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.

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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)

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         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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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                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

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                 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

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  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

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                                             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

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                                      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

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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

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                                       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

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                            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.

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                                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

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    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

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                              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

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                     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

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    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

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  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

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 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

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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

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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

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  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

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 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

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        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

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                   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

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                     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

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           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

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        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

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                      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

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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

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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

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                 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

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                  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

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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

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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

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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

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     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

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    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

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 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

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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

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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

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                        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.

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        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.

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 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.

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    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.

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                   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

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           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?)

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"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

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                                    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

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                                                  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

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         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

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     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.

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     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

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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

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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

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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

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 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

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 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

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     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

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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

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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  
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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«
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.-.•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

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     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

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     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.

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     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

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     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

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     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

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     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

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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

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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..

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              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.

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                                             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.

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                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

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              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.

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                       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

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                 ,11 * or
                 ENVIRONMENTAL
                     AFFAIRS
            BACKYARD
         COMPOSTING
P.O BOX 791 • EOULDER, COLORADO 80306 • 3 0 3-441-3QSO

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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

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                        TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction	 1



Design and Planning  	2




Implementation	4



Program Operation  	6



Budget	9



Conclusions and Recommendations 	9



Attachments	  14

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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.

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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-

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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-

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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 -

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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-

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 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-

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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-

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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-

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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-

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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-

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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 -

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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

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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-

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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-

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                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

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                              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:

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                               • •^^••\*« *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.-- -

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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

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                                        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

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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
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   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.

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                            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?

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                               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

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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

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                       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

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                   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.

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            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.

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            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-

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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

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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.

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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-

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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           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.

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              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?
                                                                                                                       |

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  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

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             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

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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

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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

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  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.

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   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

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PLANNING FOR A COMPOSTING PROGRAM
      * Quantity of Material
        Collection
        Siting
      * Equipment
      * Staffing
        Public Education
      * End Use

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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)

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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.

-------




\
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X
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BLU7
— — •/
;'7
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7^-^
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                                      3 -
                                           ^
                                           I, I///
                                           llll
rx
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                                           lU>
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                                           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

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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

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WHAT IS COMPOSTING ?

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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.

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  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.

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   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

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PLANNING FOR A COMPOSTING PROGRAM
      * Quantity of Material
        Collection
      * Ci+i
Siting
      * Equipment
      * Staffing
        Public Education
        End Use
                                                 7

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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)

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      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

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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.

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 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.

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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)

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                                                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

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                                                 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

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      SITE CONSTRAINTS
    NEIGHBORS
*   WELLS
    WET SOILS (wetlands)
*   EXCESSIVELY PERMEABLE SOIL
    FLOOD PLAINS
   SURFACE WATER
   GROUND WATER
   BEDROCK
   PREVIOUS WASTE DISPOSAL SITE

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       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).

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POSSIBLE PAD MATERIALS
      • Existing Subsoil




      • Gravel, Crusted Stone, Bank Run Gravel




      • Clean. Recycled Demolition (non-organic)




      • Recycled Stone from Water Projects
                                        /7

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                  Generic Site Plan

                  to Control Run-off
                                                       SLOFI
£l-*£gffl%^^^
:••". -     ^ •       •        •                 	
              RUNOFF SHOULD B2 DIVZSTED TO APPROPRIATE

             METHODS OF TREATMENT.

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NOT TO SCALE             ^  .             --           —  .






SITE PLAN BEFORE YARD WASTE COMPOST PROJECT REGRADING

-------
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-------
   EQUIPMENT NEEDS
MATERIAL MOVEMENT
TURNING (aeration/mixing)
WATERING
SCREENING
MONITORING
                                  2J

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                 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.

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STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES CAN INCLUDE:
        COLLECTION
        DEPOSITION
        COMBINING/TURNING
       MONITORING/RECORD KEEPING
       QUALITY CONTROL
       FINAL PROCESSING
       DISTRIBUTION

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        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

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  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)

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                                        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)

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          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

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              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.

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  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.

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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

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       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.

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