborhoods of Twin Springs and
Tall Timbers expressed anger at a situation they felt had already gone on too
long. They demanded the board take immediate action or close down the facility.
Resident Alicia Tierney said, "It's unbearable. We're regularly prevented
from using our yards and opening our windows. Ue don't want to sacrifice another
summer." Others complained of headaches caused by the smell.
Council Member Joyce Merrill, 3rd Ward, said of her visit to the neighborhood
last Thursday, "I had trouble breathing. I thought I was going to be sick to my
stomach."
Bible said the smell comes from the huge stockpile of leaves at the site.
"When you dig into it, it really hits you. It's doubly bad because we've had so
much rain." He noted that the leaves were being sprayed with chemicals to knock
out the smell, but that the rain would "drive out the stuff we treated."
The runoff from the persistent rain has created a standing swill of
decomposing, rotten vegetation.
Mayor Edith Spink said, "The only way to get rid of the problem is to get rid
of the swill."
This is one of Bible's proposals. He explained that the stockpile lies on a
grade of only 2 percent, which does not allow water to drain quickly. The
proposal calls for placing the stockpile on a steeper 7 percent grade, creating
a more efficient drainage system for the swill.
Another possibility is to create more rows of leaves where the decomposition
takes place. According to Bible, these rows create no smell. With the facility
using less than 5 acres on a U-acre plot, Bible said the area could accommodate
enough rows of leaves to eliminate any need for a stockpile.
LEXIS NEXIS LEXIS NEXIS
-------
Se-. :es of Meai Data Central, Inc.
£:. Louis ?i5t-Dis:aich, May.20, i??3
Councilman Robert f.uad, 3ra Usrd, said, "I don't nun- spend:-; $ 200,000 for
tne existing site if tnere is a 95 percent chance of success." Mi,Dd agreed with
Bible tnat further opinions should be sought before funcs coula :•= allocated.
"1 want to have twc other opinions aaout the source of the s-sil by the next
meeting," he said.
Resident BurdicK Burtch said he appreciated the board's intsr.:ions to fix the
problem, but that if tne city's efforts were unsuccessful, the city should
remove the facility from a residential neighborhood.
Bible has already looked intj the possibility of hauling the leaves to a
landfill. The cost to do this would be more than $ 656.QOO. Otns- immediate.
less expensive options call for covering the stockpile with a plsstic tarp or
shelter'to keep off rain water.
The smell is not the only proolem at the site. Noiss from the facility's
hammer-mill, used for making wood chips, can be heard throughout the area. The
council is considering installing an innovative "living-wall" built of recycled
plastic segments that are filled with dirt. Harry Sanders, president of the
company that builds these earth-based walls, presented his procjct to the board.
He said this type of wall, which has been used in several European countries,
has never been built in America. The dirt in the wall acsorbs tne sound rather
than bouncing it back like tracitional metal or plastic barriers. The barriers
can also be planted with vegetation to greatly improve its appearance.
The walls can be adjusted to a height of 21 feet, depending en the
•ecommendation of sound engineers.
Spink noted that this type of wall was less expensive than tne traditional
barriers.
LANGUAGE: English
LEXIS NEXIS LEXIS NEXIS
-------
LEAF
COMPOSTING
MANUAL
FOR
NEW JERSEY
MUNICIPALITIES
Peter F. Strom
Melvin S. Finstein
Department of Environmental Science
Cook College and NJ Agricultural Experiment Station
Rutgers, the State University "of New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection, Office of Recycling
-------
The Ssc.-.sniss cf Leaf Cr= seating
Leaf cc=postlr.g, ir. relation tc other wastes, haa levera! liv&r.t
Leaves arTalraady separated, (2) they are relatively «S7 tc cclle-t, (3)
the? do not ji?e off serious odcrs during collection, (4) they can usually be
transported tc nearby »it«a, (5) • lew-level cc-spcatir-g techr.clcgy -AT. be
used, (6) ciirectics. and pracesaing •c.uipcest is easily available, (7)
esspoatir-g produces • useful product, and (8} tha conpesting prcitaa i
Tba fciiowirg S4etior.a dlaeuaa how ovnici?alitie3 eaa prcperly aasesa
the esata ar.i ber.efjia that are aaaociitad with leaf coo pea
5sstT aasssiated vith the es=?eatii« of leaves are a^^narised i=
Table 1, i==r^riss lar.d, lar.d isprsveser.ta, windrow fsrsaticr., c==:ir.i.is
wirdrsws, fe^iiss, c-^rir^ pile formation, »e?aratior./ahreddi.ig ar.d ovcrr.e-i.
Csllectisa esata are =st Included aisse It ia aaa-jsed that the fallen leaves
will be ccllectAd r*£ardless ef which selid waata aa.-^3e=er.t c^isr. is
eserriaed- b; ••!:• svr.ici?ality.
Th« tctal ar^aal coat of lea* cospcatiJig car. be determined fsr a
specific si^T'Ey aiding all cost catteries »r.owr. is. tr-a ariached b-^dgs-:
woricsr.eet wiitrii — are appropriate for that facility. Th« cosputaticr. of the
•.ual cost fcr ar.y depreciable asset lasting for more thar. a year car. be Bade
uai.-_s t.-.* capital recovery factor (C?J"), The asset* a tcta.1 ccat is
- __ Ltiplied" Sy" ^he appropriate C?.?. Tha coats for eq-iipaest sr.o'ild be
calculated t«.*»itiplyi,ig their purchase price by the d" ar.d ther. multiplying
thia aacur.t b^ the actual fractier. of the tine the •quipaer.t is used for
ccspcstisg." 1 listir^ of GIT's cac be four.d is Table 3.
... . - The- cc£?uta ties of the annual lar.d coat deserves sep&rsta sen tier..
Lar.d ia norsallyjist depr»ciat*d since the sit« is not destroyed thrcug.-. use.
Use, the site could be used for ether purposes if cospo sting wers tc eeaae or
be relocated -ts-another «it«. The appropriate charge for land, therefore,
would be its earjcet value multiplied by the interest rata that could have been
earned if this value was invested.
-------
increase of $2.50 per ten in 15 = 5, anc additional increases in
trie following years.
Tne lane-filling of leaves incurs important "hidden" ccsts
sucn as increased transpcrtaticn anc maintenance ccsts en
collection venicles. Tnese ccsts can be recucec as well
tnrougn composting, although exact estimates are difficult.
Anotner direct ce-.efit of leaf composting is a
municipality's eligibility for receiving tcnnage grants basec
on documentation snowing tne quantity of leaves recycled.
Tnese tonnage grants are provicec under the authority cf the
New Jersey Recycling Act cf 1551 (N.J.S.A. 13:1-52 et sec.).
Aac.iticnal information on recycling tonnage grants may be
ootainec from tne county recycling coordinator er tne Ne»
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office cf
Recycling.
Leaf mold, tne enc product of leaf composting, has a
market .value as well. Tenafiy, New Jersey marketed "Tenafiy
humus" for $5 per cucic yard (wet basis) in I960. The cuick
saie df tne total stcc* at f.is price indicates tnat most
, ^0 | ^ < I Mi It *f VMh^ «p V W •» • * «• * • * • W ^ • • ^ •" •• ..••••— — — — .___
**r,jiy it was sclc celcw its market value. If a value cf $6.50
per c-jpic yard anc a yielc rate of 20 percent of tne initial
volume is assumed, tnen tnis »:ulfl be equivalent to $1.30 per
cuoic yarc or $7.60 per ten in revenue for tne original
volume. It woulc be appropriate for a municipality tc use
$7.tO per ton in tneir cenefit calculations whether the leaf
mole is scic cr given away. Tne benefits associated with leaf
composting are summarized in Tarie 2.
Additional Eccnciric Considerations
Municipalities may want to consider some type of
cccperative agreement w.iereoy equipment and facilities are
snared. For example, one community may supply- the leaf
composting site wnile anotner supplies the front-end loaders.
Also, tney may want to consicer jointly leasing equipment for
peak aemand periods.
Data from otner leaf composting operations suggest that
costs are very-hign for small volume facilities but decrease
rapidly as size increases. Costs oecrease in large part flue to
tne spreading of fixed ccsts of equipment, supervision, land
ana land improvements over more tons of leaves.
Contraoting with a private vendor for leaf collection and
composting may DC an economical alternative. Equipment could
oe used mere days during the year, thus lowering unit oasts. _ A
venaor could handle a sufficient numoer of smaller communities
so tnat tne volume would oe large enough tc keep costs tc an
acceptable level. Aisc, a veneer woulc have a greater
incentive to meet tne current marxet neecs (botn qua-titv anc
quality) fcr leaf mclc cr fcr self-use sjcn as resi:e"tis.
landscaping.
-------
The fsllswins estiaat^s are based upca • aystaa handlins j:,33C s-.bis
yards cf leases eaih year er. a "I-acre lit*. This eraaple represe-ts a rat.ier
"•-ge eospsatins facility •«• costs per -tsn would be minimised.
Cs=?eati.y Casts; The ecspost aita ir.cludaa 10 acres of lar.d Taluei at
$3,5CC per a:ra azd la=d ia?rr?«=ar.ta at $3»200 par »cr«. (It la &33>=ed t.-^t
tha leaves ir« turr.ed two tlies, moved to a stcraga area, and t£at vat«r is
added tc er_-j^is« eocpcstlr^.) i 5-percent lnt-er«at nt« is charged er. ar.j
assets ar^i a 1S-j«ar life ar^ietanej is used to eosp'-rta the de;reciati=r..
Cos;eitl£i eoata ara «ati=at«d to ba $5.19 P«r ton of leaves es=pcatad (Table
D.
•Her.efits; Total beneflta ar« eatliat*d to b« $21.55 per tor., ezoaedir.g
the cast sr esrpsstir^ (Table 2). If a Hur.icipality is already eslleetir.g its
leaves, thar. it seeds to look ealy at the eocposti^g ecata and ecspare. thes to
the be.-.efita iz crder to sake the deeisioa whether to eosport er sot.
T>.e ti;?ii^ fee avoided is the largea-i baaefit followed by the v»lue
ef cccpssi«d leaves. The tor.-a^e grar.t is based upca an $5 per tor. rats
appersisned over a 10-year period using the capital recovery factor. IT.
esser.ce, tre rebate is ass\=ed to "be placed in aa intarast-bearir-s asoc-jr.t.
The crislT-al rebate ar.d interest are appcrtioRed ov«r tie 10 years to offset
costs. If the tcr.-jsa grant prosrsn is modified to provide yearly grants,
ther. this be-afit would increase. 1 The value cf ccepcsted leaves is
estinitad at ST.15 per ton of original volume. The reduced depreciatior. and
saintarjnce or. trucks is a nominal rate, because actual data are not
available.
1-. rj=, es-iinates ef beaefita and costs of leaf cccpostins indicate a
ry favcr^rla cutosae—sore favorable than the direct aonetary benefits and
costs ef ether recycling prograns.
-------
Table 1. Er:inat*d Cost cf Ua* Ccspoatiss Per 1= of Leasts (l5£i)
!—. M
^». •
Coc pea ting
I*r.d
Land Iryrsvesenta
Initial Yladrsvisg
Combining Windrows
Vatar
Tur=ins (2 tiaea)
Storage Pile Formation
Separation/' Shredding
Coctingeneiea _2/
Overhead
Total
J./Tne coat ef vindrovir^, adding wa
derived frc= Le-r Cc-r^cstinz. An
K'JT.iciralitiea tJuir 1950;.
S
1.4S
.95
.36
.36
.49
.72
.40
3.02
.60
.83
9.19
ter, and separatisn/ar^-edlmg was
Irzleser.tatior. Guide for
Refers ta \nspesLfied birt pctential eosta due to \ausual weather
esr.ditisr.a, equipcer.t breaxdswr., adiitlonal taaperarj labsr, overtise,
and aite calr.t«nance, etc.
-------
Table 2. Zati^ated Benefits of Leaf Cospcstiij par Toe cf Leavts
Recycling Rebate £/ 1.25
3. 7»lue of Cs=?cst*d Leaves 7.40
4. Savings d-ja tc lasa trips to landfill 1.00
(Jioslaal) J/
Total SZ4.6?
Reriecta the =i.".i=-^ tippl.-^ fee rmt«a ii Hew Jersey. Ti??ir^ ftea
&ra mush higher ir. sose cs=initiea.
1] The reeTclL-^ r«bat« is ar.-.uali:»d usisg the capital wcs^ery factar.
It is aarjred that a first year only rebate is placed Is. an
interest assa-^r.t (9 p«rse.-.t) , se principal and interest eaa be
used as revenue.
2/ Refers tc the saTir.gs ir. tra.is?ert easts, vaitir^ tiae at landfills,
and reduced depreciation and mainterAnce ccsta on garbage trucks
ti.-^ frcs fawer trips ta the landfill.
-------
Taole 3. Capital RecaTtry lactar Values I/
Tears
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
6
9
10
7
1.0700
.5531
.3311
.2952
.2439
.2098
.1855
.1675
.1535
.1424
a
1.0=00
.5608
.3830
.3019
.2505
.2163
.1921
.1740
.1601
.1490
Lr.tares* Rata
0*
1.0900
.5655
.3951
.3037
.2571
.2229
.1937
.1807
.1668
.1558
10
1.1000
.5762
.4021
.3155
.2538
.2296
.2054
.1874
.1736
.1627
j./ The farsuia far cosy-ting capital recovery factors not preser.t«i
hers is as fallows:
vhera: i • ir.t«r*st or disaovat rate
£ • n-j=ier of years
-------
B~:r: woF.ss-izr ?:-. LIXT CC-PCSTIXC ccsrs UD B^irrri
Corsa:
i. Cats Bonitsrir«s, dir»stir.g tr-islca, measuresest
and sale/giTe away ef leaves:
( fara/wjc) x ( wki/yr) x (J /fcr) • $ /jr.
2. Frcr.t-end loader equipment cperatcrs (windrow
formation tr.d t-jrrJjxg):
( hrs/vx) x ( wks/jr) x (J /hr) - $ /yr.
3. AiilJis water tc leaves:
( hrs/mc) x ( wks/j?) x ($ /hr) • J /jr.
EqMipce.-.t cperatars tc re=rre leases
frss e:=?=st site area tc storage:
( fcrs/vk) x ( wka/TT) x ($ /fcr) « S /jr.
5. Leaf separstisn ar.d shredii^^:
( hrs/wiO x ( wka/7r) x (S /fcr) - S /jr.
6. 7~ui"er.t repair:
"("^ "hra/wkj x (' WKS/TT) x ($ /fcr) « J /yr.
7n*^»«» _ • ' * » •»•'• *• •» • •»**«•, •
• U v*«B» * 3« «9 an »•• •^••^•wB •
( hra/wje) x ( wks/rr) x (S /fcr) « $ /yr.
Tstal hourly labor cssta: Add lir.es 1, 2, 3, • $ /yr.
4, 5, 6 ar.d 7
5. ( Tctal cost cf hovs-lj wages) x
(. Percent frir^e benefits) • S /yr.
10. Tstal labsr costs: add lir.es B aad 9 • $
B. La^d
Total 7alu0
11. ( lores) x ( Current Talua per acre) « ) /yr.
12. Total lar.d cost;
T Total rmluv) x C- Interest Rat*) • $ /yr.
C. Lar.d Is proves en ta
13. (S Sita Graiins) x ('. d?)
-------
"A
15
16
17
18
S.
19
2=
21
22
I.
23
21
25
r.
26
27
22
29
30
31
32
. (S
. ($
. (S
. ($
. Teta
2rai_-ag9 5yst*=} x (. CRT)
Vatar Sf«t«=) x (. C2j)
Roads) x (. CST)
GatV'anse) x (. CPJ1)
1 land L=trsve=sr.ts esst:
Adi lines 13, 14, 15, 1cT~ani 17
Equipment
. ($
I (
. (s
. (s
.Total
Suild
. (s
. (*
. Tcta
^^••^•••0
Other
. (S
. (s
- (I
. (s
. ($
. ($
. ($
Trent End Loaders)
.percent usage f or x{ . C7.F)
Separator /shredder).!/ z( . C?J")
Hand tools) x( . Car)
ecuioc-r.t costs: AJJ lines 15. 20 & 21
i-Ss
Gate house).!/ z; . Ca?)
Scrags ?!/ z;. CaT)
I buildir.ff costs: Add lines 23 and 2i
Costs
Insurance)
Legal fees)
Gas and oil)
¥at«r)
Supplies)
Electric)
Sita, building and ei^uipaeat
• S
-$
• $
• *
• $
• $
.)
• $
• $
- S
. s
» $
. $
. $
• $
» $
• s
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/7r:
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
/jr.
-------
33. Tstal ether scats: Adi lists 25, r, 25, 2S,
30, r, 32
35. Overhead easts
T Ic-sal 2ir»ct Csrtsl x
( . rtrstnx overhtad) « $
36. Tstal ec=^estirj esgta; Add lists 34 and 35
37. Tctal ecsvs per ten
(S Tetal ccspesti,"^ essta) •£•
( Total tsrj e* ieavas ccrpested) J./ « S /t=r.
.l/Ip^irr-a:. erper.ilr^rsa.
l./Se.-.aitr cf leaves varies bj the eallvetion nethsd. ?or estiiatir^
pur;:ses, leaves pi:£»d «? ar.d placed is a.-. c?«n tr^=k weigr. 250
bo^.is par subis yard; learea t>jst are rac-.-jsed weigh 350 pounds
sr subic yard; ar.d l«avea trat are c==?aet«d neigh 450 po\=:da
er cubis v-rd. Asria.1 valusa will vary depending on acisr^r* contest,
-------
Benefits
1. Tippi-ts fees avoided
f«e P«? ta» o* laaves to be ccspostad
2. Recycling tor.-^g« graat
($ par ton) x (. CU) • $ /'tsr*
3. Talua of leaf Bold produced per tan
of leaves ta b« eospoatad • 5 /tsn
1. Tissi distance , mair.tananse and
depreciation saved on garbage trucks
net travelir^ as oft«n ta lard*illa
per tan of leaves ta be coepcst»d • $ ' ~a
5. Tctal benefits of leaf escipe ati.-vg per tan:
l±i lines 1, 2, 3 and 4 • * /ts:i
10
-------
r. e:«Ts-.ce3
Ee— , DCRT. A. The Zscr.s=ics e_£ Leaf Cc=tssti.-jg . Hew Jersey lgric-.il rural
Isperiaer.t Station, Ccck Cclleje, r.-itsers, tie State University cf New Jersey,
New Srusavisk, H.J., 1SS3, ?<2513-'-33. Reviews th» casts a,id benefits ef
leaf ecspcstiss ar.d sufsestd wajs tc lever the ecsta.
Zst«s, Jack C. Cs=^e'j.d Z.-.ter^st a.-.l A.---.-jit7 Table. McGraw-Hill, L-.c., 1575.
Lists the capital reccvery factors fcr ir.tersst ra-^es fr== 5 ts 3^ percer.t ar.d
Tsr 1 thrsugr. 50 years.
TCas?erf Tistsr, Jr. ar.d Dcr_- A. Eerr, Sl-ufga Caarestlrg ar.d Utilisatisr.: AT.
S;=r:ssis Ar^l-^gia c£ the Carder. S'.udre :s=-rtstirjr FasiliTr, New .'ersej
JL^r^s-lf^ra. Isperiz ar.t £-ia-i=r.t Csc/c Ccllecs, R-^rers, tr.e State UrJ.versit7
c* Sew Jerser, New Smavisk. H.J., 1931. This repsr: goes ir.ts ffreet detail
cr. esti=atir^ jrscedures aptlicasls t= leaf ec=?cstir^.
?.=7«r 's-^dry ar.d Kas-ir.e Cc. . M-^IslTal Leaf Cr=y;5ti.->g. £ Sclid Vaa^e
?.gc?sli.-.r ?r=yra=. Klr.sr:sr.t ?a., -,5~;. A r«r«re.-. = 9 or. the tas.---.isal aspects,
e=— ?=s.-.t a.-.; leaf crllestirr. ccsta e! leaf cc=?csti.-^.
.id Waste liTisisr., yj_-_-.»scta rcll'-tisr. Ccr.trcl Arer.cy, Leaf C==t=stir.r. AT.
IsTlese.-.tatisr. Guide f;r M»-.isirali-:ieg. Rcseville, Mir-r.., July ".?=:. Csv»rs
tr.e tes.-.-.isa: aspects, la.-. a rec,uirs=er.ts, «v— ?=*•* »Rd ccllecticr. ar.d
ec=;c9tir^ ecsts.
Tariaus issues of siccTtle (fcrnerly Ccatcst 5cier.se) OR leaf ccsycsti.-^.
Articles ecv«r tes.-r-.ical ar.d carietlr^ aspects of leaf easpssti.-^. M\siici?al
gcverr— er.t experiences are also discussed.
11
-------
S.'ISS 5«?ar5Bt.-.t
?.e««arcr. Sapcr: Strict
Be. P-52*5:-2-55
Tht Xesaoaira of
Dear. 1. £*rr
.t ef l^risult-^-il £csnosiss tad X&rxtti
Cock Callt^t
"er3«T A^risulr^ra: Iz?«rlser.t Statisr.
a, t>.e Sta^ Dnivtrairy ef Stw Jtrsij
K«v J.rsty l«ririltural Ir?«ria«r.t Statisn, Publisttisa Ko. P-C2552-2-85
r-;?srt*d tj Stat* f-Ads. Th* auxher veuld like ta «exr.cvl»dg» t.-.« help
7«rit« essanta by Dan Rssai, FrvJe Flavcr, ?«t*r Stroa tad Roger Jutte.-.t
-------
Leaf Cerpcstir.c Susisary for Field reraer.r.el
When biodegradar It sattriala art placed in a p:lt, a
natural process know.-, as self-hearing cften occurs. The
sicrocrgar.isss r.eravaily preser.t (mainly bacteria and fingi)
grew rapidly c.-. the materials, using them as a feed secret
and breaking t.*.eH dew-. Heat ia released as part of 1.14.5
process. Zf the piit ia large enough, it acta at an
i.-.sulater, keeping in the haat. the temperature then
increases, sometimes to a vary high level.
Composting is a process which use.*. this self -heating tc
traat vaatt materials »uch as laavas. During eoepcatir.; the
a=sunt ef vastt ma ta rial is graatly reduced. The finished
product^ know.- as cc = pcst/ is such different thar. the
starting Bateriil, ard is very useful when added tc isil.
Csspestirg of leaves is usually such cheaper than taxing
t.-.trr tc a landfill.
Fcr succeisful csapcatir.g tc cccur/ adequate aciature/
crygen* and temperature levels a«:st be prsvid«d. Ot.w.t r.'ise
tr.e process cay be tec slew, cr sericus cdcr prsbleca say
cccur. ?c prevent these prcbleca the piles sust be
ccnatr-jc:ed and handled in a particular vay. Leaves brsucht
ts the site are ducptd in a staging area. A ftcr.t-end
leader breaks apart t^e cccpaeted leaves/ and water ia added
with a fire hcae. Ka:*r cannct be ecsnccically added aftir
piles are already fcrsed. Xnsttad the leaves act like
s.-.ingles and t.-.e water runs off the outside cf the pile. It
should be pcasible tc squeeze a few drcps cf water frcn a
fistful cf prcperly wetted leaves.
Lcr.g piles known as windrows are then f erred by the
leader. *These windrcws should be 6 feet high, 12 to 14 feet
wide at the base/ and any convenient length. After about
one month of coeposting the windrows have shrunk
considerably, and two windrows are then combined. These
combined windrows are again about 6 feet by 14 feet/ which
is large enough to prevent the material from becoming too
cold during the winter. Each pile is turned again at least
once acre in the spring. During containing er turning/ as
much mixing and "fluffing" of the aaterial as possible is
desired. Compaction, such as from running equipment cnta er
over t,he windrows* should be avoided. Compaction prevents
air, which contains the needed oxygen, from penetrating into
the windrow. If the windrows are too large, this will also
prevent adequate oxygen penetration.
After about 10 months, the composting leaves are aoved
to the edge of the site to form larger "curing1 piles.
Curing helps tc finish the composting. This also allows the
site to be cleared to get ready for the leaves from s.ie next
year. The following spring the compost in t.le curing piles
Is ready, and can be shredded. Tr.is breaks u? cluros and
removes* waste materials such as rocks/ branches, and
m> T
r
A high quality finished product results
>&•••'• A *• • * H ^•••Jk
^ a 3 >.«. A >. > T n ^«3
-------
A. Leaves as a -ur.icipai
Municipal waste collected routinely from households
includes a hetercseneeua mixture cf glass, plastic, metal,
ctraaie/ leather, paper, cardboard, food waste, and
yardwaste. Leavea are exceptional in that they occur
seasonally and are cfttn segregated from th« overall vaatt
stream. In •••sen/ leaves say account for over half the
mur.icipai vast* collected and en a yaarly basis may eaeprise
5% ts 2C% cf th« total.
B«caus* a*;r»gattd l«af vast* is hcncgtntcua, atasonai,
and pctt.-.cially ncn-es.-.exicusi it l«nds its«lf to traataant
by rtlativtiy uncomplicattd csopcsting proetduras. Th« «nd
prsduct cf the procass is ccspcst* which can usafully aarv«
as an organic amtr. dr.tntferscil.
Th* objactivts cf l«af cenrpcsting as a waste
trtatrer.t proctss art a reduction in th» mass and vclumt ci
t.-.e starring sat»rial and t.".« dastructien of putrascible
(odor-causing) surstancts. For ceepost production,
r*d-jctier. of th« carren tc nitrogtn ratio (s«« Sacticr.
i::.f) a.-.d tlirinaticr. cf w««d sacds and any plant pathcaana
arc alsc deairaila. Cl ccuraa, cost «ff»ctivanass is always
a prisary conctrn. Tna acsncmic and ethar advantacts cf
ccr-pcstinc leaf wastt ar* striking whan compared to tr.e
ctr.er available alternatives.
B. Alternatives fcr Managing Leaves
There are three sajcr alternatives for managing
cur.ieipal leaf col lecticns: landf illir.g/ inc ineratien/ and
csnipcating. Among these/ only composting requires
segregated leaf collection, potentially imposing acme
additional collection costs. Segregated collection is
already widely practiced, however, and well accepted. An
economic analysis of leaf composting ia provided in a
separate addendum written by Or. Donn A. Derr.
1. Landfilling
Landfilling is the primary disposal method for
municipal solid wastes in Hew Jersey. With th« recognition
of the need for environmental controls at landfills,
however, the cost of this method has increased dramatically.
Thus one disadvantage of landf il ling leaves-is th« tipping
fees ($12 to $40 + per ton).
Siting of new landfills has become extremely difficult,
and landfill capacity has been decreasing sharply. -Placing
leaves in landfills uses up this limited capacity for a
relatively innocuous material, rather than saving it for tne
rrsre ccr.cxious fraction cf tne municipal selid waste stress.
-------
As tne numeer of re.-sainir.; la.-.c/iils aeciines, tne hauling
time ana cistance increases fcr many communities. Likewise
tne Baiting time fcr trucxs tc'cump at some lancfills has
pecome even longer - in some cases two hours or mere.
Lancfilis also exact a nigh price in terms of increasec
maintenance costs for tne trjcxs wnicn rise on tne.r. -
tires, transmissions, fuel tanks, hycraulic lines, anc
ctner components receive haro wear.
Ironically, once leaves are places in landfills tneir
pioctgracaeility, wnicn ir.a
-------
Additiona1ly» thtr» art usually savings in hauling
and waiting tirei and in vahiclt mainttnanct. Tn«
From an tnvirsnfttr.tal ptrsptctivv, compcating aavta
valuabl* landfill apact/ and ceepcat iaprovta asil.
Ceepcsting alae provides a gcod iaagt aa * viaiblt,
COB sun ityapenacrtd recycling activity* and it Bay
• ncsurigc p«rticip* :icn i.t eth*r recycling prsgrama.
Thu»/ csmpciiing can b« both an •cononic and ar.
• nvircnear.tally acund al:»rnativt for handling lt*v»j.
Ecwtvtr, tc fully rtalist thtst b*n«fitJ and to avoid acr.t
ef tht pcttrstial prcslts*^ cara »«at to« axarciatd ir.
aeltcti.19 a aitt a.^d dejijr.ing and optrating tht ficility.
i:. DSSCR:?T:OSS cr PRCCSSS A.SI
A. Ccr?ojtir.9 (t.-.t Proct**)
Wh«n eiedtgrada^lt erear.ic aattriala cor. t» ir.ir.s
aufficiant sciaturt and ir.er5ar.ic nutrianta ara plactd in *
pil« or v.r.drcv (tlcng*:*d pi It), a natural procaaa knew-, as
a»lf-h«»-tin5 efttr. ccs-irj. Kicrocrganiama/ aainly fcacttria
id fungi, btgin ts grew rapidly en tha erganica, uaing tnas
i a food aeurct and desespeaing thas. Btcauaa the sicroscs
art not ICC* afficitr.:, acsa cf tht chaaical antrgy atcrts
in tht crgar.ica ia vasttd and rtltaatd aa haat. A large
• nsush pilt will act as an insulator/ rataining htat and
Itadlng tc an ^ncrtast in ttsptratura. Ihua» tha organic
nattrial "atli-htata* tnrsugn tnt inttnat etcabolie activity
of tht aicrscrganiasa. Zvtntually tht rtadily biedtgradasle
food aupply btcssta azhauattd. growth and htat gtntrat;en
a lev down/ and tht pi la cool a.
Tht proctas which aspleya a«lf-h«»ting for vaati
trtataant ebjtetivta ia eallad eoapeatin^. It haa bttn uats
for many ytara for trtatsant of agricultural vaataa and in
mort rtctnt tiats for trtating atvagt aludgt, aunicipal
aolid vasta fraetiena/ cartain induatrial vaatta* and
laavta.
B. Cespeat {tht Product)
Aa esrpsating prsgrtssta* tha original aattrial btcosts
jltss rtcognisablt, altncugh ctrtain atructurta, auch aa t.-.t
vtins of oak ItavtSi ptrsist longtr than ethtra. T'e
tiattrial'darJcana. acq-ires a crarular ttxturt, incrtasts ir.
-a-.tr- hclding capacity and avtntually dtvtlcpa tnt pltaaant
odor characttristic ci fresnly turntd scil. Cerpsai Btars
litcie reaerslar.st tr t.-.« criminal starting wattrial.
-------
A. M»icrsergar.ia:i3
Microorganisms found er. leaves and other vastes arc
fully capable ef starting the cerpesting process and
carrying it forward, nonetheless, coesercial ir.eculur.sr
starters, and *bisaugsentation" products art cffered fcr
•alt. Based en testiaer.iala, these are often claimed to'be
beneficial, but ns support for these clair.s can fee feur.d in
scientific journals. Preperly controlled experiaenta tier.
indicates that ir.eculation has no useful effect en the
process. Therefere, such products should net be purchased
for leaf cespesting operations.
8. Leaf Type
Maple leaves deceapese cere rapidly than oak leaves,
and ether leaf types doubtless differ in this respect.
Mixtures veuld ordinarily be received at • leaf cerrpesti.-.;
facility/ and ne specific reccir.senda tier, is race based
aclely or. leaf type.
C. Water
Water is esser.tial for biciecical fur.cticr.s ir. ce.-.eril/
and leaf cir.pestir.; is r.e exception. Indeed, adding water
at the start of csr.pcsting is very ir.pertant ts ir.-ure
adequate r.sisture thrsusheut the pile at the tiae cf its
fcriatier. and thereafter. Rainfall, even if heavy,
penetrates the pile er.ly slowly and car.net be relied urer. te
rer.edy initial dryness. Similarly, once the pile is fsrrres,
the interier r.aterial is net easily vetted by applyinc water
to the surfaee. Initial dryness is a cer..-r.en ar.d sericus
cause of slowness in leaf cc.T.pes tin; and as such should be
prevented.-An initial r.eisture content of at least 5C% (-et
weisht basis) is recenrendes.
Leaves can also be excessively vet, slevine exyeer.
penetration (see Section II2.D). -This cenditien is self-
correcting, however/ as excess water drains frer. the pile.
Cepending en weather conditions prior to collection, tr.e
leaves sight be sufficiently moist upon receipt, but tr.is
cannot be relied upon in routine operation. Zn General/ it
is better to start with a pile that is too vet than te ris*
dryness.
Specific rece=-.r.endatiens for previdinc a water supply
and for adding vater at the tine of leaf receipt are giver.
in sections IV.I, VI.C and Appendix A.
-------
C. Czyge-.
Csepcstir.; is basically er. aerobic pesetas (requires
czygen), although a.-.aerebic (without czygen) aetabclisx
^-rsentatien) aay also eccur tc a significant «ztent. float
tht heat produced in composting results from the
degradation el organic materials with consumption ef
ezygen and production, of carbon diezide and water. Thus, the
pile must be sufficiently porous to allow ezygen in and
carbon diozide out. For this rtaaon leavea aheuld b* plae*d
locacly in th* pilta and esspaction avoidtd.
Z. pE
Frtsh l«»7ta art cleat to bting ehteically ntutral (pH
r.tar 7}. With the cnstt ef co = peating tn« production of
organic acids cauata tht ps to dtclint, possibly to as low
as 4.2 if tzttr.sivt anatrooie eonditiena dtvtlep. Tht pH
s-.-batqutntly rteevtrs to a ntu:ral or slightly alkalint
Itvtl (ptrhaps p = 7.5} aa tht acids dtcocpest in tht
presence of oxygen. A ptrsiattr.tly acidic pfi is indicative
of prolonged anaerobic conditiona. Adycatstnt of tht pH
vitr. list or otht-r additivea is net ordinarily necessary.
F. Xnerganic Kutritnts
Leaves have a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N), and
this condition can slew sicrsbial action early in the
cosposting. This nutritional imbalance rights itself as
rbon is lest in tht forz of earsen dioxide, vhilt nitrogen
ccr.servtd within tht systt=. Suppl tatnta tion with
n.crsgtn at tht outset would accelerate cecocpcsitien* but
this "seasure is not generally necessary. Zt might be
justified, in conjunction with other measure*, if the
resultant saving in process tise were essential for tht
success of the overall operatic.-, (see section V.C.2). Note
that the increased rate ef decoepesition from nitrogen
addition could lead to ether prosleis, such as an increased
need for ezygen supply; which would also then have to be
addressed. Appreciable deficiency ef other nutrients cuch
as pnospherus and potassium is not liXtly.
Supplementation ef the end-product compost with
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium would increase its
quality in ttras ef plant nutrition. This benefit has to be
weighed against the costs involved.
6. Temperature
At any time the temperature of the pile reflects the
balance between aicrebial heat generation and the leas ef
heat to the surroundings. The rate of heat generation is a
function ef factors such as temperature/ water/ ezygen,
:tnents, and the rerair.in; concentration ef easily
odecradable organic materials. The rate ef heat loss is a
-------
function ef factor* auc.r as asoiert temperature, wind
velocity* *nd pile size ar.d sr.jp*..
T*ap*ratur* is * pcv*rfui d* t*rsi.-*ant ef th* ratt of
decomposition. Temperatures cf less than 6SCF (20^C) slew
decosipoaition. T*ap*raturts abcv* 14C«F (60«C), which is
•bout th« temperatur* setting ef actt hoa* hot wat*r
heaters, ar* similarly unfavorable because they kill scat
ef the desirable micreorganisas. Thus/ thi ringt ef
favorabl* t«mp«r*turt i« a ppreziaa tt ly. 68° to 14QQF.
PrteiA* control over ti=peratur* is usually net •»senti*l
for l«af compoating, cut grscs departure frse the desired
rang* should b« avoided. Maintenance ef th* proper
t*ap*ratur*« along with exyc*natien* if th* baaic
ccnaidftration underlying th* r*coBs*ndatiens for windrow
ait* and turning operations (s*« Section VI). Zf precise
eeasurem*nta ef pil* ter.perature ar* required* th* County
Exttnsicn. S«rvic» ahould b* ccnault*d.
E. V
Control ov*r process tesperatur* and ory-er. eontant car.
b* exercised to a useful extent through windrow aiz* and
turning operations. A basic procl*= is to reconcile the
reeds for ezyg*natier. and- heat conservation/ which ar*
acsewhat in conflict. The need for oxygenation favors asall
windrows to ssiniaiz* th* distance that air oust penetrate to
th* pil* interior. In contrast* th* n**d for heat
conservation, especially in th* winter* argues for large
windrows for greater insulation. Excessively large
windrows* however* eic^t result in excessively high
temperatures and anaerobic conditions. These requirements
can be reconciled in part by management ef windrow aiz* and
turr.ine. Specific recosr.cndationa ar* giv*n in Sections V
and v:^
IV. FACILITY SITING A.ST IKITIAL PREPARATION
Sit* selection is an extremely isportant decision that
ahould b* made enly after careful consideration, as each
situation is unique. Tn« deliberation ever site selection
should tak* into account nearness to residences and streams*
prevailing winds/ traffic patterns, travel distance and its
•ffect en equipaent and labor costs, and ether factors.
Many ef these ar* discussed.belewf yet familiarity with
local circuajtancas is essential and cannot b* reduced to
written instruction. Zt is auggested that the County
Extension Service and County Oepartaent ef Selid Waste
rtanacecent, ancng ether agencies, be involved in the early
stages ef planning.
•
A. Peraits
In New Jersey a Stat* perr.it is required for all solid
-------
was:* tc*r.a 9 err.tr. t facilities, i.ici udi.-.g leaf csrapcsting.
for infcr=4tier. en eotai.-.ing t.-.u perrit, for whier. t.i«rt
presently i» no fee, c s n t a c t the Bureau e f Resource
cevery/ Division ef Waste Ka .-.a 5 eaen t/ Hew Jtnty
partaent of Environoental Protection, CN C2S, Trenton, KJ
-cs625, phone 609-2S2-1250. A ?re-e??lica tion meeting is
strongly rtccsmtndei. Ccs?citing f*ciiiti«* •!•« »ujt b«
incsr?crat»d intc th« fii«cric: (ujually th» County) Solid
t Plan.
8. Art*
A ainimus ef cn« asr* p«r 3CCC-3500 cubic yardj ef
esll»ct»d is rtquirtd for th« actual ccc?c«tins
operation. This asaun^s tht us« of th« lew-ltvtl ttcf.relocy
dtscrib*d lattr/ and is in addition to t.l« r»quir«B«nc for a
tufltr sent.
C. Buffir Zone
A buffer zone is required betveen the site activities
and neighbcri.-.c land uac ts ei.-.iaize possible edcr* noise,
duat and visual i=pacts. Thtri are 'no hard and fast rules,
however, en t.-.e size ef the buffer zone needed for csspoa
ting. It would sees prudent ts prsvide at least 5C feet
between the cosposting opera tier, and the property line. At
least 150 feet should be allowed between cooposting
activities and any sensitive neighboring land uses, such as
isi fences.
The buffer zone say include a ber?., consisting at least
in part ef finished coepest to serve as a visual barrier/
help control vehicular access, and reduce neise levels eff-
site. A landscaping plan, including plantings/ is strongly
reesssendec to ennance tr.e appearance of the facility.
C. Location
A centralized azea is preferable to reduce
transpora tien time and costs/ although such sites art net
eften available or otherwise practical. Access ia
preferably ever non-crowded/ non-residential , hard surface
roads.
E. Stream Encroachment
Siting ef a leaf cecposting facility in a flood plain
is normally not allowed by state regulations. During tines
ef high water the windrows night iapede water flew/ and/cr
leaves and leachate might wash into the stream, in any case
flooding ef the site eould pese serious operational
difficulties/ including problems with «quipoent access *nd
iperaticn. Flooding of the windrows also may lead to
ixtensive ar.aei
cdsr and
• rscic conditions and the attendant proeletss of
T decsrpcsi tier. rate. Flood plain caps are
-------
available through tr.e Fedtnl E.Tiergency r.a.-.astre-.^
t.-.e NJ2E?, Division cf Wattr Reicurcts, Surtax ci rises
Plain Hanageaent (6CS-232-24C2).
F . Slop* *nd Grading
Steep slopes art ur.aatisfactsry because of prsbleas
with •rcsicn, vehicular access, And equipaent operation. A
gentle slope/ however, is desirable te prevent pending cf
runoff and leachate. Initial citt prtparation usually
rvquirvs grading/ and yearly oaintananet ahould ineludt
rtgrading vh»c» n»cta*azy.
Drainage eharaettriacics of a lit* can b« d«ttrsin«d
free U.S. Geological Survey typographic maps and a plst plan
survey. The New Jeraey Departaent c£ Agri eul ture'a
•Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediaent Control* (N.J.A.C.
2:90) provides inferaatien en grading ts pranote drainage
a.-.d prevent erosion and stdintnta tion.
should run u? and down rather thar. across
slopes to allow leachate and rvnofl t: ecve between piles.
rather than through thee.
C. Percolation
High soil percolaticr. rates are desirable se that
excessive rainwater and letchate will not run cff the site.
•Where percolation is poor/ or where an ispervious surface is
used, particular care sust be taken to prevent ponding.
Also, while an impervious surface/ such as a paved site/ nay
effer ad van tages'in teras of vehicle access and equipaent
operation/ t'hese Bay be outweighed by the greater
difficulties in leachate &a. -.a cement. The Soil Conservation
Service nay be, consulted tc determine acil characteristics
cf sites under "consideration.
E. Water Table
A hieh water table is undesirable because it Bay lead
to flooding of the aita. flooding will stake operation mere
difficult and can lead te extensive anaerobic conditions.
A high water table also reduces the distance for percolation
of leachate. Wetlands and wetland buffer areas especially
should be Avoided. The New Jersey Departaent of
Agriculture's Division of Soil Conservation publishes a
local soil conservation district "Soil Survey- booklet for
eacn county containing inferaation on depth to ground water.
I. Water Supply
The ability to *up?ly water is critical since it
usually is n«c»saary to ads water te the incosing leaves
during much of the collection season. Water can best be
supplied by using a hose frsa a fire hydrant or by pur.pinc
-------
frsa a ntarsy lake/ streaa, er wtll. Cat of * water trjjck
is r.st usually practical because tes much water i* needed.
rsxiaatt average water rtq-irtmtr.ts art 20 gallons ptr
is yard ef leaves (att Apper.dix A}.
J. Security
vehicular access ts the ait* must bt contrslled te
prevent illegal dumping ef vancus materials. A gate acrsas
the tntranct read is a miniav: = precaution. In »sm« caats
tht tntirt sitt may hav« ts b« ftnctd, but usually
prttxiiting ftaturta cueh aa atrtaas^ trtts* and •siankatr.ta
will providt partial steuricy. A btrs csr.jiating of «arth
and finiJhtd cc=pc»t clttn car. atrvt in plaet of a fanct at
ct.u.tr points. In •em* artas var.da.lias »*y b« of csnctrn.
K. Cr.-Sitt Road a
Because el tht htavy truck traffic during th*
csiltctier. ptriss, a lir.ittd rsad nttwcrJc (peasifely pavtd)
wit.-.in t.^-.t sitt a:«y be dtsir*bl« ts isprsvt a 1 l-w«a t.^.tr
•cress. A circular traffic flsw patttrn cay bt advantactsus
at htavily used sitts. Tnt purpeat sf tht cn-aitt raads is
ts =akt drsp-eff ef tftt Itavts as quick *nd «asy as
pcaaiclti and particularly ts htl? prtvtnt trucks frss
ctttinc stuck during muddy conditions. An tzttnsivt on-sitt
rsad nitwcrk is net rtquir»d.
L. Saftty Cenaidtratier.s
Safety precautier.s usual te ar.y eptratien involving
heavy ma ehintry should bt extrsised. Road layout should be
designed vith safety in mind. Fuslic access should bt
Normally the windrewed leaves will burn only peerly
sir.se the interior is wet. Thus, while vandals may be able
ts ignite the dry surface leaves, a major fir* is unlikely.
Fire safety is further accommodated by having 4 r*ady supply
of water and delivery capacity/ initial wetting of the
leaves/ and providing aisles between windrewa.
One relatively n*w concern with leaf composting is th*
release ef speres of th* fungus Aasercillus fumioatus.
These sports are capable of producing an allergic response
in some individuals/ and in a few cases they are also
capable of causing infection in individuals with a weakened
immune svstem. These spores have been found to be of som*
limited csncern in sludge csaposting, but no work has been
published to date en their importance fsr leaf csmpesting.
*n any case, it might be expected that adequate wetting and
r.imua disturbance ef th* windrsws, such as has b**n
ccr.r.ended here, would reduce any pstt.ntial prsbltm.
Recariiess, potential wsrxers at the csmpesting site
-------
s.-.suld be screened fer cerditicr.s that Big.-.: ?rtiia?cs« tht-
to infection or allergic rtspenae. Sue.-. cond::ier.a i.-.cluet
asthma, A history of allergic responses, a weakened immune
lystes, th« talcing of Antibiotic* or adrenal cortical
hermenes, or a punctured eardrum. Workers having sucr:
condition a should net be assigned to the composting
operation (a* veil as ar.y other tasks putting then at
aimilar elevated risk) ur.leaa a health apccialiat ia
consul ted.
V. APPROPRIATE LIVEL OF TECHNOLOGY
Three different levela of technology fer leaf
composting can be eonaidered. The particular one which ia
coat appropriate fer a given application will depend mainly
en the site selected, although the equipment and manpower
available are also factors. Table 1 indicates that the
lower the level of technology, the greater the requirements
for available space, size of the buffer, and cempesting
•time, but the lewer the cost.
A. Kiniaal Technology
:f a large area that is well isolated frss sensitive
neighboring land uses is available/ a very low-cost apprcacr.
to leaf composting is pesaisle. Leavea brought to the site
are forced icnedia tely into large windrows (fer exasple, 12
feet high by 24 feet wide) using a front-end loader. Cnce
each year the windrow is turned and reformed. An additional
windrow ia constructed wj t.». .the new leaves each fall. After
tnrec years the saterial in a windrow is usually
sufficiently veil stabilized to be used as compost.
With this •Einimal* technology the necessary conditions
fer rapid composting are not achieved. Much of the pile
remains anaerobic for a full year at a tise between
turnings. The center of the pile will probably also reacn
inhibitively high temperatures, especially the first year.
Hcwtver, the greatly reduced rate of activity is compensated
for by providing a prelenged composting tiae.
Using this approach/ some odor can be expected prior to
the first turning/ and serious odors may be released during
the first turn. Usually by the second turning/ odors have
diminished. Because of these odors, an extensive buffer
zone is required. In fact/ up to a quarter Bile distance or
aore to sensitive neighboring land uses is recommended.
The obvious advantage of this approach is that it is
extremely inexpensive. Only a few days per year of front-
end loader operation is required. Even vetting of the
incoming leaves nay not be necessary except in very dry
years, since the large piles will conserve moisture, and the
long time period ensures the cumulative exposure to
ccr.aideraole precipitation.
1C
-------
A seccr.d advantage is tr.a t relatively little space is
required fcr the co=?osting itself because tne piles are sc
"---e and little aisle space la needed, fcr exa=?le, usi-r
foot high by 24 foot wide piles, a single windrow e;
!s long would contain 30CC cubic yards ef leaves. Even
tr.cugh the leaves must stay en site for at Itast three
years, a half acre site should be adequate for a yearly
collection ef 3000 cubic yards.
Note, however, that because cf the odors produced, a
large buffer zone is needed. Thus, a vary large total area
is required, although enly a s=a11 portion ef it is actually
utilized for the composting. Examples where this might be
useful would be in a wooded area, so that enly a s=*ll
clearing would be required, or at an isolated industrial
site or public works yard.
B. Low-Level Technology
In densely populated Kev Jersey, siting ef a minimal
technology facility is rarely possible. Therefore, the
necessary conditions for rapid corpesting have to be sore
nearly met. In particular this means that a better }eb will
have to be done ef ensuring adequate moisture centt.-.t,
ezygenation and temperature control.
The simplest way to achieve the desired temperature
ge would sees to be • to build piles large enough to
serve sufficient heat, but net so large as to overneat.
the ether hand, adequate ezygenatien b? passive
diffusion ef air'from the outside of the pile could be
achieved if the piles were srall enough. Unfortunately'no
single pile size ccspletely reconciles these conflicting
goals. However, the desired conditions can be approached by
starting with moderate size piles (€ feet high by 12-14 feet
wide), then combining two piles after the first burst ef
microbial activity (which lasts approximately one month).
Water addition at the outset is usually necessary to provide
adequate moisture.
Using this approach, which is described in more detail
in Section VI, it is possible to produce * thoroughly
decomposed (finished) compost in 16-18 months. The cotspost
is ready for use in the spring/ which is the time ef peak
desand for the product. Slight odors nay be produced early
in the composting cycle, but these are usually net
detectable more than a few yards away from the windrows.
After 10-11 months large curing piles are formed around the
perimeter of the site/ freeing Che original area to accept
the new leaf collection. Costs are still quite low, as enly
three operations with a front-end loader are required after
^ itial" windrow formation (one combining, one turning, and
k curing pile formation). Ceapite the fact that sore
a-ace is required for the actual csrr.peating (roughly 1 acre
per 3CCO tc 35CC cubic yarzs ef leaves) co.T.parec tc the
-------
because ef tne reduced bu"er rtquir
C. Hign-Level Technlogy
1.
If less space i« available and completion cf
within one ye*r is desired/ ft higher level cf ttchnclecy is
required. Sisply turning the windrow* mere frequently (for
example, once per »cnth) with a front-end leader eight
produce a finished product in under 4 year. However, since
the original windrows can atill be no larger than these ef
the low level technology if odor proble&s art ts be avsided,
little apace is saved. While costly specializtd windrcv
turning machines Bay be used to increase turning efficiency/
this actually requires acre space* since the starting
windrow size is usually ever, acre limited by tne mac.-.ine'*
working height and width.
In crier ts approach a eaxiaal rate cf decsspcsi ticn,
near cptisal levels cf ttxperature ar.d exygenaticr. are
required. This also sinicizes odors as the putrescible
(odor-causing} materials are quickly decespcsed, and
anaerooic conditions are ttinimized. These desired
cenditierss can best be achieved by using an approach
ericinally deveisped fsr sewage sludge cer.pca ting* knevn as
the'Rutstrs prsctss control strategy. While this strategy
has been successfully field tested for leaf composting,
exact design ar.d operation details for this application have
not yet been developed.
Briefly, this approach consists cf using forced
pressure aeraticn of the ceepcsting pile, with the blower
concrclled by a temperature feedback system. When the
temperature at a "specific acnitsring location within a pile
exceeds a preset value, usually around 113®? (45°C}, the
blower autoaa tica lly cooes en to remsv* heat and water
vapcr arc cool the pile. This contrsl strategy tnsurta near
cptisu?. temperatures in the bulk of the material, and at the
same time maintains a well-crygena ted condition. During the
start-up period (and at other times, if needed}, the blowers
also come en under control ef a timer (perhaps for 30
seconds every 15 minutes) to provide a minimal level ef
cry gen. After 2*10 weeks ef composting/ the aeration system
would be removed/ and the windrows turned periodically.
Additional information on the Rutgers Strategy is prsvided
in seme ef the papers listed in the Bibliography.
An advantage ef this approach is that large windrows
can be formed initially, thus using less space, yet
extensive anaerobic conditions do nee develop because ef the
coed aeration. Therefore, serious odors and slowed
decomposition do net occur. The largest pile tested ts date
was 1C feet high by 20 feet wide, but scmewnat larger sizes
-------
ray be feasible. A aesend advantage ia that aa a result e;
tne rapid decomposition which eccura tariy in the atassr.,
ccmpcsting car. be completed within one year.
Ecveveri ainct tht incoming Itavta may thtmselvei be
cssi-eus and ainet thtat edcra may bt reltaaed during
initial windrow foraatien and atart up, a moderate aize
buffer zone
-------
prrcsssec through tnc staging arsa ans fer-es i-.:: »i-er:«s
(Sections fi-0}. It is critical, therefore, te pre*e-:
operational octtieneeks, jjen as in area oecoming sc m.c:;
tr.at trueKS get *tuc« trying te crop off tneir loass.
Tne yearly *ite preparation shoulc induce regraci^;
re rcac ar.o leachate system (if any) maintenance. Alse,
:. refuse anc oeoris from tne previous year's operation
-.e-jis ee removec. Normally tnis step will require at Rest
fe« cays «ort«. It can oe scheduled any time after t.-.e
etiye site has Ceen ciearec of trie leaves frcm tne
previous year CBy formation cf the curing piles), Cut
ce'cre tne ne« collecticn seascn oe;ins.
e. Delivery of leaves
It is recommences tnat trucks ouir.p tneir loacs cf
leaves in a staging area, ratner than trying to f=r?<
»iicr:»s cirectly. Aitncugn a staging area involves
a:-i:ic.-al laccr, its use is justified for several reasons.
Leaves are: ncrxaliy crllectec in several *ays aic
cslivare: in a variety of trucks inducing garbage
cc.rrsctcrs, rsii-cffs, anc varjurr.s. Tnis results in s
ri--ly r.cn-uniferr, cosracticn in cirectly forces »incr:*s,
• -it- ca" ce minirrizec ey t.ie operations perfcrmec in s
s-.a;:.-.; area. Betting is also virtually irspcssirle In
cirsrtly fcrmec »infirc»s -since mcst of tne water si.T.dy
r.ns cff tne c-tsics. use cf a staging area als: leacs tc
a rcre c-.ifcrrr »insro» size ar.c snace, giving cctn a ce:ter
arieara-cs anc mere e'ficie-.: csapostip.;. Keeping trucks
c-. tns firser s«rfaces, ratner tnan Dacxing int: »inc=-s,
cscreases tneir cnancs c' getting stuCK curin; »et
• eatner. Even in gocc weatner tne staging area can sseec
tne celivery process. It may ee feasible tc mcve tne
sta;i-g area pericsically t»ee«
-------
.-.•ttaaarv ts *:=ep; at least * portico cf tr.eir capacity ;,.-.
plastic "ba;». These bags can be handled successfully t^t
pcse considerable extra probltes.
The bass should be dueped in a separate portion cf tne
;ir.9 art*. 2n ft very liter intensive process, they Bust
._..-. be slit open and *s?tied. (See* operations use
essru.-.ity service- labcr.) Ar.y cr»jh »u*t fct ««par«ttd and
d;apcstd e* »leng with th« b»5». If eix«d trash is a
pera;jttrit prssltsf an »d'jcational eanpai^n is rtcoesandtd
and/er liavi« might b* accepted in transparent bags only.
Anc:.i*r difficulty with csll»ction of ta;?td leaves ia t.-.e
edcr riltasid frse aeae of the bags upon opening. Cne
alternative is ts epen and dusp the bags directly into the
hepptr cf the ccllectien vehicle, but this slews the
ccllectisn itself.
C. Netting
tit stir.? el the leaves will be required during such cl
t.^e ccllectisn season. Adequate wetting can only be
achieved pricr ts or during windrcw fcrsatisn or vhtr.
wi.-.srsws have been cpe-ned up fcr turning or ether purpcses.
J-.sat cf the water applied tc the eatside cf a windrcw is
si=?ly shed by the leaves. The water shculd be sprayed in
excess en t.-.e leaves with a firehose (see Section IV.1} as
she leader breaks the sasses apart in the staging aria,
ar.d/cr as they art placed in the windrcws.
If tit soisture cantent ef the delivered leaves is
iw.-., the asount ef water that Bust be added te get any
^.tisular desired aeisture content can be calculated (Appe
ndix A). Cr, a acre infcrsal level/ the rule ef thuso is
tr.at it ahculd be possible ts squeeze a few drcps cf water
frcr. a fistful cf the leaves. As a reugh apprexisa tier.,
serr.&ps 2C gallons of wa:er will be required en average per
curie yard ef leaves collected.
C. Fcrsing Windrows
Cnce the leaves have been dropped in the staging area/
the front-end leader can be used ts break apart and spread
the coepacted materials to facilitate wetting. Bags*
branches/ and ether refuse can be reacved by hand. The
frsnt-«nd leader can then be uaed to place the uncoapacted
leaves in windrows.
The windrows should initially be 6 feet high by 12-14
feet wide. Any convenient length can be used. Twe windrews
can be forsed side by side* with only 1-2 feet between, ts
conserve space-. Sufficient aisle space between pairs ef
windrows (typically 12-16 ftetj should normally be allcwed
for leader" opera tien. Althcugn in scae cases it asay be
aaiole to have fewer aisles if space is limited, this
sea turning operations awkvars.
15
-------
Neatly fsrsed windrows w;t.fc. well aaintair.ed aisita give
« prcfeaaicnal appearance to the facility, while etsjy
windrows give tht ir.presaicn of a *ltaf dump." Care ar.ouid
fee taken that equipment, tspecially tht loader, doe» not
ride up on tht vindrows/ cespacting thta. Loestly piled
leaves art required in erder to obtain adequate air
penetration into tht windrows.
E. Csebining Windrows
Af£»r approximately en* »cnth/ vueh of the initai
ezygvr. demand of the Icavts haa b*«n «z»rt»d and tht pilta
ha'vt b««n reduced to about half their original »izt_ thrsugh
decospesiticn and aeIf-csspacticn. At thiJ point/ twe
windrcvs CAT. be cscsintd to fers a single on* that ia still
only about 6 fe*t high by 14 feet wid* (about tht »aa* sizt
•a «ach of tht initial windrows). Coebining tht windrows
will help cor.strvt htat during tht colder weather. Portions
of the center of tht ntw/ cossined windrow uy go anaercoic
temporarily, but significant odors and acidification are not
expected because auch of the readily dteradaslt eaterial RAS
Already bttr. consustd by th»-sicroerganisms.
Cossir.ing should be done by aeving and turning both
piles, not be placing one en to? of the other. The aazisua
decree of =ising and "fluffing' is dtsirtd.
To cor.strv* spact/ combining may btgin btfere leaf
collection has been coapleted. In this way seae of space
freed by combining windrows (fcrsed with leaves collected in
early Ncvesbtr)/ can bt used for new windrows aadt witr.
leaves collected late in the season (aid-Dectabtr).
F. Turning windrows
As tarly as ia practical in tht spring (Karch cr
April), tach'windrow should bt turntd. Turning aixta tht
caterial/ revets tht dry outer tdgta/ reexygenatea the
interior, and txposts tht for=trly cool tdgts to tht hotter
inttrnal tesptraturts. Tht result is an increastd rate cf
c-tcs=?eaiticft 4T,d iaprovtd dtstructicn of any pathogtns and
wttd sttds.
As with tht) prior combining operation, aaxiaua aixing
and 'fluffing' is dtsirtd during turning. At this tiat
additional wattr say bt addtd if tht aattrial is too dry.
(Howtvtr, tvtry tffort should bt made to provide sufficient
water initially.)
Additional turnings throughout the su=aier would further
tr.har.ee'cospcstinc rat* and product quality, but these are
cpticnti.
16
-------
C. Curing
Cii.t; the Isw-l«7fl technology descried hert, mas.-, of
.., aa-trial will net b« cs=?Itttly stabilized by the er.i cf
•usr.tr • yet the ccspoating area auat b* cleartd to allow
site preparation fsr the next year'a leaves. Thit ds«s
net rt?r*»«r.t a prebltm ainet the e*t«ri«l i* new
c==erattly veil d»csft?ss«d, has little cxyg«n dt=*nd, »r.d is
ur.iiktly ta prsduc* edsr*.
be eovti and
tzpcsta a ralttivtly jaall »urfac» art* ts dryin; and
lrt«:ir.; ccr.ditient. Additional wt«d ar.d pat.-tg.n
Gtacr^c:icn is achi«v»d at th« t«=?«rat;rts r»*ch*d vithir.
the lar;ti vt11-insulattd curing pil«. Thij =*ttri»l ia
tzptcttd ts t« veil ttAbiliztd by the fsllovir.; aprxr.; but
uy bt i*ft ir. piae» Icngtr if eenv«nicnt.
ShrtddiAf ia fairly labor inttnaivt. Leaf compsat car.
er.Iy b« proctsaed at about half th« rattd capacity cf the
•quipaaat. A front-«nd leadtr ia required for f11lias the
ncpp«r/ and at least one person ia required to operate tnt
ahredder itself.
;ne major advantage of using a ahredder ia that it
yields a acre unifers and debris-free final product* It ear.
also be used to nix finished ceapoat vith soil.
Disadvantages include the labor and equipment requirestnts/
the netd to dispose of reject*, and of courae the capital
csat cf the specialised machine (for exasple, around 550,OCC
fsr a ssdel rated at 125 cubic yards ptr hour). One vay tc
reduc* cssts is to share a single unit among several sites
er c-r-y-itieJ. Sharing is possible since the specialized
c-jipsent ia enly needed for a month er tvc ptr year* and
c'neduiing car. be flexible.
-------
Shreddin; will pre=»«d mcrt rapidly i- the c=r.= sjt ia
ret tsc wet. «cist material to be shreddtd cfter. c*.-: se
spread out to dry for % day er two beforehand.
VII. TROUBLESHOOTING
Table 3 juamarires the mere common preblems^at leal
composting sites, their cauaea, and receamendatiens fcr
their remedy. «cat problems can be prevented by prsptr
facility siting/ design, operation, and mainc*n«net.
A. Oder
The aajer prsbiee tr.esunttrtd at l«af csepcitir.g citis
is edsr. Thca* unfasiii&r with handling larg* eaaacs ef
leaves svay be surprised at hew aeriouj a probles it can be.
Starting with relatively innocuous leaves/ it ia pcsaible ts
generate eders cssparable to these of a barnyard.
In general/ odor proclees develop in four stages:
1} edcrcua ecspounds BUSC be present initially er be
pred-jced during processing: 2} these odors must be released
frsr. tr.e pile; 3} the ecera eust travel cff-site: and 4)
t.-.ey cust be de:ected by sensitive individuals (receptors).
If any stage is acaenti no- odsr probles exists.
With the siniaial technology described previously/
staces 1-3 all occur/ but since no receptors are present
(sta'ce 4), r.c probles exist*. Except where very larse
buffer zones are present/ however/ this approach ts odor
•control* is net possible.
In nest cases/ prevention of odor preblecs can best be
achieved by preventing odor formation in the first place
(staee 1). Tor leaf composting this Beans avoiding
prolo'nced a.-.aerocic conditions. Under anaerobic conditions/
volatile organic acids (which have vinegar, cheesy/ goaty/
and sour edo'rs}/ alcohols (fruity/ floral/ alcohol-like)/
and amines and sulfur cospeunds (barnyard/ rotten) can be
produced. In contrast/ with aerobic conditions only a
cild earthy odor is expected. If excessive ammonia er urea-
based fertilizer is added/ an ammonia odor Bay also be
produced.
The major cause of odor production at leaf coeposting
sites is making the windrow too large, especially when first
assembled. Because at an initial high concentration of
readily degradable material/ there is a high demand for
oxygen. If the piles are too large/ sufficient oxygen
cannot penetrate frea the outside/ and a large anaerooic
cere develops. Decomposition slows down/ switching ever to
the ecsr-producing acid fermentation described above.
A second i.-rpcrtant source of odor production is failure
te isrs windrsws quicxly enough once the leaves are
-------
If cders should be produced at a site/ er if edsreus
materials are dropped off at the site, the second line ef
defense is to prevent their release (stage 2).
Theoretically/ this can best be accomplished by leaving the
edorsus masi undisturbed until oxygen has penetrated
sufficiently to destroy the odors, though this may take
several months er even years. Shaving eff thin (perhaps 1-2
foot) layers from the edges as they b«coae aerobic cay help
speed this process.
If a ler.g wait is not practical/ another approach may
be psssible. Since many ef the odorous compounds art acidic
in r.aturt/ raising the pH (neutralizing the acids) will
convert the?, to an ionized (negatively charged/ dissociated}
fors. In this fcrs they cannot be released to the air and
will regain in the pile.
Application ef pulverized limestone is probasly the
best way to raise the- pE. Sprinkling the limestone in
-iwctred fers directly onto surfaces from which cdsrs art
leaping may be the simplest approach, although a liquid
,urry c'f list stone in water could also be used.
If odors are still produced and released despitt these
precautions/ it may still be possible to minimize their
effsite ispact .{stage 3). This approach relies on timing
odor-releasing operations to coincide with favoracle wine
conditions. A wind sock should be installed at the site to
determine wind direction/ and odor releasing operations
perfcraed enly when the site is downwind ef residences and
ether sensitive neighboring land uses. Alsc, higher winds
are preferable to calm and light conditions because the
higher the wind speed and turbulence, the greater the
dilution ef any released odors.
B. Leachate
One way in which leachate may pcse a problea is by
foraing small pools er "ponds.* Ponding is a concern
because it can create an odor problem (since anaerobic
conditions are likely to develop), serve as a place for
mosquito brteding, and interfere with operations on the site
(soft/ muddy areas). Prevention/ by properly grading the
itt, is the best remedy. Also/ windrows should run down
lepts rather than across, taking it easier for t.-.e water
:o run off rather than accumulate between windrcvs. I*
psndi.-.g occurs and odors art released frsa the pools, adding
pulverises li.Testsr.e may ce helpful.
15
-------
Pollution ef surface wtttrs (lakes, s-.rta=a; is t.-.*
other m*jor concern wit.'! leachatt. Whilt le*chate frss leaf
cespesting is generally net tsxic, it *ay deplete the
dissolved oxygen in the water/ possibly «ven to the point
where fish kill* could occur. Because ef it* c*arfc celcr/ it
eight also lead to ft discoloration of the water.
In order te prevent thia pettntial pcllytion* Itachat*
ahould net b« alleged to anttr aurfact vattra without prier
tr»ata*nt. Thia traataant eight conaiat ef aimplt
pcrcslation down into or through tha aeil/ or pasaagt
through a aand barriar eonatructtd to intarcapt tht
horizontal flow. In paaaing through tha acil or aand, tht
laachata ia both phyaically filtarad and biologically
dagradad to raaeva a aubatantial portion ef tha pollutants.
Con taitina tien ef ground vattr doaa not appaar to ba a
proelas aaaociatad with laaf eespeating.
C. Inadaquata Coepcating Rata
Cccasaionally compcating will aaacD to prograja toe
a lowly in acne vir.drowa, usually bacauaa tht laavaa art tec
drv. Su-fficiant water should fct addad initially/ bafert or
as'tht wir.drcwa art bting fsrrtd. Othar opportunities ts
add wattr art during tht coasir.ing operatic.-, and sehadultd
or extra turnings. Adequatt wetting usually eanr.ct be
accocpliahad sirply by spraying water en tht cutaist ef the
piles. Sisilarly/ rainfall is net affective within the
required tiaa frase.
Ar.cther cause of slow csepeating is piles which are t=s
larce. Cnce acidic anaercsic conditions occur* tha leavea
tend t= be preserved CpiOcltd'} rather than decoKpesed. Tc
aveid chis prebles/ follow the reeoosendations in Secticr.
v:.
D. Other
There are several other potential problems at leaf
ec=poating facilities. For exaepl«, noise may ba a concern
depending en tha equipoant used.
Dust free the windrows can be ninisized by proper
wetting. Dust from the roads and aisles/ however/ may be a
problem during dry weather.
Leaves as collected aay contain lev levels ef seae
toxic materials. Lead/ for example/ is present because ef
its use in gasoline. Limited testing to date, however/ has
found only very iow levels/ well below any threshold ef
concern. Lead levels in leachate typically meet drinXing
water standards. Scree pesticides may also be present* but
again the levels ordinarily will be toe low to pesa any
csr.cern.
2C
-------
The relatively new esr.cer.-: with spcres cf Aarerr: 1 lua
r.as aireadv beer, noted in Section IV.L i- t.-.e
context cf worker Safety. The management practices
recer..T.e.-.ded, ir.ciuding wetting and einir.al disturba.-.ce of
:?catir.5 materials, are expected to einisiz* off-site
[acts.
v::i. usz OF LSA? COWPCST
Early ir. the development of * composting facility, it
is desirable tc plan *e- distribution of the end product.
The County Cepartsent of Sclid Wast* and Cooperative
Extension Service may be hel?ful in developing outlets. The
benefits cf using leal cerpeat as a soil additive or a mulch
are au==ariztd in a factsheet (FS117) prepared by the
Cooperative Extension Service at Cook College, Rutgers
University. A single copy has been included in Appendix B.
While the nutrient content cf leaf coapest is tee lew
for it tc be ecnaidered a fertilizer/ it dees act as a scil
csnsiticr.er ar.d crcanic a=end=ent, improving the physical,
che = ical and biclocical properties cf the soil. Kest New-
Jersey . soils be.-.efit considerably fres the increase in
crga.-.ic tatter co.-.tent which leaf coopest can provide.
•
Most cur.ioipal lea* cospesting operation Banacera like
to cake a pcrtier. cf their finished cc=?es-t available to
individual users in the cc==unity. So=e allow the public
access to the site itself, while others prefer to eaXe the
ipost available at ac=e ether location, such as the public
rks yard or recycling center.
The sunicipality itself Bay use the compost in place of
purchased croanic soil acendmenta. The park and road
departments ca'y have the largest requireaents. The corpest
say also be blended with peer acils to produce a good
quality topscil.
Other bulk users ffay include nurseries, landscapers,
and builders. In seme cases the compost may be offered tc
such users at no cost, but in others a modest charge is
made.
IX. CCf.POSTING CF OTHER YARD WASTES
A. Crass Clippings
Crass clipoings represent another significant seasonal
solid waste. In scce New Jersey suburban communities they
may account for nearly one-third of the total municipal
refuse loading during peax crass-crowing periods. Aithougr.
-crass clippir.cs are readily compcstable, the odor problees
ey pcse reaxe" this treatsent option difficult tc icplercent
!r Best cosrr.uni ties. Likewise, State permitting
-------
requirements ere core »trir. = e-.t, particularly wish
tc staging/ buffer zones, ar.d odor contrsi. Optical eea.-.s
of co-composting leaves end grass clippina are net yet fully
developed.
Since they are typically atill green when collected,
grass clippings are relatively high in nitrogen, moisture
content/ and readily decradable organics compared tc the
fallen leaves ccllected in avituen. For these reasons they
decompose more rapidly/ have * higher oxygen dessand, and
quickly go anaerobic. Thus t.-.ey are often highly odorous by
the time they are delivered ts * composting site. Therefore
it is especailly important te properly implement and stricly
enforce the odor control measures discussed in Section VII
A. Addition precautions sue.1: as enlarging the buffer zone
vill also b* neceasary.
If the grass clippings could be delivered tc a leaf
composting site without causir.g odor problems, they cculd be
incorporated (before the end of the day) into the partially
corpcsted leaf windrows. A ratio of 3 volumes of partially
composted leaves to 1 volume of grass clippings is
recoExended, although lower ratios may also be satisfactory
in sere cases. Good mixing is essential and can be achieved
with a front-end loader by working together 2G-3C bucketfuls
cf material at a time, then forcing a windrow with t.-.e
mixture.
Once the material has been mixed in this way, no
further odor proble= is expected. The partially composted
leaves act as a bulJcing agent to improve penetration cf
cxycen to the grass clippings. The grass in turn speeds the
decoapcsition'cf the leaves by providing needed nitrogen.
The end result is a higher quality compost product which is
ready in a shorter period of rise. However/ these benefits
eust be balanced against the increased potential for odor
problems.
Other alternatives for handling grass clippings exist
but depend on the generator for implementation. Probably
the best alternative is not to collect them at all. Turf
grass specialists/ such as Dr. Henry Indyk at Cook College/
recommend mowing frequently enough ao that the short
clippings filter through the growing grass and return their
nutrients to the soil. If the clippings must be collected
they can be incorporated in moderate amounts in backyard
leaf composting piles or used as a garden mulch. For use as
a mulch/ the clippings should be dried for a day or two
first to minimise any problens with slugs.
B. Woody Materials
Wood tends to decompose very slowly, nakinc composting
of woodv materials impractical in most cases. Thus woody
materials should not be intentionally incorporated in leaf
-------
CC.T.C-G sting wi-.crcws. Small trr.cunts -of incidental!/
ir.ci'jcsc craic-es anc twigs pcse little preslem.
Tree truro anc large tranches can usually be easily
,-.,!.-> a«s/ cr e.en sclc as fire»ccc if cut to reascnacle
Ie-.gtns. 'Fcr s-aller ciarr.eter wcccy materials, cnippi-.g
usually prccuces a usacle mulc~.
X. BACXTAnr. C:-MrOSTlSG
Eac
-------
Fi.-.a teir., ."..S., Killer, F.C., «a=3reger, £•"•• Faariar.cs,
K.!-.. 'The Rutgers strategy f:r cerrpea ting: process ceais-.
and control'. L'SZPA Sescrs, £?A/600/2-55/C55, Available
fre = U.S. Cept. Cer-merce, National lecr.p.icaa Inf crtr.a tier.
Service/ Springfield, VA. 22161, acceaaicr. nc. PB35 2C7
535/AS.
GLCSSAKY.
Aerobic. Cxygen present.
Ar.aercbic. Oxygen absent.
Buffer z £ r. e . Area between the coapesting operation and
ftc=es or ctner sensitive land uses.
Cs-ssst. Thcrcuchly deec=?csed, huailied, organic matter
prrducec through cscpcatinc "and suitable for application tz
SCil.
Ccrrcatir.e. Frocesa of accelerated organic Batter
cecsspca: lion baaed en cicrcsial self-heating.
Curing. Late stage of cocpc-ting/ after euch of the readily
reTTsTlizec material has been decomposed, which provides
additional stabilization.
____ _ .en. The breaking down, cr destruction, of dead
organic r-areriala sue.-, aa fallen leavea.
r erren ta tier.. Anaerobic decomposition involving only
organic cocpcunds.
I.-. ercanie. Substance in which carbon-to-carbcn benda are
assent: eineral matter.
Leacha te. Liquid/ often highly colored, which has passed
tnrougn cr been in contact with a cocpcsting pile.
Hetabelism. Chemical processes necessary for life.
Me tabcl izable substance. A naterial which can be
cT digestec/ to the benefit of the organise.
Hierebe. Living organism of a size such that it can be seen
only with a microscope.
Cr oanie. Substance which includes carbcn-to-carbon bends.
Cxyeer. demand. The requirement for oxygen -exerted in
aerosis cecsr.pcsi tier..
-------
Passage of water down through soil.
pH. A mess-re of hew acid (p = less than 7) er basic (p =
aoove 7) • eaterial is.
jtreacible. Crsar.ic eateriala pfcr.c to degrade rapidly,
,ving rise ts c=r.oxicua cssrs.
Reasiratier.. Ketabclis functions consuming exygen.
Selg-heatir.g. Spcntanecua increase in temperature ef
organic cashes resulting from microbial action.
Stabilization. Csed synonymously with decomposition.
S taeine area. Area where newly received leaves are
decompresses (if compacted) and wetted/ prior to forming
windrows.
Windrow. Ar. el created pile.
-------
riG TZCESCLOGY
T" ?ACI»
Ahundant
Adequate**
little
3LT7I?. 22KZ
Vide
federate
federate
~IXZ~ A
Leng
federate
Shert
??£OP3!ATZ TiCsNCLO
Hini=al
Lav-level
High-level
CY c:sr
Very low
Lev
federate
"Including buffer sane.
**A??rox. 1 acre per 3000 cubic yards cf leaves, plus buffer.
TApproxi=ste tires: Ion* • 3 years, n==erate • 16-18 scnths, a here « 6-10 acnths
TASIZ 2
T-rrical Sched-ile
Sued (15, OCC TS
C-reratisn
aid Ge=eralizsd Ma=
') Irv- level ?tsl-.r.:l
Schtdale
W» •»•*»« ?
»«• M M .-S *
r:ver and Zquipcent
:r- leaf C==ocsti:t
Recuire=e=cs f:r a Hcderate
Cberati==a
Tire Xecuired
lexisilitv Jr==t-e=d Leader Lascrer
e e site
?sr= vlidrows
Ccsrine
Turs,
?or= Curing File
Shred (optional)
Sept. -Oct.
Late Oct.-3e£.
Dec.-Jan.
Kar^i- April
Aug. -Sept.
Karch-Mav
Tes
So
Tes
Tes
Tes
Tes
2 days' A cays
6 veeLs 6 weeks
2 veeits —
1 veek
1 week ~
4 weeks 6 weeks
General Assurpcio&s:
(1) sice has been prepared to-allcw all necessary truck access asd loader
operation under any expected weather and ground conditions.
(2) leaves delivered in bulk (not bagged).
(3) adequate supply of water on lite.
(4) daily supervision by a responsible person during periods of activicy,
regular checks a: ether cises.
(5) manpower required for distri:urioo. of finished ccepost net cir.sidered,
b
r equipment such as a grader say be required.
ing leaves - average of 20 gall:=s per cubic yard.
Visdrsw sise - 6 feet hizh by 12-14 feet vide.
Aisles - 1-: feet vise far pairs of v.ndrava, 12-16 feet vide betveen pairs.
Avoid carsaction.
-------
PROBLEMS ZSCOBSISaES AT LiAJ CDKPCS7IS5 SITZS
?roble=s
Odor
Causes
Piles too large
Vindrovs not fsraed
l=ediately
Leachate ponding
Re;o=enda eions
Initial windrows should be
no larger thac 6 fee: high
by 14 fees vide
Allow &c sore chaa 1-2 days
berveez collection of leaves
*sd forsacion of windrows
£li=i^are ponding; add llae
L*achare pending
Inadequate slope,
poor grading
Improper vindrcw
Grade site properlv
Run windrav down slope,
not across
Pollution of surface
waters
Leacnate discharge
Treat leachace before it
leaves site by passing it
through soil or sand
Inadequate co=pesti=g
rate
Material too dry
Pile toe large,
leading Co acid
anaerobic conditions
Add water initially, or as
corrective measure during
turning
Kaxe piles ssaller, adding
lisestone if necessary Co
raise pa and control odors
27
-------
Vater Rec--ire=g=r Calculation! f =r Leaf Csssostir.g
Let x • vet weigh: of leaves as received (tons).
Let b - initial acisturt contest (fraction. vet basis) before wetting
Let y • vet weight of leaves after vetting (tens).
Let a • fiial moisture extent (fraction, vet basis) after vetting.
Then because the dry weight has net changed during vetting:
(l-b)x - (1-1)7; 7 • fll|) *
tfe vish co fcnov the tens of vater vhirh aust be added per ton of leaves
received; this is:
fsr y:
ki . , . lil . >i . 1-^1 * ' - fi
l-a * 1-a 1-a 1-a 1-a
7 s the t=ns of vater required per tss of vet leaves as received, to gc
frs= acisture content "b" ts'ncisture content "a".
Conversion factor:
1 ton of vater is hov cany gallons?
2000 lb9 z j if1.,. - 2^0 gal/ton
ton 8.36 Ibs *
1 toe of leaves is hov many yd ?
This varies widely, but let us use u a rough average 5 yd /ton.
Then: 1 ton vater /ton leaves - m A8 ^ wtir/jd3 leaves.
-------
Varer Reruirersct Cilc-iiatisi
2
Initial
(before)
20
20
30
30
60
60
50
50
E«=cle
Tctai Re
desired
a-b
MsistMre 1-a Pec-.:ire=s-t
7inal (tons vater/ton leaves (gal va:er/yd3 leaves)
(after) a • .5 a • .6 a • .5 a - .6
50 0.6 29
60 - 1.00 - 68
50 0.6 19
60 - 0.75 - 36
50 0.2 10
60 - 0.50 - 26
50 0 0
60 - 0.25 - 12
r-iiresent
equal ancunts of leaves cc=ing in at 30, 60, and 502 asisture, and a
ocisture after vetting of 602.
35 * 26 * " - ?' •« B* va-p- Tirr'td/yd3
7cr a total collection of 15,000 yd . this aaounts to:
15,000 jd3 x 24 gal/jd3 - 360,000 gal
?eak Heouireaent
Assiae 15 yd3/truck coaing In at only 302 eaiscure, vith a desired aoisrure after
vetting of 502.
15 yd3/truck x 19 gal/yd3 - 285 gal/truck
7or 20 tracks/day would need:
20 tracks/day x 225 gal/trick • 5700 gal/day
29
-------
,11 * or
ENVIRONMENTAL
AFFAIRS
BACKYARD
COMPOSTING
P.O BOX 791 • EOULDER, COLORADO 80306 • 3 0 3-441-3QSO
-------
AC KNO WLJEDGM ENTS
The following individuals and organizations were critical to the success of the backyard
composting program.
City of Boulder Environmental Affairs
Stan Zemler, Director
Alison Peters, Program Coordinator
Boulder Energy Conservation Center
Mona Newton, Director
Boulder County
Debbie Fyffe, Public Works
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Judy Wong, Project Director
Neighborhood Leaders
Bob Howard, Composting Seminar Leader
Jack DeBeU
Trish Plaster
Suzanne Grip man
Ann Hooker
Deborra Lillard
Mike Lynn
Jan Morzel
Vickie Paulsen
Alison Peck
Amy Weinstein
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Design and Planning 2
Implementation 4
Program Operation 6
Budget 9
Conclusions and Recommendations 9
Attachments 14
-------
INTRODUCTION
For con^nunities looking for ways to reduce the amount of solid waste going to local
landfills, backyard composting is an appealing option. Particularly in areas of the Rocky
Mountain region and the Midwest where landfill tipping fees are not yet driving recycling
and composting efforts, the cost of municipal composting may be prohibitively high.
Backyard composting, by contrast, requires a relatively small investment for long-term
reductions in the waste stream. Once residents learn the basic techniques of composting,
they become a permanent component of a community's waste reduction activities by
diverting organic waste into a high-quality soil enricher.
In 1989, the City of Boulder received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency for a pilot municipal leaf composting program. This program, which is documented
in a separate report, was successful but relatively expensive on, a per-ton basis. In 1991, with
a small amount of funding left over from the project, the City launched a pilot backyard
composting program.
The pilot program had two goals. First, the City sought to determine whether backyard
composting offers a cost-effective alternative to municipal composting. Second, the program
was intended to reach residents who may have an interest in backyard composting but not
be motivated to pursue it on their own. If the pilot proved to be both cost-effective and
successfully draw in new coinposters, it could be a valuable component of an integrated yard
waste composting program.
This report documents the process and results of Boulder's neighborhood backyard
composting program. The program did prove to be less expensive than the municipal
composting pilot program, and if done on a large scale, could be comparable in cost to local
landfill tipping fees. The program was also successful in bringing composting information
to residents who had never composted before, but was judged to be a somewhat time-
consuming method for reaching these individuals.
For 1992, Boulder is planning an expanded backyard composting program which
incorporates a number of modifications to the pilot program. Additionally, the City is
planning a pilot program to begin addressing yard waste generated by apartment complexes
and commercial sites, and continuation of a fall leaf collection program begun in 1991.
-------
DESIGN AND PLANNING
Before harming this pilot program, Boulder already had some experience with backyard
composting. Beginning in 1989, three City-sponsored composting seminars have been
offered each spring. The seminars have been very popular, attracting an average of 80
people per session." A 1991 follow-up survey of 32 attendees of a 1990 seminar showed that
27 had begun composting and were continuing to do so a year later.
Although the seminars appeared to be successful, we were interested in exploring ways to
reach residents who might not be motivated to attend a composting seminar, and in
developing a framework for a dry-wide program. In- designing such a project, we relied
extensively on the expertise of Seattle and King County, Washington. These two areas *•• —
among the first in the country to develop extensive backyard composting programs.
Resources
Tne specific resources available in Boulder also played a role in project design. Our budget
was relatively small, about S8000, so we decided to limit the program to a small number of
households. In addition to the services of a seminar speaker who was knowledgeable and
articulate, we were also aware of a small group of composters who had been meeting off
and on for a year with the goal of promoting backyard composting in the city.
Legal Issues
The City of Boulder has an ordinance prohibiting compost piles from becoming a nuisance
due to odors, rodents, or insects (attachment A). This ordinance did not appear to pose any
problem for promoting a backyard composting program, as long as participants were
informed of how to keep their piles odor-free and how to deter rodents or other wildlife.
Staff also checked with the county and state health departments to find out whether
composting of kitchen waste is considered a health hazard. At this time, composting of
these materials is not regulated or restricted by either Boulder County or Colorado statute.
No other local regulations affect backyard composting. Some communities prohibit the
of yard wastes, but Boulder does not have such an ordinance.
2-
-------
Struaure
A neiehborhood-based program appeared to be the best way to offer a small-scale project
with a high degree of resident outreach. The final plan for the program was as follows:
• The members of the existing backyard composting group, and additional individuals
as needed, would receive complete training in composting techniques, alternatives,
and trouble-shooting. They would then be designated as "neighborhood leaders."
• Five to seven neighborhoods would be chosen to coincide with the homes of the
neighborhood leaders. Surveys would be sent to about 700 residents of these
neighborhoods to invite their participation in the project.
• Based on these surveys, with additional solicitation if needed, 100 households would
be selected to participate. As much as possible, the participants would be spread
evenly across the neighborhoods, with a goal of up to 20 participants in each
neighborhood
• Each neighborhood leader would contact the residents chosen to participate in his
or her neighborhood. If necessary, leaders would leaflet door-to-door to solicit
additional participants. Residents would be invited to a training session at the
leader's home.
• Bin vouchers would be made available for participants to get a S25 discount on
composting bins at participating garden supply stores.
• Residents who were interested in keeping detailed records of volumes and types of
materials composted would be offered journal sheets, but this would not be a
requirement for participation.
• Leaders would follow up on a regular basis with participants to offer encouragement
and further assistance.
• The program would be officially in operation for a four-month period, from May
through August. After that time, residents could still contact the leaders with any
questions or problems.
-3-
-------
IMPLEMENTATION
Neighborhood Leaders
A meeting was held with the composung group and several other interested parties,
including the local county extension service, to review the proposed program structure. The
group was eager to participate, and offered numerous suggestions which were helpful in
designing their training program and determining the role they would play for their
neighbors.
The group also addressed the feasibility of requiring record-keeping by participants. Initially
we had hoped to determine the amount of material being diverted from the waste stream
by this projeo. After much discussion, however, it was decided that it would be difficult to
ensure the accuracy of any records kept .:nd that requiring records mighr discourage some
residents from participating at all. Instead, residents would be offered the opportunity to
keep records, and neighborhood leaders would attempt to keep some records of their own
activity and determine some averages for participant volumes.
Participant Selection
In March 1991, regions around the homes of the neighborhood leaders were mapped, and
740 surveys (see sample in attachment B) were mailed out to residents in seven areas of
town.
Survey response was much stronger than anticipated. 281 residents, or nearly 40%, returned
the surveys, and 193 respondents, or 68% percent, said they would definitely or possibly be
interested in participatLag (see summary of results in attachment C). To get to the desired
level of 100 participants, a follow-up letter was sent (attachment D) to the 123 survey
respondents who had indicated that they were not currently composting, but wanted to
begin. These residents were told that they had been selected for the program, and that their
neighborhood leader would be contacting them shortly.
School ffofforn
One of the members of the composting group was a parent active at a local elementary
school Although she was willing to serve as a neighborhood leader, she proposed an
al.-.natzve, which was to work with fifth-graders on a composting project. The City
purchased a compost tumbler for the school, and the students composted leaves and grass
clippings. A presentation was also made to ail the fifth-graders at the school about backyard
composting. The project was successful in producing compost, and will be continued in
future years, with compost going to a school garden to be cared for by students.
-4 -
-------
In April the neighborhood leaders a::eaded a regularly scheduled composting workshop.
Afterward, they met with the compos; educator to discuss specific questions and potential
problems their neighbors might face. Leaders were offered a slide show (produced by
Seattle Tilth) to use in making presentations, and were given a compost thermometer and
a binder of information (see summar. page in attachment E) about composting techniques.
A key component of this binder was the Master Composter Resource Manual developed by
the Seattle Tilth Association. Leaders were also provided with bin vouchers, journal sheets,
and backyard composting brochures for participants.
Each neighborhood leader was askec to confirm twelve to fifteen participants in his or her
neighborhood. Leaders were given a list of all survey respondents in their areas, and asked
to contact first those who had indica:ed definite interest. If these residents were no longer
interested in participating, the leaders were to contact the next group, those who had
indicated possible interest.
Leaders were to invite the participants to a demonstration meeting to train them in basic
composting techniques, then follow up with visits and at least one additional meeting to
ensure that residents were composing successfully.
Bins
A great deal of discussion and review was devoted to the bins to be used in the program.
Staff and leaders considered whether bins should be provided for free or at a discount to
residents, and if so what kind of bins should be offered. It seemed likely that different
participants would have different needs; some might prefer a closed bin to deter rodents and
speed the composting process, others might have a large volume and want no bin at all, and
others might prefer to build their own. Based on these considerations, it was decided to
offer a 525 voucher and a list of bin options (attachment F) to all participants. The S25
would cover the cost of the two cheapest options, a wire bin or a bin built from pallets.
Four local garden supply stores, a national distributor, and a local entrepreneur agreed to
accept the vouchers on all the bins they offered. This included the SoilSaver, the compost
tumbler, the wire bin, the Green Cone, and the pallet bin.
Publicity
Aside from the surveys, no publicity was planned for the program. Staff was concerned that
cirywide publicity would trigger calls from interested residents outside the program areas.
The local newspaper, however, did pick the program up from some materials sent to the
City Council, and ran a short item about it. As expected, we received a number of calls.
Callers not in the program areas were offered a composting brochure and information about
the regularly scheduled cirywide backyard composting seminars.
-5-
-------
PROGRAM OPERATION
Pardtipation
Overall participation was lower than expected. As the table below shows, leaders did not
reach the full 123 households, but only contacted 91 residents. Of those, 66 attended an
initial meeting, and a total of 46 were composting by the time the program ended in August.
Table I
Participation
Residents Attended Actually
Neighborhood Contacted Meeting Composting
North I 12 10 5
North H 12 12 8
North HI 12 4 4
East 18 10 10
South I 15 11 7
South H 13 11 4
South m 988
Total 91 66 46
There are several potential reasons for the high attrition rate. In conversations with the
neighborhood leaders,.a strong correlation appeared between program drop-outs and leaders
who reported having become too busy to do much follow-through. Generally, the leaders
who put more time into participant recruitment and assistance had the highest levels of
participation.
Less easily addressed, however, is the problem of participant commitment. It appears that
individuals who fill out a survey form may not think through until later the time and
commitment involved in actual participation. Even residents interested enough to attend
an initial training meeting ended up dropping out before beginning the actual compost
process. This contrasts with the high follow-through rate of individuals who attend the
citywide composting seminars, and suggests a difference in attitude between individuals who
are acting on their own initiative and those who are solicited by someone else.
In a telephone survey of 37 participants and non-participants conducted at the end of the
program, the majority of those who did not participate cited lack of time as the primary
reason for not composting. Other reasons given included physical problems, too small a
yard, and lack of communication with the leader. (See survey and su: -aary of results in
attachment G.)
-6-
-------
A further finding of the survey, however. '*as that several residents who did nor. participate
in the neighborhood program did go ahead and compost on their own after receiving the
brochure. These tended to be individuals '*ho were not able to attend the ini::al meeting.
Tnis could add another five to ten reside.-.:* as "participants" who began composting as a
result of this program.
Role of Neighborhood Leaders
Once the leaders had received their training and instructions, staff kept in touch with them
by phone and occasional meetings. One leader moved away, but a resident from his
neighborhood stepped in as a replacement.
Some leaders, particularly those in the less responsive neighborhoods, found that the time
needed to pin down participants was greater than they had anticipated. Extra phone calls
and extra meetings for neighbors who could not attend the initial meeting significantly
increased the leaders' time commitments. Several leaders who had expected to spend 3-5
hours per month said that to do a thorough job would have required about twice as much
time, and due to other obligations, they were not able to put in the additional time. It was
suggested that future leaders be told to expect a ten-hour per month involvement for at least
the first two months. In retrospect, leaders probably needed clearer instructions about how
to handle attrition, lack of time, or other problems connected with getting and keeping
participants.
Several leaders also indicated that although they felt knowledgeable about composting, they
could have used more training in presentation skills. Respondents to the post-program
telephone survey, however, indicated that the training meeting was helpful and informative.
The neighborhood leaders were asked to keep in touch with their groups, making contact
with each participant at least once to ensure that things were going smoothly. Leaders used
a variety of follow-up methods, including phone calls and visits. One leader held a
composters' barbecue at his home.
Participant Reaction
Several participants who needed extra assistance commented that it was helpful to have an
accessible source of help and suggestions. Several set up appointments for house visits by
the neighborhood leaders.
One unanticipated benefit of the neighborhood program is that it served as a community-
bunding activity. Composting gave neighbors a common interest and a reason to get to
know each other. Many participants commented about how much they enjoyed having a
chance to talk with people they had seen over their back fences for years. Additionally.
during several of the training meetings, the participants broadened the discussion and began
exchanging tips on such things as organic gardening and leaving grass clippings on the lawn.
-7-
-------
A number of individuals who deeded not to compos; their yarc wastes arranged to give
them to neighbors who were composting. The composting mee::ngs ciei.-iy established a
forum for neighbors to engage in a wider dialogue and greater interac::on than they had
previously had.
Product and Volumes
Program participants were very successful in getting usable compost from their efforts.
Depending on the size of pile, and frequency of turning and watering, some composted
faster than others, but no participants reported difficulty in producing compost. Since it was
a summertime program, the largest component of most piles was grass, with most
participants adding food scraps, leaves, and garden waste.
A few composting problems were reported to the leaders and in the telephone survey.
Occasional problems were reported with smells, but more frequent turning and reducing
moisture to prevent anaerobic composting solved these. A few participants had animals
trying to get into their piles. These were resolved by increasing the heat of the pile with
bioactivator and more frequent turning, and by covering it with a layer of grass to reduce
the food odor. Several participants who set up compos; piles smaller than the
recommended one cubic yard reported low temperatures, but eventually were successful in
getting compost.
Volumes of organic matter diverted from the waste stream by backyard composters are
notoriously difficult to measure. A few participants kept journals recording the volume of
waste composted, or reported volumes to their neighborhood leader. As expected, volumes
varied depending on the size of household, size of yard, and participant interest.
Participants' estimates of composted kitchen waste ranged from half a gallon per day to 1
gallon a week. Average yard waste was two bags per week, primarily of grass.
The average of total recorded volumes was two to three cubic yards of material, or just over
one ton per household. This estimate is somewhat higher than figures used in Seattle. The
Seattle Public Works department has been conducting a study of 51 self-selected households,
and finding that on average, each household composts about 850 pounds of material per
year. Seattle officials have been using 400-600 pounds per household as a conservative
average over all participating households. The higher Boulder estimate may be due to the
fact that residents with smaller piles were less likely to keep records.
Bins
As it turned out, residents were less concerned about their bins than were the program
organizers. Only seventeen vouchers were redeemed. The majority of participants simply
piled up the compost, while a few built their own out of materials ranging from scrap wood
to sod. The small number of bins purchased may have stemmed partly from the orientation
of the compost educator, who stressed that composting could easily be done with no bin.
-8-
-------
BUDGET
The pilot program was funded by 56,775 in grant money left over from an EPA-sponsored
pilot leaf composting project. The City of Boulder contributed 51,225 (in-kind staff time),
for a total budget of 58,000.
Amount
Item Spent
Survey mailing 5 350
Materials and supplies 675
Leader training 125
Bin vouchers 425
City staff rime (50 hours) 1,225
Work contracted out (225 hours) 5,200
Total $8,000
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The backyard composting pilot program demonstrated that a neighborhood outreach
program can bring composting to a fairly broad audience. Individuals who had never
composted before learned the techniques they needed to turn their yard and kitchen waste
into compost, and all indications are that these residents will continue to compost
indefinitely.
The pilot program ended up costing approximately S160 per successfully composting
household. However, this cost would be substantially reduced in a larger-scale program.
For the pilot program, the number of neighborhoods and participants was intentionally
limited. The cost to add neighborhoods to the program would be quite low, since the
majority of the additional work would be done by a volunteer neighborhood leader and the
main added cost would be for bins. Increasing the size of the program to 500-1000 residents
would bring costs down to an estimated 515*20 per participating household.
9-
-------
Even assuming that the average composter diverts only a quarter-:.c~ per year, backyard
composting can be continued for cnany years with no further investment by the sponsoring
organization. Thus a backyard composting program can be cost-effective even when
compared to the low landfill ripping fees of the Rocky Mountain region. Compared to
municipal composting, which is estimated to cost over JlOO a ton based on Boulder's pilot
program, backyard composting is clearly a less costly diversion method.
Tne least expensive option in Boulder remains citywide backyard composting seminars.
Tnese cost about S350 each to put on, and reach about 80 people each, of whom an
estimated 80% follow through. However, one of the initial goals of the neighborhood pilot
program was to reach beyond those residents who were already motivated enough to attend
a composting seminar. While there will always be a core of residents who will take the
initiative to learn about backyard composting on their own, involving the rest of the
population requires greater outreach efforts.
A neighborhood program is one way to bring backyard composting to a broader audience.
Other options which have been tried elsewhere include a composting hotline, a volunteer
master composter program, or a free bin and demonstration by a trained staff person. For
a small amount of money, a volunteer-based program is a logical way to expand. The
program developed for the City of Boulder has both benefits and disadvantages. These are
outlined below, along with specific recommendations.
Use of Volunteers
Enthusiastic volunteers can be a real asset in convincing residents that composting is simple
and non-technical, not for experts only. However, as with any volunteer program, two
caveats should be kept in mind:
Train volunteers we!L Establishing a Master Composter program, as has been done in
Seattle, King County and San Francisco, is probably the best way to ensure that volunteers
are thoroughly trained and comfortable with composting and training techniques. Boulder
will be working with the county extension service next year to develop a more extensive
training program for future volunteers.
Devote enough time to volunteer coordination. Making sure that volunteers have all the
information they need, are dear about what is expected of them, and are successfully
working with residents, is a big job. A volunteer coordinator needs to maintain close
contact with the volunteers to keep the program on track. In the Boulder program, we
learned after the fact that not all the volunteers knew of all the resources (e.g. the slide
show) available to them, and that others were feeling overburdened by unsuccessful efforts
to recruit participants.
- 10-
-------
Neighborhood Outreach
While Boulder's neighborhood outreach program did serve a population that might not
otherwise have begun composting, such outreach has its drawbacks. Chief among them is
the effort expended to interest citizens who end up not following through with composting.
The 50 percent dropout rate in the City's program is likely to be typicai even for people who
say they want to participate.
There are two ways to address this problem. First, require a significant initial commitment.
Residents could be invited to come pick up a bin, a bin voucher, or attend a seminar, rather
than just fining out a survey form. Second, minimize staff and volunteer efforts to recruit
lukewarm residents. Our volunteers made multiple phone calls to a number of residents
who didn't plan to follow through. Even in an outreach program, the focus should be on
those who really want to compost. If it is hard to locate participants, then more aggressive
promotion may be needed, but start with the enthusiastic individuals.
Tne neighborhood approach made it possible to target a small pilot area, and it clearly gave
participants a sense of greater connection with their neighbors. But it requires that a leader
be available and trained for each neighborhood, which may not always be feasible. As an
alternative, the City experimented with holding the regularly scheduled composting seminars
in different areas of the city. However, it appeared that residents attended the seminar that
fit their schedule rather than the one closest to them. The best solution may be to have a
pool of trained "master composters" who can provide assistance throughout the city, but to
attempt as far as possible to match them with residents in their area.
Bins
The bin voucher system that Boulder offered was one solution to a series of complex and
often conflicting questions that will face any backyard composting effort. These include:
• Do p'articipants really need bins? (to prevent wildlife from getting in the bin, to
comply with local regulations, etc.)
• Do they need a specific type of bin? (e.g. rodent-proof with locking lid)
• Will providing bins be a significant incentive for participants to begin composting?
• What can the program afford to provide?
• Does providing bins create difficulties for the program? (lack of storage space,
bookkeeping, competition with local retailers, etc.)
Based on these issues, we believe the voucher system was the best solution for Boulder. It
offered participants choice, utilized existing retailers, and ensured that we stayed within our
budget without limiting participants to a particular bin. It probably did not provide as much
of an incentive to begin composting as handing out physical bins would have. On the other
hand, as was emphasized in the training meetings, for many residents bins are not necessary.
- 11 -
-------
Legal Issues
Boulder's minimal nuisance-avoidance taw on composting has served the community well,
and has only mrely been invoked. We -Aould caution other communities against enac:ing
overly restricfve backyard composting ordinances, as these may tend to discourage
composting.
An ordinanceiprohibiting yard waste from being landfilled, however, would be a strong
incentive for backyard composting, and might encourage residents who would not otherwise
begin composting to consider doing so.
Record-Keeping
Backyard composting volumes are difficult to track. Quantities are highly variable from one
household to the next, and the lack of standardized containers for kitchen and yard waste
makes it difficult to assess volumes even within a household. Unless a small study group
is willing to keep careful records, it may be necessary to rely on very general estimates.
Backyard Composting in Contest
Gearly, backyard composting can play an important role in a community's integrated waste
management plan. Depending on how it is presented, backyard composting may serve other
community goals, such as greater neighborhood cohesiveness, promotion of organic
gardening, and greater awareness of recycling and reuse opportunities.
Communities should be aware, however, that backyard composting is not for everyone.
Most of the participants in Boulder's pilot project wanted to compost because they were
gardeners who had a use for the end product. Some of those who did not participate cited
health or lack of physical strength as a problem. Apartment dwellers are another large
group for which backyard composting may be difficult or impossible.
Organizers of any backyard composting efforts need to be aware that lack of interest or
opportunity will always limit the total pool of participants. If municipal composting is not
an option, community composting projects or other larger-scale composting activities, such
as apartment complex composting will be necessary to bring composting opportunities to the
entire community. As discussed below, several such initiatives are being considered in
Boulder.
- 12
-------
The Fuatre of Backyard Composting in Boulder
For 1992, Boulder is developing an expanded backyard composting program with a variety
of the features discussed above. These include:
• A Master Composter training module in the Master Gardener program run by the
County Extension Service. Master Composters will be assigned a region near their
homes and will be referred calls from this region.
• A composting hotline offering residents a brochure and/or a personal visit by a
Master Composter. Depending on funding, bin vouchers may also be made available.
• A small bin-testing/volume record-keeping program. Residents who wish to test a
particular type of bin and keep track of their compost volumes will be solicited
through the newspaper.
• Development of a community demonstration composting site. Community Food
Share, a local nonprofit organizatioa has applied for a grant to do a large
composting program. In exchange for some technical assistance from the City in
setting up their site, they will provide volunteers to help maintain the demonstration
site at the local community garden.
• Expansion of work with schools. The parent who worked with the fifth-grade class
in 1991 wants to use volunteers to build gardens to be cared for by the students.
Composting will be a part of the gardening program. Other teachers have expressed
interest in having classroom worm bins as class projects.
• Apartment complex composting pilot. Several local complexes have expressed
interest in composting yard wastes. The City will look for an appropriate site to
develop a replicable, self-sustaining composting pilot program for apartment
buildings. If successful, this pilot could also be used for commercial buildings.
Backyard composting is an important pan of Boulder's integrated waste management efforts.
Clearly, it is not a complete solution to the yard waste program, but given its low cost, it will
be one of the most vigorously pursued alternatives for the near future. Community
composting programs and continuation of the 1991 leaf collection program, in which leaves
were tilled into the soil at a local farm, will also be high priorities.
13-
-------
b; mer:ia! or industrial establishment shaii
fail to dispose of garbage frequently enough
so that it does not putrefy on the premises.
6-3-4 Garbage Containers Required.
(a) No owner or occupan: of any single-family
dwelling; owner or manager of a.-.y multiple-
family dwelling or private club, or owner,
operator, manager, or employee of any com-
mercial or industrial establishment shall
fail :o provide at all times one or more gar-
bage containers on such premises, of a size
sufficient to accommmodate the regular
accumulation of garbage from the property .
(b) No owner or occupar.: of any single-family
dwelling; owner or manager of any multiple-
family dwelling or private club; or owner.
operator, manager, or employee of any com-
merr.al or industrial establishment shall
fail to secure garbage containers on the
premises so that they are not spilled by ani-
mals or wind or other elements
6-3-5 Storage and Screening of Garbage
and Rubble.
(a) No person shall store garbage except in gar-
bage containers.
(b) No person shall store or locate garbage in
plastic bags in alleys.
(c) No person shall store nibble in such a man-
ner as to constitute or create a fire, health.
or other safety hazard or harborage for
rodents.
(d) No owner or occupant of any dwelling in a
MR or HR zone shall fail to screen from view
of the street any garbage, garbage con-
tainer, recyclable materials, or rubble stored
on the premises that such person owns or
occupies.
(e)
of a business locaiei
use.
r. a zor.e allowing Such
Nothing in **»'« section shall be deemed to
prohibit any person from keeping building
materials on any premises before or during
the period of active construction pursuant to
a city building permit under Chapter 10-5.
B.R.C. 1981. nor to prohibit any person from
storing any materials used in the operation
6-3-6 Compost Piles Permitted if not
Nuisance.
(ai The occupant or r-v-.er of any single-family
residence and the ;«-r.-, ma.-.ager. or opera-
tor of any multi;le family residence or pri-
vate club may ca.r.tair. compos: piles that
are separated arsis containing alternate
layers of plant refuse materials and soil
maintained to facilitate decomposition and
produce organic material to be used as a soil
conditioner
(b) No occupant or o^ier of a.-.y single-family
residence or rwr.er manager, or operator of
any mulf.z -•"-.m:iy residence or private
club shall :_ :. —s-er.t a compost pile from
becoming a r.u.ssnce by putrefying or
attracting insects or ar.jrr.ais
6-3-7 City Manager may Require Property
Occupant or Owner to Remove Gar-
bage or Compost.
(a) If the city manager finds that any garbage.
rubble, or compost exists on any property in
violation of this chapter, the manager shall.
in addition to any other action permitted
under this code, request that the owner and
the occupant, canager, operator, or
employee obligated under Section 6-3-3
through 6-3-6, B.R.C. 1981. comply with the
requirements of this chapter to correct the
violation.
(b) The city manager shall notify the owner and
the occupant, manager, operator, or
employee as prescribed by Section 6-3-3
through 6-3-6, B.R.C. 1981. for the property
in question, that such persons have a time to
make such corrections determined by the
manager to be reasonable under the circum
stances, but in no event less than seven days
from the date of the notice. Notice under this
subsection is suff.ciest if it is hand delivered
or deposited m the mail first class to the last
known owner of the property on the records
of the Boulder Cour.ty Assessor and to the
last known address of the occupant, nun-
-------
CITY
OF
BOULDER
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
March 7, 1991
Dear Rei.cent,
This spring. :he City of Boulder is sponsoring a pilot project on backyard cornrosting. Your
neighborhood has been selected as a possible site for this project. Before a final choice is
made, ue need to determine the level of interest in composting in your neighborhood.
As a firs: s;ep. we would appreciate your sending back the attached sur.ey. Even if you are
not interested in composting, we would like to receive your response. These surveys will
help us determine the role that backyard composting should play as pan of the city's overall
Recycle Boulder program.
If selected for the program, your neighborhood would receive the following services:
• A Neighborhood Leader will conduct a backyard composting workshop to
demonstrate composting techniques.
• Participants who want composting bins can purchase them at City-subsidized rates.
• Participants will be asked to maintain basic records about their composting activities.
• Tne Neighborhood Leader will be available for the next six months to assist with any
problems or questions that participants may have.
Both new and experienced composters are welcome to participate. If you would like to
receive more information about the program, please indicate your interest on the attached
survey. Please return the survey by March 25.
Thank you for your assistance! We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely yours,
Stan Zemler
Director
POSTOFFICS 3OX 791 • BOULDER. COLORADO 80306 • TEL£3HONE (303)441-3090
-------
CITY OF BOULDER 2/91
BACKYARD COMPOSING SUIVEY
Compost is a dark, cnimbfy ard earthy-smelling form of decomposing organic matter, ft Ls
made by piling yard, kitchen ar-jti other organic wastes in a way that allows naruralfy occurring
microorganisms to break down materials into humus, a type ofsoiL
1. Do you compost now? YES NO
2. Do you garden? YES NO
3. How many bags of the following do you generate each week? (During growing season
or year-round)
Leaves Grass clippings Garden waste Kitchen scraps
4. If you do compost now, please estimate the amount of material you pur imo your
compost pile each year:
Less than 1 cubic yard 1-2 cubic yards More
5. I would be interested in composting if it could:
(Check all that apply)
Improve my garden soil Be used to mulch trees and bushes
Save money or* irash bill Be low-maintenance
Help protect ihe environment
6. If you do not compost now, which of the following is an obstacle? (Check all that apply)
Lack of time Lack of interest/too much trouble
Lack of space No use for compos:
Landlord won't allow Problems with wildlife
Too physically demanding Not sure how to do it
Other: __
7. Are you interested in participating in the City's pilot backyard composting program?
YES, send info MAYBE, please send info NO
8. If you do not want to compost, would TXJU be willing to give your yard wastes to
neighbors who do compost?
YES NO
Name: Return to: Environmental Affairs
City of Boulder
Address: P.O. Box 791
By3/2S Boulder, CO 80306
Phone:
-------
• •^^••\*« *M<^ * • ' *••»—•
April 12, 1391
Greetings:
Thank you for responding to the composting survey. You have been
chosen to participate in the City of Boulder Pilot Backyard
Composting Program. Over 20 percent of the surveys we mailed out
were returned. We are pleased that so many citizens are interested
in composting. The high response rate will enable us to work with
a total of 100 people who have not previously engaged in backyard
composting.
The purpose of this city-sponsored pilot program is to find out how
backyard composting works for citizens, which composting bins wgrk
best and what kind of problems might arise.
Here is how the program will work:
1) Contact from the Neighborhood Leader/Neighborhood Meeting.
One or two people in your neighborhood who have been successfully
composting for several years will hold a neighborhood training
session to present information about composting and answer
questions. The leader will be contacting you after Saturday, April
13 to set up a meeting with you and the other people in your
neighborhood who are going to participate in this program.
The neighborhood leaders will be available over the next six months
to answer questions, troubleshoot and provide more information.
They will be checking in with you periodically to see how things
are going.
2) Purchase/build a compost bin.
In order to allow participants to experiment with several
composting bins, we have made arrangements with, several retailers
that sell compost bins to offer a discount to you, if you are
interested in buying a bin.
As a participant, you will receive a voucher that can be redeemed
for a discount on a compost bin. The following retailers are
participating in the program:
McGuckin's Western Field Services
The Flower Bin in Longmont The Green Cone
Sturtz & Coneland
.-.—s -: --.e I.ry =: 3c_::e: v.«:3.-- -
-------
3) Cczpost your yard wastes and food wastes, if you desire,
during the suruner and into the fall.
4} Track your progress, problems and volumes. We will provide
you with a sheet so that you can keep a journal of your composting
experience. This would be helpful for us to get a sense of the
volumes that can be diverted from the landfill, how the city-
sponsored program works and the success rate of the neighborhood
leader idea.
If you have any questions, please call your neighborhood leader or
Mona Newton at the Boulder Energy Conservation Center (BECC) at
441-3278.
Good luck and we hope you end up with a good final product that not
only enriches your soil, but helps to keep recyclable nutrients out
of the landfill.
Sincerely,
Stan/ Zemler
Director
Environmental Affairs
Neighborhood Leader
Phone
Best times to call
-------
April 12, 1591
To: Backyard Compcst Leaders
Thank you for volur.-eering your time to help educate your neighbors
about backyard cocposting. We hope this pilot program will be a
success and the er.d result will be 100 piles of finished usable
compost.
Binder Contents
This binder has fcur pieces of information: the compost brochure,
the Seattle Tilth Master Ccmposter Resource Manual, two articles,
Cultivating Virtue and .Recycle your Garbage With Woras and a sheet
to help you troubleshoot problems. If there are other articles or
pieces of information that you find helpful, please share them with
us and we will send them out to the other Neighborhood Leaders.
Survey Status
We have received over 100 surveys from people who want to
participate in the backyard composting program. Respondents have
been separated into three categories in order of priority to
participate in the program. The first category/ .which is the
highest priority, consists of those people who currently don't
compost and want information. The second category consists of
those people who don't compost and "maybe" want information, and
the third category consists* of those people who do compost and want
information about the program.
From thess categories we have developed a list of the names,
addresses and phone numbers of those who fall into the first and
second categories. The folks in the first category will receive a
letter telling then that they have been selected to participate,
about the program and how it works, a copy is enclosed.
Those in the "maybe" category will get a letter telling them tl.s.t
they are wait listed in the event we don't get enough participants
the first time around.
Contacting Participants
Please contact the people first who fall into the first category
and verify that they are going to participate in the program as it
-------
is designed. If they don't want to participate, please contact the
next group and so on until ycu have at least 10 participants. We
would like to work wit.-, at least 100 people for this pilot program,
therefore, if you are unable to recruit a- least 10 people, please
let me know as soon as possible and we will work with you to
recruit more people.
Once you have confirmed all the participants, schedule a meeting
with the group to discuss the how-to's of composting. This can be
anytime from April 13 through May'30.
pins
Rather than selling compost bins through the BECC, we are
arranging, through the retailers, a discount on compost bins for
the participants who want to purchase a bin. The participants will
need to present a voucher issued by the City of Boulder in order to
receive this discount. The voucher can also be used at
Sutherland's Lumber to be used toward the purchase of lumber to
build a bin.
I will send the vouchers to you to distribute to those people who
plan to buy a bin.
Information Tracking
As we discussed at the first organizational meeting, we would like
to track information regarding the quantities of yard waste
composted, problems, questions, etc. Included are soae forms to
help the participants or you to keep a "journal" that will help us
learn about the different experiences people have. If some
participants are really interested, have them keep detailed
records. For all others, you can visit with them monthly and
roughly track volumes, etc.
Call Mona Newton, at 441-3278 if you have any questions or
comments.
Sincerely,
Stan ZearTer
Director
Environmental Affairs
enclosure
-------
WH1C3 CCX2CS7 BIS IS BBST KB. XCC7
«'e want y=u ts te acl« t: decide which ccspcst -bi- wil
J = r you." Ti-.ere ara aar.y si.-.s available to ch=cse Jr
are aperssriace ;=r you. We've designed a ci:ecklis~ -
li wcr-: ies-
= help you.
5 rice--1 ir.der S3G
Price — ever S30
laay access far use
Contain c==rosc
Kaeo out ar.iaals
lets at waste
Kixe fast ccaoost
Want to Suild ycur own
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
z
•
z
z 1
1
Z I
x !
i
1
1
i
No Bin
The EZ-Csmpost Bin
Tie Compost Tuabler
Hand Craitad
Turning LT.it
^Backyard Composting
'""VOUCHER
Good lor discount
towards the purchase
of a compost bin.
-------
Backyard Composting Survey 12/91
NAME OF PERSON:
1. We have you down as having returned a survey in the spring saying you were
interested in participating in the City of Boulder's backyard composting pilot
program. Is that correct?
2. Did you end up participating in the program? If not, why not?
3. Were you contacted by a neighborhood leader? By phone? By letter? By visit?
4. Did you attend a training seminar? How was it? (If did not attend, why not?)
(unless answered in #2)
Following questions onfy for those who participated:
5. Did you buy a bin? If so, what type; did you use a bin voucher? If not, why not?
6. How did the composting go? Any problems? How was the final product?
7. Can you estimate the volume of a) kitchen waste; b) yard waste?
8. Did the leader follow up with you, check in to see how things were going?
9. Are you continuing to compost? If not, why not?
10. What did you think were the best and worst parts of the program? Do you have any
suggestions for improving the program in future years?
Following question for those who did not participate:
11. Do you have any suggestions about what we could have done to make it easier for
you to participate?
-------
Attachment K
BACKYARD COMPOSTING SURVEY TABULATION All neighborhoods: 37 responses
Quantitative Questions
Question
participate?
leader contacted?
attend seminar?
buy bin?
composting problems?
leader follow up?
still composting?
Qualitative Questions
Question
Why didn't participate?
lack of communication w/ leader
too busy/too time-consuming
yard waste not compostable
couldn't commit/attend seminar
yard too small
Rate training seminar
great
Use bin voucher?
yes
15 40%
32 86%
17 46%
5 14%
4 (4/15 = 26%)
11 (11/15 = 73%)
13 (13/15 = 86%)
4
5
1
5
1
12
4
disability
animate in pile
composted on own
out of town
personal
mediocre
22 60%
5 14%
20 54%
32 86%
11 (11/15=73%)
4(4/15=26%)
2(2/15=13%)
2
1
2
1
1
People who were not formal participants in the program,
bat composted on their own:
Participants' comments:
1) need more focus on building own bins, less on types to buy
2) cooperative purchasing/sharing bins for those without fenced yards
3) instruction should include how composting can be tidy
4) people should be able to participate even though their neighborhoods
weren't selected to be in program
5) had trouble using voucher at retailer
6) need more info on other composting products
7) need more leader contact
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
-------
Comments on the best pan of program:
good info was supplied
people started composting who never would have otherwise
provided alternative to throwing stuff away
leader's BBQ was informal and encouraged discussion
meeting with neighbors was helpful to discuss experiences
Comments on the worst part or program:
everything was too time-consuming
kitchen scraps smelled up house until special container was found
hard to get results from a low volume of material
Suggestions for improvement:
organize swapping network with neighbors to improve mixture
more detailed info for beginners including knowing when compost is done
try to increase participation
Comments on ways to make it easier for people to participate:
make program less time-consuming
advertise program more
leader should make personal visits to people's homes
have meetings on weekends as well as weekdays
leader should follow up on those who don't attend first meeting
offer varied times for training seminar
provide info for those who don't want to attend training seminar but who want to compost
give people a contact person from the beginning
provide schedule of possible meeting times well in advance
give participants access to variety of composting materials
don't have meetings at confusing places like the University of Colorado
-------
Leaf Compost Program
Falls Township, Pennsylvania
mis report was reproduced
as part of ICMA's EPA-funded
environmental programs.
Disiritiutedby
Research and Information Services
ICMA
777 N. Capital Si., NE, Suite 500
;hingtcn, D.C. 20002-4201
:ARINGHOUSE REPORT #40375
1790
©ICMA
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Declaration of Program
2.0 Collection Methods
2.1 Collection Machines
2.2 Collection Regulations
2.3 Collection Routes
2.4 Designation of Collection Period
2.5 Program Public Notification
2.6 Delivery to Compost Facility
3.0 Compost Facility Operations
3.1 Facility Description
3.2 Compost Facility Operator
3.3 Site Security
3.4 Operating Hours
3.5 Site Operations
3.6 Windrows and Compost Piles
3.7 Water Supply
3.8 Segmentation and Erosion Control
3.9 Facility Maintenance
3.9.1 Residual Waste Disposal
3.9.2 Hazardous Waste Disposal
3.9.3 Fugitive Dust Control
3.10 Emergency Response
3.11 Alternate Facility
4.0 Processing
4.1 Turning Frequency and Method
4.2 Determination of Water Application
4.3 Lime Application
4.4 Facility Inspections
4.5 Curing Duration
4.6 Proposed Distribution of Compost
5.0 Safety
5.1 Personal Protective Equipment
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5.2 Safety Practices
5.3 Training
5.4 Medical Examinations
ATTACHMENTS
-------
FALLS TOWNSHIP LEAF COMPOST PROGRAM
1.0 DECLARATION OF PROGRAM
The Township of Fails Board of Supervisors hereby estaciishes pnase III of the Falls
Township Recycling Plan to provice a curb side collection and compost program for
residential leaves within the boundar.es of the Township The Board's establishment
of this program demonstrates their commitment to comply with the Governors initiative
to promote recycling and source recuction of Pennsylvania's Soiic Waste under the
provisions of Act 101.
Beginning October 30. 1989, Falls Township will star: collecting leaves from resi-
dences required to separate designated recyclables from their normal trash under
Fails Township Ordinance 180 subsection 3 (see attachment 1). This program will off-
set the promulgation of Act 101 sec. 1502 (a) which prohibits Municipal Solid Waste
disposal facilities from accepting leaf waste fa processing or disposal, other than com-
posting, at their facilities
Leaves will be collected and processed by Falls Township employees only. All leaves
that are collected will be transported to the Falls Township compost Facility or our des-
ignated alternate facility. The cured compost or humus will be distributee back to the
residents or other specific designated facilities the spring following collection. Specific
collection routes, schedules, and compost facility operation regulations are further
contained in this manual.
2.0 COLLECTION METHODS
The collection methods employed by the Township for this program were mutually de-
veloped by the Public Works department, the Environmental department and the
Manager's 'office. These methods are designed to achieve the following program
goals and objectives:
a.) The program must be easy for participating residents to follow. This
will enhance the performance of the program overall, helping us to
meet our solid waste reduction objectives.
b.) The program must be carried out in an efficient, professional and safe
manner at all times. Meetings with workers representatives to gain
operators input is vitally important to successful program develop-.
ment. Periodic updates to this manual wifl reflect the changes and
development of our Program in order to achieve our goals and objec-
tives.
-------
c.) Our collection metnocs must take into consideration the environment-
al ir.iegtty of our compost site and operations as we'! as tne quality of
our final product. Collectors must ensure that items not intended for
the compos: pile are not picked up.
d.) Our collection methods are designed to ensure the protection
of our leaf collection and composting equipment and the personnel
who use them. Our collection machines can easily be damaged
when our regulations are not followed properly. This can result in
increased cost for the Township and unnecessary delays on collec-
tion routes.
2.1 COLLECTION MACHINES
Falls Township will employ the use of the Giant Vac 6800-TR-20 Trailer Mounted Leaf
Collector vacuum machine as the method of the curbside collection. Five - twenty yard
collection machines have been purchased for this prog-am. We will use three to -four
men to man the operation of the collectors -1 driver, 1 hose operator and 1 to 2 men to
rake the leaves inro position Residents will be required to rake their leaves to the curb
side at specific times during the prog-am, where the collection crews wiil use the vacu-
um unrt for the picking UD the leaves.
2.2 COLLECTION REGULATIONS
The residents includes in this program will be required to follow the collection regula-
tions set forth by the Township. These regulations will be prominently displayed at the
Township Municipal Building and advertised in accordance with section 2.5 of this
manual. Enforcement of these regulations will be in accordance with Township
frdinance 180 subsection 6 (attachment 1).
These regulations- are as follows:
a.) Residents wfR be required to rake their leaves to the front of their yard
piling the leaves between the curbside and two (2) feet in from
the curb. The leaves should be placed at the curt earlier than one
week before pickup.
b.) Residents may NOT rake leaves into the street at any time!
This can cause; fire hazards when cars park on them; undue traffic
hazards and sfippery or icy conditions on road surfaces; and poten-
tial flooding conditions in the Township storm drains.
c.) ONLY LEAVES are included in this prog-am. The Township will
NOT accept crass clippings, branches, brush, or any food, garbage
or trash.
-------
G } Leaf collection ecuipmert wiil be in each eecrson every other week
according to the schecjle distributed Collection machines will fol-
low the designated routes and will not return tc those sections until
its nex: schedulec
e ) There will be no curbside parking allowed in the sections sched-
uled for pickup between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
f ) Daily schedule changes and program information will be available by
calling tne Township Information HOTLINE at 736-2210
2.3 COLLECTION ROUTES
Program collection routes and schecule dates have been posted and acvertised in ac-
cordance with section 2 5 of this manual The Township has been divided into ten dif
ferent sections, two sections for each of the five collection machines. Each section is
expected to taice one week to complete Each machine will alternate between their
two sections every week from the star of the program until its completion
. The program will typically run from the end of October Through the end of
December
Each collection team will be required to keep in periodic contact with the
base station during the collection program. This is essential to achieving max-
imum efficiency during the collection period. Each team must check in with the
base at the following intervals: 1. When arriving at the collection site; 2.
When leaving the collection site to dump a load of leaves; 3. When arriv-
ing at the compost site; 4. When leaving the compost site; and 5. When
arriving back at the collection she
The Public Works cleric will prepare a daily bulletin .which must be in the Manager's
Office by 8:30 a.m. the following day. describing the progress of work (streets) complet-
ed and streets scheduled for the next day. This information will be integrated daily into
the announcement/information HOTLINE by the Public Works Clerk. The Public Works
director will use this information to make the necessary adjustments to collection
routes and schedules.
2.4 DESIGNATION OF COLLECTION PERIOD
The collection period will be determined each season by the Public Works Director.
The beginning of the collection period will depend on weather conditions, scheduling
of other events, and other operational considerations. In any case, due and prop-
er notice will be given to the Township residents. The completion of the col-
lection period will more greatiy depend upon weather conditions. The Director will al-
-------
ways take into consioVa-jon the safety of the collection teams and the protec-
tion of the collection equipment first.
2.5 PROGRAM PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The prog'am notificatjcr. will be accomplished by a variety of methods. There will two
separate notices places in the BUCKS County Courier Times, cur local newspaper, prior
to the start up of the collection period. Additionally, we have used various broadcast
meca. fliers, posters and posted notices at the Township Municipal Building
to make the public aware of our prog-am. We have also set up an infor-
mation HOTLINE to aic ;n this prog-am The HOTLINE is an announcement machine
during business hours to give the public'information on collection routes, regulations
and other recycling events. After hours the machine will be additionally equipped to
take messages.
Lastly, we have developed a Recycling Workshop Prog-am for residents to ask ques-
tions, offer comments ar.c! generally learn about recycling. We have incorporated the
leaf prog-am into this agenda. Tnree work shops have been scheduled for 1989
and will be conduced by the Environmental Department.
2.6 DELIVERY TO COMPOST FACILITY
Each truck load of leaves collected during the prog-am will be delivered to the Falls
Township Compost Facility or a designated alternative facility.
When the collection team has filled the vacuum macnine and is ready to depart the
collection site, radio checks must be made with the base station as per Section 2.3 of
this manual. A; this time a facility will be designated for the delivery of that truck load of
leaves.
When a collection crew is arriving at the compost facility, they must check their load
with the facility attendant. At all times the collection team is at the compost
facility they must comply with the operational and safety practices in
place at that facility. In the case of the Falls Township Facility, the team must re-
main compliant with Chapters 3 and 5 of this manual.
3.0 COMPOST FACILITY OPERATIONS
At the inception of this program in 1939, Falls Township successfully set forth to own,
operate and maintain a compost facility within its boundaries. The facility will be used
exclusively for the purpose of storage, curing and distribution of vegetative material, in-
cluding residential leaves, garden residue, and chips shrubbery and tree trimmings.
This facility will not be used for composting grass clippings, sewage
-------
sludge, or other solid or hazardous waste materials.
The facility operations and pracsces are contained in the following sections of this
chapter All facility operatic^s shall maintain compliance with the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources Municipal Waste Management Regulations
under Section 2S1.2 of that coce
3.1 FACILITY DESCRIPTION
Falls Township has required ar. approximate four and one half (4 1/2) acre site located
on Tyburn Road east of Route 13 The sne lies behind three (3) currently occupiec in-
dustrial properties and adjacent to a Warrrer Co. quarry lake. The property is bound by
the lake and berming to the South and a natural berm and tree barrier to the West.
The composting operations will be conducted in a two and one half (2 1/2) acre area of
level ground witn these boundaries . There will be an office trailer
and portable sanitary facilities located on site during the collection season.
3.2 COMPOST FACILITY OPERATOR
The compost facility will be operated and maintained by the Township Public Works
Department. The Director of Public Works, hereafter called the Director, or his de-
signee shall ensure that this faciity is in compliance with all Federal. State and local
regulations during the entire course of its operating life. The Director is empow-
ered to make any necessary changes in operating procedures or prac-
tices that he deems necessary to improve the safety, environmental in-
tegrity or efficiency of the operation of this facility within the boundary of
compliance so noted above. This manual will be updated periodically to reflect
these changes.
3.3 SITE SECURITY
The operating portion of this facility will be secured from vehicular entry during all non
operating hours. The site is naturally bounded on the South and West. The Township
will maintain a six foot high fencing on the property border securing the remaining two
sides of the site.
During operating hours an attendant will be on site to restrict unauthorized entry.
Only Falls Township vehides shall be allowed to access this she at any
time. This site will be inspected once a week, or as determined by the Director, during
non operating periods.
-------
3.4 OPERATING HOURS
This facility will be oper. for operation during the leaf collection and the distribution of
compost periods only Tne only ether times the site will be occupied are during pen-
ode security and maintenance inspections and during the turning of the windrows.
A sign will be posted at the facility entrance road and front gate showing the
Township's name, adcress, telephone numoer. emergency phone number and facility
operating hours j. Normal hours of operation during the collection
season will be from 7 A.M to 5 P.M., Monday through Friday.
3.5 SITE OPERATORS
The facility will be manned by two operators during the periods of collection. The fa-
cility attendant will check in or accept deliveries to the facility from the collection
teams. He will maintain a record of each delivery showing the time of arrival, the
amount of the load, the vehicle number and the time of departure. This daily record
will be turned in at the enc of the operating day to the Director.
The windrow operator will maintain the compost piles in accordance with Section
3.6 of this manual. It will be this operators responsibility to maintain the environmental
condition of the facility and to perform quality control checks on the incoming material.
Any discrepancies found in the material received shall be reported to the Director.
Proper corrective actions must be taken in accordance with Section 3.9 of this manual.
3.6 WINDROW AND COMPOST PILES
The facility shall utilize windrows or compost piles when storing a curing the leaf
waste on she. The windrow operator shall construct and maintain these piles to the
following specifications within 2 days after acceptance at the facility:
a) Compost piles or windrows shall be maintained to a dimension of
between six (6) and eight (8) feet in height and twelve (12) to sixteen
(16) feet in width.
b) Windrows shall be constructed perpendicular to the g-ound surface
contour.
c) At no time shall there be stored a ojeater volume than 3,000 cubic
yards of compost material per acre. The volume of material stored on
the site shall be measured every week, or as determined by the
Director, to ensure this condition is met.
The windrow operator shall also ensure that the moisture and sedimentation and ero-
-------
sior, controls are maintained in accordance with Section 3 7 and 3 £ during the con-
strjcjcn and maintenance of the compost piles.
3.7 WATER SUPPLY
The facility is located a Decent tc a quarry lake to its South side. This will be the facili-
ty's principal source of water fa :ne compost operations and emergency response.
A portable pump and housing wii! be utilized to deliver the water to the operation area.
The compost piles mus*. be maintained at an optimum moisture content during the cur-
ing period (approximately 50%) The windrow operator will wet the compost piles
when turning the wincrows in the curing 'season. Additional moisture content control
will be conducted under the supervision of the Director.
3.8 SEDIMENTATION AND EROSION CONTROL
The facility shall maintain the sedimentation and erosion control plan as submitted in
the Bucks County Soil and Conservation District application .. The
Director shall submit any chance or updates to this plan to the appropriate agencies
when applicable.
3.9 FACILITY MAINTENANCE
The facility operators shall maintain the facility in a neat and orderly fashion during all
hours of operation. Daily checks must be made on the following areas:
a) Facility grounds are to be checked for residual waste or dumping.
Any leaf waste which may have inadvertently blown from the opera-
ing area must be collected.
b) The office trailer and sanitary facilities must be well maintained and
presentable. "Clean As You Go".
c) All equipment should be properly stored and cleaned after use.
d) Landscaping and signs should be checked for damages. Report any
damages to the Director immediately.
e) The roadway should be free of litter or trash. On muddy days, wash
down or tun the stone drive.
Any long term maintenance problems should be reported to the Director. This may in-
dude fence damage, rodent proolems, drainage problems, water damage, vandalism.
-------
etc.
3.9.1 RESIDUAL WASTE DISPOSAL
All resisuai wastes will be separated from compost area and properly disposed of at
the G n O.W.S Landfill on Bordentown Road in Morrisvdle
3.9.2 HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
The only chemicals stores or entering this facility is the lime used in the composting
process. In the event that an unknown or suspicious container or substance is found
during operation of the faclity, the facility operatcr(s) must contact the Director and the
Environmental Officer immediately AH operations should cease until the deter-
mination of safe conditions is made by the Director and Environmental
Officer. The Environmental Officer shall take the necessary steps to determine the
hazardous conditions and the appropriate corrective actions to employ. These may in-
clude, but is not limited tc. sampling and performing appropriate analyses, determina-
tion of best disposal metnocs. decontamination of contacted equipment, removal of as-
sociated contaminated soiis. notification of proper county, state or federal agencies.
and emergency response actions.
3.9.3 FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL
The facility entrance and dump areas have been prepa-ed to control fugitive dust
emissions as outlined in ... Should these measures be insufficient, the fa-
cility operator(s) shall employ the aopropriate corrective actions designated by the
Director to control the fugitive dust emissions.
3.10 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
In the event of an emergency during operating hours the facity operator(s) shall im-
mediately notify the base station dispatcher, giving details of the incident. The dis-
patcher will then notify or enact the proper responding agency(ies) to the site.
After hours a 24 hour emergency number to our police dispatcher is posted at the front
of the facility. The police dispatch will in turn notify the proper responding units and
notify the facilities emergency coordinator . Additionally, the
Township has in place a Township wide Emergency Response Ran enacted under
Pennsylvania Community Right to Know and Emergency Response Program which
will be enacted by deciaration of an emergency.
-------
3.11 ALTERNATE FACILITY
Falls Township has cesigr,a:&d an alternate compost facility for its Leaf Collection
Procrarr, This Facility will be utilized when the Townships Facility has reached capac:
rty or has shut down for operational considerations.
Alternate Facility
Flemminc Farm
Stony Hill Road and Route 332
Lower Makefielc1 Township
4.0 PROCESSING
The facility's function, when it is not receiving leaf waste, is to serve as a storage and
curing site - developing the leaf waste deposited into a usable mulch compost. The
composting or curing season planned for this facility is approximately six (6) months.
During this time certain procedures must be followed to ensure the continued environ-
mental integrity of the facility and arriving at a quality compost product. These proce-
dures are outlined in the following sections of this Chapter.
4.1 TURNING FREQUENCY AND METHODS
The windrows at the facility will be turned approximately every six (6) to eight (8)
weeks as designated by the Director. Front end loaders and leaf machines will be
used to manipulate the wincrows. Windrows will be turned from the side, with the op-
erator facing perpendicular to the length of the windrow, starting from the last row first,
turn the pile in a counter clockwise rotation until the whole length has been moved
back onto itself. Each subsequent row will be turned in the same manor. On the next
scheduled turn, rotate the pile clockwise and so one.
Periodically, the Director will visually inspect and monitor temperatures of the
windrows to determine optimum turning frequency.
4.2 DETERMINATION OF WATER APPLICATION
Water will be applied to the compost pile before the windrow is turned. Additional
water may be applied to the compost pile when unusual circumstances are observed.
The Director during his inspection of the facility shall determine the adequacy of the
compost moisture content.
-------
4.3 LIME APPLICATION
The facility shall em^-cy the acdition of lime to the compost pile (during curing only) for
use as ocor and environmental controls Lime will normally be applied after the
windrows have been turned Again under the supervision of the Director the addition
of lime can be more frequent. However, the lime is not to be over applied or
applied directly into a water source. The run off of the lime has also been ad-
dressed in
4.4 FACILITY INSPECTION
The facility shall be inspected at least once a week, or as designated by the Director.
during the curing period. Facility inspections shall note the condition of the compost
pile, the condition of the sediments and erosion control measures, site security, odor
control, site appea-ance and any items normally serviced and checked daily . Section
3.5. Any discrepancies found by the operator shall immediately be reported to the
Director. A log of facility inspections will be kept by the Public Works Clerk.
4.5 CURING DURATION
The facility Director will ultimately determine the time of curing through his regular in-
spections The typical duration of the compost period will be approximately six (6)
months. The time will vary according to weather conditions, turning frequency, the
amount of compost, the moisture content, and size of the windrows.
4.6 PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION OF COMPOST
The compost product will be used in several different ways depending upon the de-
mand for the product. At all times distribution will be supervised by
Township employees. Scheduled pick up days will be by the Director. We have
proposed the following avenues of distribution:
a) Compost will be distributed to any resident who wishes it. The com-
post facility will be opened two to three days a week for residents to
pick up the compost. There will be some product available in bags.
Others may take the compost out in bulk
b) Additional mulch will be distributed into Township parks and recre-
ation areas.
c) Nurseries or farms will be allowed to schedule pick ups with the
Township finally.
-------
d) Left over compost may be used at the landfill for final c:ver.
The compos: will be d:snbuted at the site at no cost to the residents, except compost
taken in bags Other contractors may be charged for cost expencitures by the
Township for special ecuipment or operating hours.
S.O SAFETY
All Falls Township operations must be constructed in a safe and practical manor.
Safety is always our First Concern. Employees who do not observe our Safety
Practices create a hazard fa ail employees as well as themselves. Serious disci-
plinary actions will be taken against those caught violating the safety
practices outlined in this manual.
5.1 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
All leaf collectors and facility operators will be issued the following safety equipment:
1ea. Hard hat
1pr. Ear muff protectors
1 pr. Safety goggles
1pr. Gloves
1pr. Latex over boots (rainy condition)
1 Leaf Program Manual
Employee Director
Employees will be expected to provide steel tipped safety shoes for
themselves. These must be worn at all times without exception!
All of the safety equipment above must be worn at all times (except latex boots) while
the leaf collection machinery or compost equipment is in operation. The only ex-
ception of this rule is the diver of the collection machine who must not
wear ear muffs or goggles while operating the motor vehide.
-------
OEM/
OSCAR
(40l)277-MMef
I(IOO)CLEANU
•J. Solid WMH
I (100) 441-1011
(401)131-4440
nnrranuADiNO
byuttrtiffof
•urn. PA.
1971.
Let Riot. Tte Hon. CMncn' Oiwh ID On-
PMIBI by Soi Onpbdl. dadoi W«y PuMuluaf.
. 1971
Iknt to Cnw Mm V«giUM« by Mm bnan*.
I ai SpMd Piai. ktefcy. 1979.
Si«ri G^tt to Oriuk Cudalii. by te xkon
of Suna Boob. Mailo P«t. 1974.
Pic«.
•I.P
PA.
MldybyRodib
Woraa bl My (Urt^. by M-y Afpelhrf.
(•\>»a PIM. Kjlanuoft M. 1982.
llow Co^o«fe«. Bulkon III-IX by d»
CamMOcu CaoMnan EIWUUO Savic*. 1911.
WHAT ABOUT BINS?
Bint are not necessary, but CM help large
piles suy neat Use a single bin 10 hold the
compost, or use two or three and turn the
compost from one bin into the next as it ages.
All bins should allow access for turning and
should have holes In the sides so air can
circulate into (he pile. Bins can be made
from:
• slakes and chicken wire ,
• a garbage can with holes in the sides.
and no bottom
• cinder blocks (allow space between
blocks)
• old pallet! or scrap wood
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Symptom Problem Solution
Pile hu a bad Not enough ak Turn it
_ __.
Center (/% NM enough
pdeiidry. _wajE£L
mpQuli TooimaTT.
winn&damp
in middle, but
nowhere cljc. ^
tunungjtepife.
"Ruin more
materials.
mwnuer.
TilT»weeT
smelbng.but nitrogen.
wonl heal UP.
blood meal. etc.
How do I start
BACKYARD
COMPOSTING?
|
-------
WHAT IS COMPOSTING?
Composting is the biological break-
down of organic wastes like leaves.
brush, grass clippings and even food
scraps into a soil-like product called
humus. Composting is a form of
recycling, reluming organic waste
to the earth.
WHY SHOULD I COMPOST 7
Composting at home:
M • preserves landfill space
£» • saves waste collection costs
• reduces disposal cosu
Adding compost to your soil:
• improves soil structure
• helps retain moisture
• adds organic matter
• reduces the need for fertilizers
• helps regulate soil pH
• improves plant health
WHAT CAN I COMPOST?
Any organic material will breakdown, but
nol everything belongs in your compost pile.
Do Use:
•leaves, grass clippings
• garden wastes, weeds
* hedge tnmnungs
• manures from plant eating animals
• kitchen vegetable and fruit scraps
• tea leaves, coffee grounds
• egg shells, hair, saw dust
Do NOT Use:
• diseased plants
• plants which are toxic to other plants
(Ivy, English laurel, rhododendron)
•meats, fish or dairy products
• oily foods, fats or grease
• manures from meat-eating animals
HOW DO I COMPOST 7
Your compost pile will bealitUe'faim",
teeming with •decomposers"- bacteria,
fungi and worms. You must provide them
with food, water and air as they work to
break down your wastes into compost
1. Choose a level spot in your yard that
is near a water source and that receives
about equal amounts of sunlight and shade
during the day.
2. Your wastes are the decoir
food. Place the materials in 2-6 inches
thick layers. Try to alternate "greens"
(food scraps, grass clippings, manure)
and "browns" (leaves, straw, woody
material) to help balance the proportion
of carbon and nitrogen. The Ideal pile
size is 4 to 5 feet wide and high. An
occasional sprinkle of fertilizer, blood
meal or urea will speed the break down
by adding nitrogen, but it is nol neces-
sary. Cutting or shredding toe ingredients
helps speed the composting.
3. Now add water. The pile should be
kept moist but not soggy - like a wrung-out
sponge. Slowly dripping water onto the pile
is the most effective watering method.
4. Keep air in the pile by turning and
"fluffing" the pile periodically -once a week
if possible, or whenever you can. Frequent
turning speeds the composting.
5. As you have more materials, mix
them in or sun a new pile.
THE RESULTS
As the materials break down, heat is
generated. You may see iteam rising
from the pile, especially when it is
'turned. If your compost pile is pro-
perly prepared, contains no animal fats
and is turned periodically, it will not
attract pests or create odors. Decom-
position will be complete when the
• compost is a rich dark brown color and
has broken down into small particles.
Compost is ready to use after it has
cooled. You may screen the compost
and return unfinished material to the
pile.
HOW CAN I USE THE COMPOST?
• mix several Inches of it into soil
before planting
•lop dress lawns with a one-
quarter inch thick layer of compost
• work into top layers of soil
around established plants and
shrubs
• use up to 25% compost in
porting soil
-------
NOTES FOR A
SHORT COURSE ON
PLANNING MUNICIPAL YARD WASTE
COMPOST PROJECTS
Developed by:
Michael Simpson, Tellus Institute
&
Betsy Loring, RIDEM
In Conjunction with the:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
&
Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation
-------
WHY COMPOST LEAVES AND YARD WASTE?
* Avoid High Disposal Costs
* Preserve Disposal Capacity
Reduce Landfill and Incinerator Pollution
* Recycle A Natural Organic Resource
Produce Valuable Soil Amendment
-------
WHAT IS COMPOSTING ?
-------
COMPOSTING is a waste management option
which utilizes the natural process of biological
decomposition under controlled conditions to
produce a stable end-product.
COMPOST (the end-product) resembles a
darkened humus-like material which can be easily
and safely handled, stored and applied to land as a
valuable soil conditioner.
f
-------
COMPOSTING: A Process of Aerobic
Decomposition
Composting occurs through the breakdown of organic
material by macro and micro organisms which require:
The decomposition process needs adequate oxygen.
FOOD
The leaves and yard waste (organic material)
provides decomposers both energy (carbon molecules)
and building blocks (nitrogen molecules) for population
growth.
WATER
Decomposers needs water both for the assimilation
(in-take) of nutrients from the break-down of the organic
material and as a medium in which they live.
-------
Leaf Particles with Proper Moisture
Thin film of
water adhering
to surface
of leaf particle
Water held in
narrow spaces
between particles
T r
Leaf particle
Air pocket
Microbes live in thin film of water around leaf particles
-------
PLANNING FOR A COMPOSTING PROGRAM
* Quantity of Material
Collection
Siting
* Equipment
* Staffing
Public Education
* End Use
-------
PROJECTED TIME LINE FOR IMPLEMENTING
LEAF AND YARD WASTE COMPOST
Task Season
Determine leaf volume
Identify siie end use and
composing method
Determine personnel
equipment needs
Budget
Design and permits
Construct site
Train personnel
Begin operations
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Source (Connecticut DEP, 1989)
-------
ESTIMATING QUANTITY OF MATERIALS
* Existing records of seasonal fluctuation, can
provide a reasonably accurate quantity of
leaves in the fall that are collected.
Based on national (EPA) figures, leaves and
yard waste comprise 18% of municipal solid
waste (MSW). Leaves, by themselves,
comprise 6% of the MSW stream. In the fall,
leaves can make up to 30 - 50% of the volume
of MSW in suburban areas.
Based on studies of several communities
throughout the U.S. composting leaves,
collected leaves can range from 50 to 200
cubic yards per curb mile.
-------
ESTIMATING COMPOST PAD SIZE
For every 4000 to 5000 cubic yards of leaves delivered,
approximately one acre will be required. This will
depend somewhat on the level of operation, such as
frequency of turning. Areas for buffers to sensitive
neighbors, access into and out of the site, curing, as well as
storage for compost and equipment are additional.
One can assume 6 1/2 cubic yards for each ton of leaves
(300 pounds/ cubic yard). However this ratio can VARY
GREATLY depending upon the amount of yard waste,
moisture, sand and grit that are present or whether the
leaves were shredded of compacted prior to delivery to the
composting area.
The composting pad, at a minimum, should be sized to
accept the amount of material that is to be deposited,
composted and removed within one year.
-------
INCLUDE SPACE FOR:
Buffers, Drainage Ditches, Swales, etc.
Roads
Drop-Off Area(s)
Mixing, Shredding, De-bagging, Screening
Curing, Compost Storage
Equipment Storage, Workers' Shelter
(Slower Composting)
(Future Expansion)
(Additional Materials: grass, brush)
u
-------
Average and Peak On Site Volumes
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Total on Site
Oct | 5.000
Nov 2,500
Dec 2,250
Jan 2,000
Feb 1,750
Mar 1,500
Apr 1,250
May 1,000
Jun 1,000
Jul 1,000
Aug 1,000
Sep 1,000
10,000
5,000 0
4,500 0
4,000 0
3,500 0
3,000 0
2,500 0
2.000 0
2,000 0
2,000 0
2,000 0
0 400
400
0
0 0
0 0 2000
0 0 1000
0 0 900
0 0 800
0 0 700
0 0 600
1 00 500
500
400
400
2000
1000
900
800
700
600
600
500
400
400
2000
1000
900
800
700
700 800
600 700
500 600
400 500
400 400
400
2000|
1000 | 2000
900 1000
800 900
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 8,000 Oct
0 15,100 Nov
0 9,A50 Dec
0 7,800 Jan
0 6,550 Feb
0 7,400 Mar
0 7,250 Apr
0 7.400 May
7,700 Jim
8,400 Jul
7,000 Aug
0| 6,500 Sep
Annual total
Monthly average
Peak month
25000 100% of total incoming material
8188 33% of total incoming material
15100 60% of total incoming material
Numbers in boxes like this: | S00| = fresh incoming loads.
Numbers below boxed figures represent reductions due to decay of material.
Numbers in italics indicate compost remaining from prior seasons
Add numbers across rows to learn total cubic yards on site in any given month.
Oct total cubic yards = 5,000(new) + 400(prior) + SOO(prior) + 600(prior) + 700(prior) +800(prior) = 8,000
-------
Average and Peak On Site Tonnages
Oct Nov Doc Jan Fcb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Scp Toial on Silo
Oct | 1,000
Nov 800
Dec 750
Jan 700
Feb 650
Mar 600
Apr 550
May 500
Jun 500
Jul 500
Aug 500
Sep 500
2,000
1,600 0
1,500 0
1,400 0
1,300 0
1,200 0
1,100 0
1,000 0
1.000 0
1,000 0
1,000 G
0 200
200
0
0 0
0 0 400
0 0 320
0 0 300
0 0 280
0 0 260
0 0 240
0 0 220
220
200
200
400
320
300
280
260
240
240
220
200
200
400
320
300
280
260
260 250
240 260
220 240
200 220
200 200
200
400 1
320 | 400
300 320
280 300
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 2,200 Oct
0 3,920 Nov
0 3,210 Dec
0 2,820 Jan
0 2,450 Feb
0 2,500 Mar
0 2,470 Apr
0 2,620 May
2,800 Jun
3,060 Jul
2,900 Aug
0| 2,800 Scp
Annual total 5,000 100% of total incoming material
Monthly average 2,813 56% of total incoming material
Peak month 3,920 78% of total incoming material
Numbers in boxes like this: | 50Q| = fresh incoming loads.
Numbers below boxed figures represent reductions due to decay of material.
Numbers in italics indicate compost remaining from prior seasons
Add numbers across rows to learn total cubic yards on site in any given month.
Oct total tonnage = l,000(ncw) + 200(prior) + 220(prior) + 240(prior) + 260(prior) +280(prior) = 2,200
-------
SITE CONSTRAINTS
* NEIGHBORS
WELLS
WET SOILS (wetlands)
EXCESSIVELY PERMEABLE SOIL
FLOOD PLAINS
SURFACE WATER
GROUND WATER
* BEDROCK
PREVIOUS WASTE DISPOSAL SITE
A4-
-------
SITE PROBLEMS:
Correctable (money can be issue):
- grade, pad, drainage
- buffers, security
Rule Out Site:
- wetlands, coastal or fresh water
- landfill
"Coin Toss":
- politics (site ownership, etc.)
- NIMBY (neighbors)
-------
SITE EVALUATION ASSISTANCE:
DEM/ Environmental Coordination
RISWMC
USDA/ Soil Conservation Service
Local
Conservation Commission
Planning Commission
Land Use Plan Committee
Town "Old Timer"/ "Oral Historian"
-------
OTHER SITE OPTIONS:
Alter Operations:
- seasonal site
- small site
Several Small Sites
Regional Site
Private Compost Project:
- farm
- nursery
- landscaper
1-7
-------
COMPOST PAD DESIGN
DESIGN PAD TO AVOID STANDING WATER.
* DESIGN PAD TO SUPPORT MACHINERY FOR
ALL SEASONS OF THE YEAR.
Proper pad design and construction is an
essential first step for avoiding future problems
from nuisance conditions (odor) and/or
environmental impact (run-off or erosion).
ifc
-------
POSSIBLE PAD MATERIALS
Existing Subsoil
Gravel, Crusted Stone, Bank Run Gravel
Clean. Recycled Demolition (non-organic)
Recycled Stone from Water Projects
-------
Generic Site Plan
to Control Run-off
• ' - - ' .. . 4' .-•». ", " ".•• *"* • '" •/••.• > ••*. •' ..* *1 t • '-I • *•" I ••'•^* ' ' ' ' ' J -•'*•- ' *'•'..'' . '.
/.' " .. . -.V, . 1", '.".•" .•"•' ''•••l*.->.;.'--:-—-•:f.';:*:'«-:j-.::.:-'.'.--1:X. - ? • v. . . •...-*
SLOPE
RUNOFF SHOULD BE DIVERTED TO APPROPRIATE
METHODS OF TREATMENT.
-------
\
/
-f
"'~ -•;
; - ..... y
X
-.7
— —
r
.-•
i
1
• T--
•f/"-:-:^
r /
BLU7
— — •/
;'7
tr/
P
7^-^
I /
li ; '
-• =>
3 -
^
I, I///
llll
rx
x
/
lU>
\N
IX
I
NOT TO SCALE" ^. .
SITE PLAN BEFORE YARD WASTE COMPOST PROJECT REGRADING
-------
NOT TO SCALE
SITE PLAN FOR GENERIC YARD WASTE COMPOST PROJECT
2/2.
-------
COLLECTION METHODS
Drop-off collection
- residential and/or
- commercial
Bulk (loose) collection
- streets only and/or
- residential lawn leaves
Bagged collection
- plastic bags with debagging or
- biodegradable paper bags
-------
DROP-OFF
Permanent or Temporary (mobile)
Low Participation, Usually
Can Be Back-Up to Curbside Program
Quick to Set Up
Inexpensive
Good Start for Phased-In Program
Can Take Landscapers
Must be Staffed
-------
BAG OPTIONS
"Regular" Plastic:
• " cheap" ($.15 • .35), familiar
• quick start-up of collection system
- clear preferred
- requires de-bagging by hand or machine
(Coventry: 8 workers x 8 hrs/day x 10 wks;
$15/ton)
Paper:
- no de-bagging
- bags can be expensive ($.30 -.50)
- purchase and distribution planning needed
- shredding or extra watering/turning may
be needed
"Degradable" Plastic:
- heavy metals in colored inks & plastic
- cost similar to paper
- must be shredded
- screening required
- jury still out
"Biosheet"
- cost similar to paper
- sales/distribution planning needed
- should be easy for homeowner & town
- unknown operational track record
-------
RECOMMENDED DE-BAGGING METHOD
(Plastic Bags)
Bag Windrow.
Workers
Ba^Trash Collector
1. Leaves must be removed from bags within two weeks of collection to
avoid "pickling the bags.
2. Windrow of bags should be no higher than four feet, so that workers can
easily reach bags.
3. Debaggers should work along the face of the pile, not at the ends.
4. The best bag-ripping tools arc the hands; knives aie quickly lost in leaf
piles.
5. One worker should constantly walk behind debaggers, removing empty
bags and other contaminants. Bags are quickly covered by loose leaves and
lost if not removed promptly.
6. When leaves are knee or hip-deep, the debaggers should clear the area,
while leaves are watered and then pushed asside by a front-end loader.
41
-------
BULK COLLECTION OPTIONS
• (Street Sweepers)
• Vacuum Truck or Trailer
• Front-End Loader & Trucks
• Loader with "Claw" and Trucks
• "Homemade System:
- Dumpster "Dustpan" and Plow
-Leaf "Buncher"
Z7
-------
CLAW
NORCIR'S
'Tour Single Source /or Recycling Equipment"
(201)297-1101
FAX: (201) 297-8129
R.D. NO. 4, BOX 451, NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. 08902
MODEL 520M • MODEL 820M
F1G.1
FIG. 3
The CLAW operates like two open hands that tight-
ly grasp loose materials and bulky objects. The
embraced material can be lifted cleanly from the
surface and placed into a rear loading packer's
hopper or a dump truck.
Figure 1: The CLAW advancing in the
"open" position.
Figure 2: The CLAW encircling and
undercutting a pile.
Figure 3: The CLAW has enclosed the
pile and will cleanly pick it up
-------
BULK VS DEGRADABLE BAG
BULK BAG
parking ban bag ordinance
more contaminants more turning/watering/
shredding
"mess" in street, danger cost of bags
to kids, fire risk
simple - just rake bagging "familiar"
may need special usually need packer
collection equipment (rear-loader)
-------
COVENTRY PAPER BAG LESSONS
• Back-Up Drop-Off Very Helpful
• Purchase & Distribution Planning:
- Town vs Stores
- Storage, Handling, Logistics
• Price
• Price of Bag an Incentive for Home Composting
• Watch Out for Election Years
• Complaints Quieted by:
- Drop-Off
- Free Compost
- Free Bags for Seniors
• Areas for Improved Education:
- How to Use Bag Fully
- True Cost of Using Bag
- Leaves Not a "Donation":
Keep Home if You Can
30
-------
CHOOSING A COLLECTION SYSTEM
• Hauling Contract/Union
• Contamination
• Participation
• Incentive for Home Composting
• Compatibility
- with refuse collection system
- with existing ordinances
- with geography/population density
• Equipment Availability
• Impact on Site Operations
• Economics
• Scheduling:
- at least 3 per house, Nov. - mid Dec.
- drop-off--weekend hours important
• Planning Timeframe
-------
EQUIPMENT NEEDS
MATERIAL MOVEMENT
TURNING (aeration/mixing)
WATERING
SCREENING
MONITORING
3=2.
-------
STAFF
* A municipal scale composting operation
requires "dedicated" staff.
* Staff availability and performance will make a
difference between a successful project and a series
of potential nuisance and/or environmental problems.
* The staff needs to understand both the material
with which they are working and the process by
which this material is made into compost.
* Back-up personnel is recommended for those
who have direct responsibility for compost
operations.
-------
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES CAN INCLUDE:
COLLECTION
DEPOSITION
COMBINING/TURNING
MONITORING/RECORD KEEPING
* QUALITY CONTROL
FINAL PROCESSING
DISTRIBUTION
-------
EDUCATION NEEDED FOR:
• Site Neighbors
• Citizen Advisory Committee
• Town/City Council:
- site use/lease
- equipment use/lease/purchase
- ordinance(s)
- budget
• Local Retailers (Bags)
• Kids (Safety)
• Leaf Generators
- Public
- Commercial
• Follow Up- Say Thank You!
• Compost Distribution/Sale
35-
-------
PUBLIC EDUCATION
* Master Composter Strategy
* Community meetings/organizations
Schools
* Knowledgeable staff at transfer and/or
disposal site
Flyer/Brochure Mailings
Tax/Water Bill Inclosures
TV and Radio
* Newspaper
Posters/Signs
-------
COMPOST END USE
COMPOST IS VALUABLE AS A MULCH, SOIL
AMENDMENT AND TOPSOIL SUBSTITUTE.
POTENTIAL COMPOST USERS INCLUDE:
BULK USERS PROCESSORS RETAIL/WHOLESALE
Landfill cover Fertilizer contractors Garden centers
Land reclamation Fertilizer manufacturers Landscapers
Parks Home gardeners
Cemeteries Topsoil
Highway maintenance
Schools
Nurseries
Greenhouses
Sod Farmers
Orchards
Forestry Projects
-------
COMPOSTS BENEFIT TO
SOIL CONDITIONS
IMPROVED SOIL AGGREGATION
* IMPROVED WATER INFILTRATION
* IMPROVED WATER RETENTION
* IMPROVED FERTILIZER RETENTION & RELEASE
* IMPROVED SOIL POROSITY
IMPROVED SOIL AERATION
* DECREASED SOIL CRUSTING
-------
PERMITING
Local:
- Zoning
• Conservation
• Land Use Plans
- Fire Codes
- Department Which "Owns" the Site
State:
DEM Registration
(Freshwater Wetlands)
(Air & Hazardous Materials)
(CRMC)
Federal:
- (Army Corps of Engineers)
- (EPA - Superfund)
-------
BUDGET
Costs:
- equipment (existing & new)
- personnel (planning, collection, site operation)
* supplies (bags, signs etc.)
* public education ( ads, fliers, etc.)
* collection
* site preparation
- site operation
- lab testing
Revenues/Benefits:
• (source reduction from backyard composting)
• avoided disposal costs
- avoided transportation
• refuse collection savings
• compost value
• tip fee/sticker fee
-------
INITIAL WINDROW SPACING
Ed* of
. Comeou Silt
w'S/V/VN/M
WR1
WR2
s
o
M
WR3
WH4
wn
•IO--
•»!•*- Windiowt —H *"[•*- Wmdiowi
»My in width vuy m width
wcotding iccoiding
to hughl
•70'-
Wmdiowt
««y in widin
molding
to htighl
20'
<«v in widi
Kcoidm«
10 ht"jm
Source (Connecticut DEP, 1989)
-------
Temperature Measurement Technique
Thermometer
1 /3 Height
Windrow
Take temperature of bottom third of windrow,where
temperatures will go down first, as oxygen is depleted
-------
Turning Procedure
i
n
TURNING NOT ONLY AERATES THE PILE BUT ALSO ALLOWS
PROPER MIXING.
EACH COMPOST P
TION. TURNING
ON THE OUTSIDE
THE WINDROW, W
MATERIAL. IF ?
THE LEAVES WI1
ON' THE COMPOST
TO ENSURE THAT WINDROW IS MIXED THOROUGHLY,
ILE SHOULD BE TURNED TWICE IN THE SAME DIREC-
TWICE IN THIS MANNER WILL ALLOW THOSE LEAVES
OF THE PILE TO BE MIXED INTO THE CENTER OF
'HERE MICRO-ORGANIMS CAM CAN BREAK DOWN THIS
s.0?~3 MIXING DOES NOT OCCUR, DECOMPOSITION CF
1 HE SLOWED, AS SUCH,MATERIAL MAY NEED TO REMAIN*
:>:G PAD FOR AN ADDIT::NAL AI-IOCNT CF TIME.
-------
5AA . . .
MOMTORING DATA SHEET
Daca cci!sc::c bv:_
Ysr:
Weather Information (Sunny, rain, e:=.)
Wind direction (from Norhessc. SOUL-.. e:c.)
Air T«nperani«: JF_ Time oi
-------
GRASS and GREEN WASTE
COMPOSTING
Grass and other green waste should be mixed with
leaves at a ratio of three parts leaves for one part green
waste.
In order to avoid potential odor from the composting of
green wastes, the materials need to be mixed thoroughly.
If odors appear, increase the ratio to five parts leaves for
one part green waste.
If a large volume of green waste is being deposited, build
windrows on top of four to six inches of wood chips,
carefully monitor temperatures, and turn piles frequently.
Grass and green waste can also be composted with
chipped or shredded brush. This combination must be
mixed thoroughly and may require a longer period on the
compost pad before a stable product is formed.
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING
ODOR
RUN-OFF
EROSION
DUST
FIRE
VECTORS
* UTTER
ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING: ODOR
SITING: Provide an adequate buffer
Locate sites down wind of sensitive adjacent uses
DESIGN: Place windrows down the slope rather than across
(perpendicular to) slope
Place windrows on a properly designed pad so as
to ensure water movement away from piles
OPERATION:
Build windrows to proper height and shape
Leaf and yard wastes should be mixed thoroughly
and built into windrows propmtly
Maintain proper temperatures, moisture and oxygen
content
Turn piles based on temperature and moisture
monitoring
Time piles turnings to coincide with favorable wind
conditions
Monitor incoming waste to limit the amount of
petrescible material incorporated into windrows
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING:EROSION
SITING: Avoid sites in close proximity of surface waters
Avoid steep slopes
Choose a site with moderately permeable soils
DESIGN: Grade the site properly, preferably with a 2-3% slope
Retain as much vegetation as possible when
clearing the site
Design access and on-site roads properly
Use diversion ditches and baled hay to contain run-
off during and after site construction
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING: DUST
SITING: Provide adequate buffer between the operation and
sensitive land uses
Locate the site downwind of sensitive uses
DESIGN: Construct access roads with improved surfaces
OPERATIONS:
Maintain proper moisture content in the windrows
Periodically, wet unimproved surfaces during
episodes of extended dry weather
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING: RUN-OFF
SITING: Comply with Rhode Island Wetland Regulations
Avoid sites adjacent to lakes, rivers, streams, and
reservoirs
Avoid sites where high water table is less than 4 feet
from the surface
Avoid steep slopes
Avoid both poorly drained and excessively
permeable soils
Avoid sites where bedrock is near to surface
DESIGN: Design pads to divert run-off from compost and
curing piles
Design pad so run-off does not move off-site and
impact adjacent waters or land
OPERATION:
To limit the amount of contaminants, such as heavy
metals, which could end up in the run-off, avoid
material deposited at the compost site which is
collected by street sweepers
Plan for prompt disposable of non-compostable
material
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING: FIRE
SITING: Site near hydrant or fire pond for use by fire
equipment
DESIGN: Access and on-site roads should be designed to
support fire equipment
Design enough space around and between
windrows for fire equipment access
Control access to site in order to avoid vandalism
OPERATION:
Properly moisten leaves before building of windrows
Avoid smoking in areas of deposition and
composting pad
Avoid backing delivery trucks with hot exhausts into
deposited leaves
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING: VECTORS
OPERATION:
Maintain an effective composting process
Properly mix and promptly create windrows of the
incoming material
Promptly remove and properly dispose putrescibles
that have been mixed with the incoming leaves and
yard waste
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING: LITTER
(Blowing Leaves)
SITING: Provide an adequate buffer zone
Locate site downwind from sensitive land uses
DESIGN: Retain perimeter vegetation or design berms to act
as wind screen
Install simple fence or screen, e.g. snow fencing, to
limit movement of leaves off-site
Control access to site to avoid illegal dumping
OPERATION:
Form leaves and yard waste into windrows
immediately
Ensure leaves are of proper moisture content
Regularly collect litter from fences or tree line
barriers and along roadways
-------
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS
OPERATION:
Adequate wetting and minimum disturbance of
windrows
Screen job candidates, who plan to be at the
composting site for allergic reactions
-------
Worksheet: Deriving Peak and Average On Site Volume Factors
Oc-l
net tool 1
Nov 0.70
Dec 055
J.ui 0.40
Feb O 30
Mar 025
Apr 0 25
May 0 25
Jun 0 25
Jul 0.25
Aug 0.25
Scp 0 25
Nov
1.00 | |
0.70
055
O.4O
0.30
0.25
025
025
O.25
0.25
0.25
Dec
l.00| |
0.70
0.55
0.40
0.30
O.25
0.25
O.25
0.25
0.25
Jan
1.00 1 1
0.70
0.55
0.40
0.30
0.25
0.25
0.2B
0.25
Feh
0.25
*°°l 1
O.70
0.55
0.40
0.30
0.25
O.25
0.25
Mar
O.25
025
I-OQ| 1
0.70
0.65
0.40
0.3O
0.25
0.25
Apr
0.25
025
0.25
1.00 | |
0.70
0.55
O40
O.30
O.25
May
0.25
025
0.25
0.25
I.OO d
O.7O
0.55
0.40
O.3O
Jun
O.30
0.25
0.25
025
025
Zl
1.00 I I
O.70
0.55
O.4O
Jul
040
030
0.25
0.25
025
025
"X>l 1
O.70
0.55
A.*
055
04O
O3O
025
025
025
025
I.OO | |
0.7O
'lot.tl On
Jx |> .Sili-
O7O
055
04O
0:10
O25
O25
O25
O2!i
100 | |
a) Annual total Incoming cubic yarda
c) Monthly average on-slte volume (b/12)
c) Peak monlh on-alle volume (select highest In laal column).
b) Sum of totals (total of all In lost column).
d) Average volume factor (c/a)
0 l'*--ak volume factor (c/u)
Instructions
I. For each monlh enter the expected Incoming cubic ynnls Into Ilic box In the work.shrcl.
2 For carli nun-zero month, fill In the column l»y iiiulll|ilylii(< Ilic uniiiiiitt received l>y Ilic volume rcdiwllon f.u loi to the It-It <>l c.u li s,|..i< r.
Tlila shows Ihc volume reduction history of material received In each monlh.
3. Adil up Ihc on-site cubic yarda ucroas Ihc n>w uncl enter Ihc mini In the rljjlil hand raluinn Vim itow kiuiw Ilic lol.il iu-1 volume of iruiU-il.il
on bile hir each month, no mailer when It was icrelvcd
4 Calculate the annual total Incoming by uncling up all the entries In the lx»es and enter the result In u).
5 Add the on-blle totals In the right column. 'IIus means nothing by HSR-If; II will be used next In calr.ul.ilr Ihc .wra^r volume mi slii? Ktil.-r tins in l>|
ti. Cj|i:ulalc Ihc avcnujc on sllc by dividing Item b) by 12. Knlcr Ihte In <•).
7 Culrululc Ihc average volume fuctor by dlvldln(< Item «•( by ;i). Kntcr this In
-------
NOTES FOR A
SHORT COURSE ON
OPERATING MUNICIPAL YARD WASTE
COMPOST PROJECTS
Developed by:
Michael Simpson, Tellus Institute
&
Betsy Loring, RIDEM
In Conjunction with the:
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
&
Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation
-------
WHY COMPOST LEAVES AND YARD WASTE?
Avoid High Disposal Costs
* Preserve Disposal Capacity
Reduce Landfill and Incinerator Pollution
Recycle A Natural Organic Resource
Produce Valuable Soil Amendment
-------
WHAT IS COMPOSTING ?
-------
COMPOSTING is a waste management option
which utilizes the natural process of biological
decomposition under controlled conditions to
produce a stable end-product.
COMPOST (the end-product) resembles a
darkened humus-like material which can be easily
and safely handled, stored and applied to land as a
valuable soil conditioner.
-------
COMPOSTING: A Process of Aerobic
Decomposition
Composting occurs through the breakdown of organic
material by macro and micro organisms which require:
AIR
The decomposition process needs adequate oxygen.
FOOD
The leaves and yard waste (organic material)
provides decomposers both energy (carbon molecules)
and building blocks (nitrogen molecules) for population
growth.
WATER
Decomposers needs water both for the assimilation
(in-take) of nutrients from the break-down of the organic
material and as a medium in which they live.
-------
Leaf Particles with Proper Moisture
Thin film of
water adhering
to surface
of leaf particle
Water held in
narrow spaces
between particles
Leaf particle
Air pocket
Microbes live in thin film of water around leaf particles
-------
PLANNING FOR A COMPOSTING PROGRAM
* Quantity of Material
Collection
* Ci+i
Siting
* Equipment
* Staffing
Public Education
End Use
7
-------
PROJECTED TIME LINE FOR IMPLEMENTING
LEAF AND YARD WASTE COMPOST
Task Season
Oci ermine leaf volume
Identify site end use and
composting method
Determine personnel
equipment needs
Budget
Design and permits
Construct site
Train personnel
Re^in operations
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall
Source (Connecticut DEP, 1989)
-------
COLLECTION METHODS
Drop-off collection
- residential and/or
- commercial
* Bulk (loose) collection
- streets only and/or
- residential lawn leaves
* Bagged collection
- plastic bags with debagging or
- biodegradable paper bags
-------
ESTIMATING QUANTITY OF MATERIALS
Existing records of seasonal fluctuation, can
provide a reasonably accurate quantity of
leaves in the fall that are collected.
Based on national (EPA) figures, leaves and
yard waste comprise 18% of municipal solid
waste (MSW). Leaves, by themselves,
comprise 6% of the MSW stream. In the faff,
leaves can make up to 30 - 50% of the volume
of MSW in suburban areas.
Based on studies of several communities
throughout the U.S. composting leaves,
collected leaves can range from 50 to 200
cubic yards per curb mile.
-------
ESTIMATING COMPOST PAD SIZE
For every 4000 to 5000 cubic yards of leaves delivered,
approximately one acre will be required. This will
depend somewhat on the level of operation, such as
frequency of turning. Areas for buffers to sensitive
neighbors, access into and out of the site, curing, as well as
storage for compost and equipment are additional.
One can assume 6 1/2 cubic yards for each ton of leaves
(300 pounds/ cubic yard). However this ratio can VARY
GREATLY depending upon the amount of yard waste,
moisture, sand and grit that are present or whether the
leaves were shredded of compacted prior to delivery to the
composting area.
The composting pad, at a minimum, should be sized to
accept the amount of material that is to be deposited,
composted and removed within one year.
-------
INCLUDE SPACE FOR:
Buffers, Drainage Ditches, Swales, etc.
Roads
Drop-Off Area(s)
Mixing, Shredding, De-bagging, Screening
Curing, Compost Storage
Equipment Storage, Workers' Shelter
(Slower Composting)
(Future Expansion)
(Additional Materials: grass, brush)
-------
Average and Peak On Site Volumes
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jim Jul Ang Sep Total on Site
Oct | 5,000
Nov 2,500
Dec 2,250
Jan 2,000
Feb 1,750
Mar 1,500
Apr 1,250
May 1,000
Jun 1,000
Jul 1,000
Aug 1,000
Sep 1.000
10,000
5,000 0
4,500 0
4,000 0
3,500 0
3,000 0
2,500 0
2.000 0
2.000 G
2,000 C
2,000 C
0 400
400
0
0 0
0 0 2000
0 0 1000
0 0 900
0 0 800
1 0 0 700
I 0 0 600
) 0 0 500
500
400
400
2000
1000
900
800
700
600
600
500
400
400
2000
1000
900
800
700
700 800
600 700
500 600
400 500
400 400
400
2000|
1000 | 2000
900 1000
800 900
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 8,000 Oct
0 15,100 Nov
0 9,150 Dtx:
0 7,800 Jan
0 6,550 Fob
0 7,400 Mnr
0 7,250 Apr
0 7,400 Mny
7,700 Jun
8,400 Jul
7,000 AUR
0| 6,500 Sep
Annual total
Monthly average
Peak month
25000 100% of total incoming material
8188 33% of total incoming material
15100 60% of total incoming material
Numbers in boxes like this: | 50Q| = fresh incoming loads.
Numbers below boxed figures represent reductions due to decay of material.
Numbers in italics indicate compost remaining from prior seasons
Add numbers across rows to learn total cubic yards on site in any given month.
Oct total cubic yards = 5,000(new) + 400(prior) + 500(prior) + 600(prior) + 700(prior) +800(prior) = 8,000
-------
Average and Peak Oi\ Site Tonnages
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jim Jul Aug Scp Total on Silo
Oct | 1,000
Nov 800
Dec 750
Jan 700
Feb 650
Mar 600
Apr 550
May 500
Jun 500
Jul 500
Aug 500
Sep 500
2.000
1,600 0
1300 o
1,400 0
1,300 0
1,200 G
1,100 G
1,000 C
1,000 C
1.000 C
1,000 (
0 200
200
0
0 0
0 0 400
0 0 320
0 0 300
1 0 0 280
I 0 0 260
10 0 240
) 0 0 220
220
200
200
400
320
300
280
260
240
240
220
200
200
400
320
300
280
260
260 250
240 260
220 240
200 220
200 200
200
400 |
320 | 400
300 320
280 300
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 2,200 Oci
0 3,920 Nov
0 3,210 Dec
0 2,820 Jan
0 2,450 Fob
0 2,500 Mar
0 2,470 Apr
0 2,620 May
2,800 j.m
3.060 ]ul
2,900 AUR
01 2,800 Sep
Annual total 5,000 100% of total incoming material
Monthly average 2,813 56% of total incoming material
Peak month 3,920 78% of total incoming material
Numbers in boxes like this: | 5QQ| = fresh incoming loads.
Numbers below boxed figures represent reductions due to decay of material.
Numbers in italics indicate compost remaining from prior seasons
Add numbers across rows to learn total cubic yards on site in any given month.
Oct total tonnage = l,000(ncw) + 200(prior) + 220(prior) + 240(prior) + 260(prior) +280(prior) = 2,200
-------
SITE CONSTRAINTS
NEIGHBORS
* WELLS
WET SOILS (wetlands)
* EXCESSIVELY PERMEABLE SOIL
FLOOD PLAINS
SURFACE WATER
GROUND WATER
BEDROCK
PREVIOUS WASTE DISPOSAL SITE
-------
COMPOST PAD DESIGN
DESIGN PAD TO AVOID STANDING WATER.
* DESIGN PAD TO SUPPORT MACHINERY FOR
ALL SEASONS OF THE YEAR.
Proper pad design and construction is an
essential first step for avoiding future problems
from nuisance conditions (odor) and/or
environmental impact (run-off or erosion).
-------
POSSIBLE PAD MATERIALS
• Existing Subsoil
• Gravel, Crusted Stone, Bank Run Gravel
• Clean. Recycled Demolition (non-organic)
• Recycled Stone from Water Projects
/7
-------
Generic Site Plan
to Control Run-off
SLOFI
£l-*£gffl%^^^
:••". - ^ • • •
RUNOFF SHOULD B2 DIVZSTED TO APPROPRIATE
METHODS OF TREATMENT.
-------
NOT TO SCALE ^ . -- — .
SITE PLAN BEFORE YARD WASTE COMPOST PROJECT REGRADING
-------
~T""i-*cs AKA ••—-J
.—»•*•••
-I" -It
»&x»-:*fHa^
^
\.f/.'sSs^.
ss.'/
\
\
1
1
l/f
\
\v.*
\\>
wr5
\s
^
^*^\
/
\
\
\
^-^\
\
1
1
! j
i
i
|
i
ri
<-^
' ()
/ t-tc- S*JO
J
r ' " ' • ' '
s~\ v/iMTxsrw
I \
' •-- L-«
iill
T /---•- —
i
/ •T?e^p
| *fP
\ A^A
au'r*-
~>,
*".-
)
.)
r
' ^
\
\
f ft X^KXX><
-------
EQUIPMENT NEEDS
MATERIAL MOVEMENT
TURNING (aeration/mixing)
WATERING
SCREENING
MONITORING
2J
-------
STAFF
* A municipal scale composting operation
requires "dedicated" staff.
* Staff availability and performance will make a
difference between a successful project and a series
of potential nuisance and/or environmental problems.
* The staff needs to understand both the material
with which they are working and the process by
which this material is made into compost.
* Back-up personnel is recommended for those
who have direct responsibility .for compost
operations.
-------
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES CAN INCLUDE:
COLLECTION
DEPOSITION
COMBINING/TURNING
MONITORING/RECORD KEEPING
QUALITY CONTROL
FINAL PROCESSING
DISTRIBUTION
-------
PUBLIC EDUCATION
* Master Composter Strategy
Community meetings/organizations
Schools
Knowledgeable staff at transfer and/or
disposal site
Flyer/Brochure Mailings
Tax/Water Bill Inclosures
* TV and Radio
* Newspaper
Posters/Signs
-------
COMPOSTING: MANAGED PROCESS
PROCESS STEPS:
Collection
Delivery
Pre-Process (optional)
Decomposition
Pile Formation
Pile Combining
Pile Turning
Curing
Shredding/Screening (optional)
Temp Monitoring
Marketing (end use)
-------
INITIAL WINDROW SPACING
Ed* of
• Comooil Silf
WR I
WH3
WR3
s/V/VWVl
WHS
•w-
Windfowt -
«wy in width
KCOfding
la hu«hl
Windiowi —
vwy m width
iccoiding
10 htighi
•70--
- Windiawi
xiy in wnllh
•ccoiding
la h«i9hi
W.nd»o-i
«iy m Muli
Kcaidinf
10 hi iyii
70'•
Source (Connecticut DEP. 1989)
-------
COMBINING
COMBINE TO INSULATE PILES
* COMBINE TO FREE UP PAD SPACE FOR NEW
DEPOSITION
PILE BREAKDOWN
* BREAK DOWN PILE DUE TO OVERHEATING
BREAK DOWN PILE DUE TO COMPACTION
-------
Turning Procedure
n
n
\
\
A\\\\
TURNING NOT ONLY AERATES THE PILE BUT ALSO ALLOWS
PROPER MIXING. TO ENSURE THAT WINDROW IS MIXED THOROUGHLY/
EACH COMPOST PILE SHOULD BE TURNED TWICE IN THE SAME DIREC-
TION. TURNING TWICE IN THIS MANNER WILL ALLOW THOSE LEAVES
ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PILE TO BE MIXED INTO THE CENTER OF
THE WINDROW, KKIP.E KXCRO-ORGANIMS CAN CAN BREAK DOWN THIS
MATERIAL. IF PROPER MIXING DOES NOT OCCUR, DECOMPOSITION C?
THE LEAVES WILL EE SLOCS3, AS SOCK, MATERIAL MAY NEED TO RS.XAIX
ON TKZ CCMPOSTI.VG PAD FOR AN ADDITITXAL AMOUNT OF TIME.
-------
Temperatures and Organisms in an
Active Compost Windrow
Mesophils
Thermophils
The inside of the windrow is well insulated, and holds
heat that tlicrmophils (warm temperature microorganisms)
need to live.
-------
Temperature Measurement Technique
Th»rmom»t»r
\
Windrow
Take temperature of bottom third of vindrow,where
temperatures will go down first, as oxygen is depleted
-------
KEEPING RECORDS
TEMPERATURE: By keeping records of
temperature, the operator can see a trend or a
general rate at which the decomposition process is
moving. This will allow the operator to take the
appropriate steps to both ensure an ongoing active
decomposition process and avoid potential nuisance
or environmental problems.
Thus, temperature should be recorded twice a week
in the early stages of windrow decomposition. Each
windrow should be monitored at locations
approximately 50 to 75 feet apart.
------- |