Have you ever wondered why composting matters? In this article, we explore the significant benefits of composting, not just from the perspective of industrial facilities like In-Vessel Composting (IVC), Open Windrow Composting (OWC), and Anaerobic Digestion (AD), but also why it’s crucial for your home or business. By understanding and implementing composting practices, you can contribute to a healthier environment, reduce waste, and even cut down costs.
Understanding Composting and Its Importance
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves, food scraps, and garden waste, into a valuable fertiliser that can enrich soil and support plant growth. This process not only helps in reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills but also plays a crucial role in creating a sustainable organic cycle.
Industrial Composting: IVC, OWC, and AD
Large-scale composting facilities like IVC, OWC, and AD are designed to handle substantial amounts of organic waste generated by urban populations and industries. These facilities are crucial for managing waste efficiently and sustainably:
– In-Vessel Composting (IVC) involves enclosed environments where temperature and moisture levels are controlled, speeding up the composting process and ensuring that even meat and dairy products are broken down effectively.
– Open Windrow Composting (OWC) is suitable for garden and park wastes, including branches, grass, and leaves. This method involves placing organic waste in long rows, which are regularly turned to introduce oxygen, crucial for composting.
– Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a process that breaks down organic materials in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas that can be used to generate electricity and heat, alongside compost.
These technologies not only help in waste management but also contribute to renewable energy production and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Composting at Home and in Your Business
While industrial facilities handle large volumes, composting at home or within your business is equally important. It’s an effective way to manage organic waste, such as kitchen scraps and paper products, reducing your carbon footprint and minimising the reliance on chemical fertilisers.
– At Home: Starting a compost bin can significantly cut down the amount of household waste while providing excellent soil conditioner for your garden.
– In Your Business: For businesses, especially in the food and beverage sector, composting can be a game-changer. Reducing waste disposal costs and creating a positive eco-friendly brand image are just some of the benefits.
Why Composting is a Key to Environmental Sustainability
Composting is more than just a method for managing organic waste – it’s a key strategy in our ongoing efforts to preserve the environment. When we compost organic materials such as food scraps, leaves, and garden waste, we transform what would otherwise be landfill fodder into nutrient-rich soil that can greatly enhance plant growth and restore vitality to depleted soils.
One of the most significant environmental benefits of composting is its ability to reduce the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. Organic waste in landfills decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), a process that produces methane – a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential many times greater than carbon dioxide. By composting organic waste, we not only prevent the generation of methane but also reduce the overall strain on landfill sites, which are increasingly expensive and difficult to site and manage due to environmental regulations and community opposition.
Moreover, composting supports soil health in many ways. The process creates a soil amendment rich in organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. This compost can help improve soil structure, which enhances the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients. For agricultural uses, this means healthier crops that are more resilient to diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment. In gardens and urban settings, using compost can aid in plant health and reduce runoff, mitigating the risk of pollutants entering our waterways.
Another less discussed but important aspect of composting is its role in carbon sequestration. Composting organic materials converts carbon into a stable form that is stored in the soil for longer periods. This sequestered carbon is not only removed from the atmosphere, where it would contribute to global warming, but it also enriches the soil, promoting healthier plant growth and further carbon uptake through photosynthesis, creating a positive feedback loop for the environment.
How Wastewise Helps
At Wastewise, we are committed to promoting sustainable waste management practices, including advanced composting techniques and encouraging local communities and businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Our services are designed to guide and support sustainable waste solutions that contribute to a healthier planet.
Our strategically located composting facilities utilise advanced technologies to efficiently and cost effectively convert over 200,000 tonnes of biowaste per annum into a range of high quality, industry certified organic compost products. With over 20 years’ experience in composting, we are continually improving our process, increasing capacity and reducing costs whilst maximising our positive impact on the environment.
As well as composting, we also recycle and recover value from a wide range of waste streams including wood, paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass, mixed recyclables, street sweepings, inert and residual waste. Our innovative approach enables us to achieve an overall recycling and recovery rate of over 99%.
If you are a business or local authority and would like to discuss our services, please don’t hesitate to Get In Touch.
Wastewise, part of the Urbaser group, is thrilled to announce the successful extension of its organics contract with Derby City Council. The contract, which commenced in 2021 for an initial three-year period, has now been extended to 2026.
The organics contract entails the processing of approximately 19,000 tonnes per annum of mixed kitchen and garden waste, a key component of the council’s waste management strategy. The waste will be processed at Wastewise’s in-vessel composting (IVC) facilities in Willerby and Crewe, where over 95% of waste processed is recycled into BSI PAS 100 certified compost. This high-quality peat replacement compost is used in various sectors, including horticulture, agriculture, and landscaping.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Derby City Council,” said Bob Wilkes, Managing Director at Wastewise. “This contract extension is a testament to our dedication to delivering high-quality waste management services while prioritising sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
The contract extension is valued at approximately £1 million per year, reaffirming Wastewise’s position as a trusted provider of waste management solutions in the region.
Bob added, “Wastewise remains committed to working closely with Derby City Council and local communities to minimise the environmental impact of waste while maximising resource recovery.”
Sam Dennis, Strategic Director of Place at Derby City Council commented: “We are very pleased to confirm this extended contract with Wastewise which will allow us to continue to run a straightforward collection service for our residents.
“We continue to be impressed with the level of technology deployed to achieve the high standard of composting on site. This cost-effective service will help us to increase recycling rates, including food waste, across the city.”
For more information about Wastewise and its services, please visit www.wastewise.co.uk.
Wastewise, part of the Urbaser Group, is pleased to announce the award of a major contract with Wigan Council. The contract, set to commence early February 2024, involves the transportation and processing of mixed food and garden waste. Spanning an initial term of three years, with options for extensions for two periods of two years and one year, respectively, it is estimated the contract will facilitate the return of approximately 9,000 tonnes of compost per year back into the network, contributing to Wigan Council’s sustainability and environmental conservation efforts.
Under this new agreement, Wastewise will be responsible for collecting and processing approximately 28,000 tonnes of organic waste each year at its state-of-the-art in-vessel composting (IVC) facility in Crewe. The award of the contract, valued at £1.2 million annually, is an endorsement of Wastewise’s commitment to excellence, customer service, competitiveness and consistency.
Bob Wilkes, Managing Director of Wastewise, said, “Since the completion of our Crewe facility, focusing on this tender has been a key objective for us, so we are delighted to have been awarded the contract. It is a natural fit for the site, especially considering its existing role in handling much of the organic waste from the neighbouring Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
“We very much look forward to working with the team at Wigan Council, providing them with a waste management solution that is both environmentally sustainable and offers excellent value for money.”
The Crewe IVC facility, a cornerstone of Wastewise’s operations, has quickly become a vital centre for local authority organics waste processing in the North West since it commenced operations in 2019. It utilises the industry-leading GICOM in-vessel composting system, along with outdoor aerated static composting and screening operations. This advanced infrastructure not only meets rigorous industry standards but also provides a safe and economically viable approach to co-mingled organic waste recycling. Capable of handling up to 90,000 tonnes of food and garden waste annually, the facility exemplifies Wastewise’s proficiency in managing large-scale local authority waste management contracts.
Paul Barton, Director for Environment at Wigan Council, said, “This contract will ensure that food and garden waste from our borough is treated in a sustainable way; composted and going back into the cycle of food production, along with other exciting uses.
“By helping our residents to recycle as effectively as possible and ensuring that recycling is processed well here in the northwest, we are able to do our part for the planet while also achieving good value for money for our taxpayers through this competitive contract. ”
Over 95% of the waste processed at the Crewe IVC facility is recycled into BSI PAS 100 certified compost. This high-quality peat replacement compost is then used in various sectors, including horticulture, agriculture, and landscaping. The overall environmental sustainability credentials of the facility will be further enhanced later on this spring when the adjacent 4.1MW solar array is energised, servicing 60% of the site’s energy needs.
Green waste compost is an organic matter that has been broken down and recycled as a soil amendment and a natural fertiliser. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes it a gardener’s gold and how it is an integral part of sustainable living. At Wastewise, where we excel in in-vessel composting, green waste compost transcends beyond being merely a product — it embodies our commitment to fostering a more sustainable future.
What is Green Waste Compost?
Green waste compost is the product of decomposed organic material, primarily derived from garden trimmings, leaves, branches, grass clippings, and other plant-based materials. It is a key element of organic gardening, acting as a soil conditioner, a fertiliser, and a natural pesticide for soil. The process of creating green waste compost is a natural way of recycling organic waste into a valuable resource for improving garden health.
What are the benefits?
Using green waste compost has numerous benefits:
Soil Improvement: It enriches the soil, improves its structure, and helps with water retention.
Nutrient-Rich: It is teeming with essential nutrients that plants need to thrive.
Eco-Friendly: It reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, which can be harmful to the environment.
Waste Reduction: Composting green waste significantly cuts down the amount of waste sent to landfills. Which would otherwise produce Methane 10x more potent than CO2.
Carbon sequestration – studies show up to 200kg of CO2 is locked away into stable carbon containing compounds for every tonne of green waste composted.
The In-Vessel Composting edge
Our in-vessel composting technique takes green waste recycling to the next level. In-vessel composting is an advanced and controlled method that accelerates the breakdown of organic material in an enclosed environment. This method offers numerous advantages:
Speed: The composting process is much faster compared to traditional methods.
Year-Round Operation: Our in-vessel composting systems function effectively in all weather conditions.
Control: We can closely monitor and control the composting environment, ensuring high-quality green waste compost.
Reduction in Odours and Pests: Being an enclosed system, it minimises odours and deters pests.
How Does Green Waste Composting Work?
The journey of green waste compost is an interesting one:
Collection: Green waste material is gathered from residential and commercial sources.
Processing: It’s then shredded and prepared for composting.
Composting Phase: The green waste is placed into our in-vessel composting systems where microorganisms break it down.
Maturation: Finally, the compost is allowed to mature until it’s ready to provide nutrition to new life.
Using Green Waste Compost
Green waste compost can be used in many ways:
In Gardens: Mix it into garden beds to boost plant health.
For Landscaping: It’s ideal for preparing lawns and landscapes.
On Farms: It serves as a sustainable soil amendment for agriculture.
Our Promise
As a company dedicated to providing top-tier in-vessel composting services, we are at the forefront of environmentally responsible waste management. We stand by our commitment to creating a sustainable future, one batch of green waste compost at a time.
In Conclusion
Green waste compost represents a simple yet profound solution for organic waste. By turning what would be trash into treasure, we play a part in nurturing the planet. Our in-vessel composting process ensures that your green waste is transformed into high-quality compost, ready to support the next cycle of growth. Get in touch for more information, or to speak to a member of our sales team.
It feels like Christmas has come early at Wastewise! We are thrilled to announce the installation of a brand-new, high-efficiency TSS 390 Shredder at our In-vessel Composting facility in Crewe, just in time for the busy festive season.
The new TSS 390 shredder is adept at handling a significant tonnage of organic material per hour, providing consistent size reduction that facilitate the composting process. It will be used at the beginning of the process at our Crewe facility, shredding food and garden waste before they are mixed in the reception hall prior to being placed in our enclosed, forced aerated tunnels for between 5 to 10 days to ensure the compost is fully sanitised and pathogen free. Following this process, the compost is then stabilised and matured on an outdoor aerated pad for up to 5 weeks prior to being graded into different end products.
Importance of a Shredder in Composting
The use of a shredder in composting is an important stage of the process. It increases the surface area of the food/garden waste, which is vital for microbial activity. The smaller, shredded materials allow microbes to access and decompose the waste more efficiently, significantly speeding up the composting process. This not only results in quicker compost production but also enhances the quality of the compost, making it richer and more nutritious for soil enrichment.
The TSS 390 Shredder
The TSS 390 shredder was supplied by Terex Ecotec, an industry leader renowned for their expertise in the design and manufacture of wood processing, biomass, and recycling equipment. Terex Ecotec’s reputation for producing durable, high-quality machinery makes them an ideal partner for Wastewise, as we continually seek the best solutions for sustainable waste management.
Terex Ecotec’s TSS 390 shredder stands out for its robust design and advanced technology and large volume throughput, ensuring efficient processing of compost material. This shredder is specifically engineered to handle the rigorous demands of our IVC facility, providing unparalleled reliability and performance.
By integrating the TSS 390 shredder into our operations, we’re not only equipped to handle a wider range of materials, further enhancing our composting capabilities, we’re also reinforcing our commitment to innovative, eco-friendly solutions in waste management.
