Compost report

THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF NELSON REQUEST TO APPEAR AS A DELEGATION

DATE: May 19, 2015 Committee of the Whole TOPIC: On-Site Composting Presentation (15 minutes) PROPOSAL: On-site composting options for commercial and institutional buildings in Nelson PROPOSED BY: Staff _____________________________________________________________________ ANALYSIS SUMMARY: Fiona Galbraith of FJG Consulting was contracted by the City to review the on-site composting options for commercial and institutional sites within the City of Nelson and has requested an opportunity to present the highlights of this initiative to Council. BENEFITS OR DISADVANTAGES AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS: The presentation is for Council and the publics information. LEGISLATIVE IMPACTS, PRECEDENTS, POLICIES: It is within Council mandate and authority to hear the presentation. COSTS AND BUDGET IMPACT - REVENUE GENERATION: There are no costs associated with hearing the presentation. IMPACT ON SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES AND STAFF RESOURCES: There are no costs associated with hearing the presentation. COMMUNICATION: Hearing the presentation educates Council and the public about composting options for the City of Nelson. OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES: 1. Receive the audience and thank the presenter 2. Refer to staff with further direction

ATTACHMENTS: Presentation and Report RECOMMENDATION: That Council hears from Fiona Galbraith and thanks her for attending. AUTHOR: REVIEWED BY:

_______________________________ ______________________________ DEPUTY CORPORATE OFFICER CITY MANAGER

City of Nelson On-Site Composting Review

Presented by Fiona Galbraith May 19th, 2015

Overview

Review of existing studies

Comparison of systems, review of concerns

Case studies on existing systems

Potential pilot sites

Recommendations

Purpose of the Report Identification of on-site composting

options for commercial and institutional buildings in Nelson

Will not be addressing residential organics diversion as this falls within RDCK scope

Background Why compost? Organics in landfills produce methane Composted organics generate carbon

dioxide

RDCK Resource Recovery Plan Residential composting will be considered

as part of 2017 amendments Cooperative effort between RDCK and

municipalities

Review of Existing Studies Creston Valley Composting

CSRD Composting Review

Earth Matters Composting Report

Metro Vancouver On-Site Composting Review

Types of Systems

Large Scale Small to Mid Scale

PresenterPresentation NotesLarge Scale windrows, aerated static piles, rotating drums, etc.Small to Mid Scale multi-bin, vermicomposting, in-vessel systems

Small to Mid Scale Systems

Multi-Bins Vermicomposters [J

Factors in Selection

System Selection Cost

Processing capacity

Processing time

Space and housing

requirements

Ventilation

System Comparison

Cost Processing Time Capacity

(# people)

Minimum $700 7 days 15

Maximum $72,000 90 days 300

Average $26,000 30 days 140

PresenterPresentation NotesExample to illustrate variety in systems no one size fits all model

Composting Concerns

Odours

Pest Control

Leachate

Management

Case Studies Selkirk College Earth Tub

Thompson Rivers University Jora JK5100

Potential Pilot Sites Selkirk College

Kootenay Lake Hospital

QALPIAKE

SUITES

Commercial Waste Services Largest provider of services is Waste

Management Canada Diverting food and recycling from waste

stream can reduce volumes by up to 60% Cost savings can be gained through

diversion of organics to on-site system

Recommendations Identify grant opportunities & partner

organisations Waste audits for pilot sites Designation of support person, similar to

EcoSave Continued education and

communications with identified pilot sites Sharing of information with other

institutional and commercial facilities in Nelson

PresenterPresentation NotesWill be distributing report to individuals who provided feedback and input.

THANK YOU!

Report prepared for the City of Nelson by FJG Consulting

On#Site(Composting(Review(for(Commercial(&(Institutional(Sites(

(

May(10th,(2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.! Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 1!2.! Introduction ................................................................................................................... 2!3.! Background ................................................................................................................... 2!3.1.! Organics Diversion & Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................ 2!3.2.! RDCK Resource Recovery Plan ......................................................................... 3!4.! Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 4!

4.1.! Creston Valley Composting Options Analysis and Project Definition ............ 4!4.2.! CSRD Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Technology Review ................... 4!4.3.! Earth Matters Community Composting Report .................................................. 4!4.4.! Metro Vancouver On-Site Composting Technology Review ............................. 4!

5.! Composting System Types ........................................................................................... 5!5.1.! Large Sized Composting Systems ...................................................................... 5!5.2.! Small to Mid-Sized Composting Systems .......................................................... 6!

6.! Composting Systems ..................................................................................................... 8!6.1.! Overview ............................................................................................................. 8!6.2.! Composting System Comparison ........................................................................ 8!

7.! Commercial Waste Management .................................................................................. 9!8.! Composting Concerns ................................................................................................... 9!

8.1.! Odours ................................................................................................................. 9!8.2.! Pest Control ......................................................................................................... 9!8.3.! Leachate ............................................................................................................ 10!8.4.! Management of the System ............................................................................... 10!

9.! Case Studies ................................................................................................................ 11!9.1.! Selkirk College, Castlegar BC Earth Tub Composter ................................... 11!9.2.! Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops BC Jora JK5100 Composter ......... 12!

10.!Potential Composting Sites ......................................................................................... 14!10.1.! Alpine Lakes Suites .......................................................................................... 14!10.2.! Selkirk College 10th Street Campus .............................................................. 14!10.3.! Kootenay Lake Hospital ................................................................................... 15!

11.!Business Case Analysis............................................................................................... 15!12.!Report Recommendations ........................................................................................... 16!13.!Appendices .................................................................................................................. 16!

13.1.! Appendix A Resource Contact Information .................................................. 16!13.2.! Appendix B Composting System Specification Sheets ................................. 16!13.3.! Appendix C Metro Vancouver On-Site Composting Technology Review ... 16!13.4.! Appendix D Dalhousie University Waste Audit Procedures ........................ 16!

Report prepared for the City of Nelson by FJG Consulting Page 1 of 16

1. Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to provide a review of on-site composting options for commercial and institutional facilities within the City of Nelson. These sites would not be included in the residential organics diversion being considered by the RDCK and this report is meant to provide a complementary piece to the RDCK waste planning process.

Key!targets!within!the!City!of!Nelsons!Low!Carbon!Path!to!2040:!!Community!Energy!and!Emissions!Plan!are!an!increase!in!organics!diversion!rate!to!50%!by!2020!and!80%!by!2040.! Composting!can!reduce!greenhouse!gas!emissions!by!over!90%!in!contrast!to!sending!the!same!waste!to!a!landfill.! Selkirk!College!in!Castlegar!and!Thompson!Rivers!University!in!Kamloops!both!operate!successful!onNsite!composting!systems.! A!wide!variety!of!onNsite!composting!technologies!were!reviewed!ranging!in!cost!from!$700!to!$140,000!and!in!capacity!from!30!kg/week!to!600!kg/week.! Potential!composting!pilot!project!sites!include!Alpine!Lakes!Suites,!Selkirk!Colleges!Nelson!campuses,!and!Kootenay!Lake!Hospital.! Cost!savings!can!be!achieved!by!reducing!commercial!waste!removal!needs!through!the!diversion!of!organics,!but!this!would!need!to!be!assessed!on!a!site!specific!basis.!


2. Introduction The City of Nelson has shown a strong commitment to sustainability and climate change through their planning and implementation of programs that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the Path to 2040 Sustainability Strategy, Low Carbon Path to 2040: Community Energy and Emissions Action Plan, Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, EcoSave Home Energy Retrofit Program, as well as exploration of a downtown District Energy System and a Community Solar Garden.

In a continuation of these emission reduction plans and programs, the City of Nelson is investigating options for the diversion of organic waste away from landfills. Within the Low Carbon Path to 2040 Plan, the diversion of organic materials is identified as an important component of greenhouse gas emission reductions. The key targets outlined in the plan are an increase in organics diversion rate to 50% by 2020 and 80% by 2040.

As residential organic waste diversion falls within the scope of the Regional District Central Kootenay (RDCK), the focus of this review is on composting options for institutional and commercial sites within the community that will not be directly addressed by the RDCKs waste management plans. After assessing a variety of composting options, the review was narrowed down to on-site systems that do not require transportation of materials.

These systems could be suitable for a variety of users, from schools to seniors residences to the hospital to the mall, and so on. Or potentially they could be sited in a neighbourhood. The information gained in this review can be used to encourage new or existing developments or institutions to incorporate this technology; and it can also be piloted on a neighbourhood basis.

3. Background 3.1. Organics Diversion & Greenhouse Gas Emissions$When organic waste is placed in a landfill it decomposes gradually over decades and creates a significant amount of methane due to the absence of oxygen. In contrast, when organic waste is composted it decomposes within one year, if left to itself, and predominantly creates carbon dioxide because oxygen is made available.

Because methane is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide on a 100-year global warming potential basis, composting can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% in contrast to sending the same waste to a landfill. Although the exact number can vary, the Provincial Governments Green Communities Carbon Neutral Framework estimates that every tonne of organic waste that is diverted from a landfill into a centralized composting system will result in roughly a tonne of greenhouse gas emission reductions.


In BC, waste management accounts for approximately 5% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Managing organic materials that are traditionally part of the waste stream using other, low-emission methods is becoming a key part of waste management. Not only does diverting organics from the landfill reduce methane emissions, it allows this valuable resource to be reclaimed for other beneficial uses and reduces the need for the development of additional landfills.

3.2. RDCK Resource Recovery Plan$As part of this composting review, discussions were held with Mike Morrison, Resource Recovery Manager, at the RDCK.

Waste management at the RDCK is comprised of 3 sub-regions the central (including Nelson), west, and east sub-region. Waste management for each of the sub-regions is addressed through the RDCKs Resource Recovery Plan (RRP). The Provincial Government requires that these solid waste management plans are revised every 5 years. Currently, the RDCK is working with a plan that was amended in 2012, so the next revision will occur in 2017.

The strategic priorities of the existing Resource Recovery Plan are the redevelopment and upgrade of transfer stations as well as the centralisation and/or closure of landfills. These priorities have been completed in the east sub-region, so the 2015 project year will focus on wrapping up these priorities in the central sub-region and the 2016 year will address the west sub-region. Once completed, attention will shift to developing a new set of priorities for renewal of the management plan in 2017.

As part of the 2017 amendments to the Resource Recovery Plan, the RDCK will be considering a composting system that could receive regional organic waste. This would need to be done in cooperation with municipalities, since residential curbside waste removal is a municipal service. As part of the existing plans to centralise landfill locations, the Salmo landfill site has been closed and central sub-region waste is being diverted to the Ootischenia landfill site in Castlegar. The RDCK is currently preparing the Salmo landfill as a potential site for organics processing, although the exact form of a composting system has not yet been considered.

The purpose of this review is to provide composting options for locations within Nelson that would not be included in residential organics diversion being considered by the RDCK and to provide a complementary piece to the RDCK waste planning process.


4. Literature Review In order to reduce a duplication of efforts, existing composting reports were reviewed and assessed based on their relevance to Nelsons project. Below is a summary of the key reports that were identified.

4.1. Creston Valley Composting Options Analysis and Project Definition This report was completed for the RDCK East Sub-region in 2013 to assess opportunities for a composting facility in the Creston Valley. An inventory was completed of the various feedstocks in the region including municipal biosolids, fruit culls, and municipal and commercial food waste. This study assesses a system that would be much larger than those being examined in the current review and would be more on scale with a regional central composting facility such as that being considered for the Salmo landfill site. The information contained in this report would be useful when the RDCK begins to look more closely at a centralized composting system.

4.2. CSRD Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Technology Review Also in 2013, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) worked with the communities of Golden, Revelstoke, and Salmon Arm to assess the potential for an organic waste diversion and processing program that would complement existing yard and wood waste diversion programs. Similar to the Creston Valley report, this assessment focussed on large scale community processing of organics that would be much larger in scope than what is being reviewed by the City of Nelson. As in the Creston report, this information would be valuable when the RDCK considers organics as part of the 2017 Resource Recovery Plan amendments.

4.3. Earth Matters Community Composting Report In 2008, the Nelson CARES Society commissioned a feasibility study and developed a business plan for a central composting facility that would include a pickup service in the Nelson area. As with the previous studies, the focus of this report is on a more regional system that would include residential organics diversion and is not directly relevant to the current review.

4.4. Metro Vancouver On-Site Composting Technology Review This study was completed in 2012 for the Regional District of Metro Vancouver. It focuses on various technology options for on-site composting and has been a valuable resource in this review process providing the most relevant information. The report includes detailed case studies of sites where on-site composting has been implemented. For each case study, a description is provided of the project history, technology, composting process, system support, and system evaluation. This study has been provided courtesy of Metro Vancouver and is included in Appendix C.


Follow up has been completed on the case studies highlighted in the Metro Vancouver report to determine if the composting technologies reviewed are still operational.

Case%Study%Location% Composting%Technology% Status%(as%of%May%2015)%

Quayside(Village(Cohousing(North(Vancouver,(BC(

Three(Bin(System(Still(in(operation,(program(is(going(well(and(have(expanded(to(6(bins.(

Bellingham(Cohousing(Bellingham,(WA(

Worm(Wigwam( No(response.(

Cercle(Carre(Co#operative(Montreal,(QC(

JORA(JK400( Still(in(operation(and(going(well.(

Mulberry(Retirement(Residence(Burnaby,(BC(

White(Dragon((GG#30)( No(longer(operational.(

Grandview(Earth(School(Vancouver,(BC(

Earth(Tub( No(response.(

Lakefield(College(School(Lakefield,(ON(

The(Rocket(A900(Still(in(operation(and(very(successful.(

McGill(University(Montreal,(QC(

Big(Hanna(T240( No(response.(

5. Composting System Types The systems that would be considered for small to mid-sized facilities such as those being targeted in this review are quite different than those that would be suitable for large scale central composting facility.

5.1. Large Sized Composting Systems Large scale central composting sites often have enough land available for space intensive aerobic systems such as those listed below and have the capacity to process feedstock on a regional and community level.

Open Windrow: organic waste is placed in long, low rows and turned periodically throughout the processing life to allow the waste to aerate and heat and water to be distributed.

Aerated Static Piles: organic waste is piled overtop of some form of air distribution/collection network that aerates the piles from underneath using fans. This system does not require regular turning and has no set configuration of pile formations, so it can be designed specifically to the site. The piles can also be outfitted with covers to reduce odours and provide protection from precipitation.


Statically Containerized System: organic waste is placed in an enclosed container and then aerated for 2-4 weeks. At the end of this process, the material must be further cured and matured before being used as a soil amendment.

Rotating Drum Technology: consists of a steel drum positioned on a small incline to allow gravity to assist the flow of organic material from the upper end to the lower end, where it is removed.

Agitated Container and Vessel Systems: feedstock is injected into one end of the system and slowly moved to the discharge end in a continuous flow. This system is most similar, although larger in scale, to the on-site technologies evaluated in this review.

5.2. Small to Mid-Sized Composting Systems Like the large scale system category, there are a variety of small to mid-sized composting systems that are suitable for small institutions and commercial establishments including schools, hospitals, multi-unit residential buildings, and grocery stores. These systems can vary from a basic 3 bin system, similar to that of a backyard composter, to more technological equipment such as in-vessel systems.

Multi-Bin System: allows for the continuous processing of large amounts of material. A typical system would consist of 3 bins where materials can be turned and mixed from one bin to the next while the third bin is used for curing and finishing. The volume of processed organics depends on the size of the bins, but a 1,590 L system (530 L per bin) could handle approximately 9 kg per day or 31 residents (assuming 0.5 kg/L of organic waste and a 3 month composting period).


Vermicomposting System: processes organic waste through earthworms. This is system would be suitable to smaller groups of households as it is a smaller scale system that can process up to 4.5 kg/day of organic waste which would accommodate 16 people.

In(Vessel$Systems:!!a!composting!process!whereby!material!is!enclosed!in!a!container!and!maintained!under!uniform!conditions!of!temperature!and!moisture.!!Typical!systems!will!use!forced!aeration!and/or!mechanical!agitation!to!promote!rapid!composting.!!Of!the!inNvessel!systems!reviewed!for!this!report,!there!are!many!types!that!can!handle!a!range!of!food!volumes!from!10!kg/day!to!1,100!kg/day!(35!N4,000!people).$


6. Composting Systems 6.1. Overview There are an assortment of in-vessel composting systems available on the market that range in capacity, technology, and cost. All of the systems involve the enclosure of materials within a container and typically involve agitation of materials and the addition of oxygen to promote the composting process. Some systems may involve the addition of heat, if located outdoors, to speed up composting in the winter months. Most in-vessel systems also require a curing period after the initial processing period. Curing or "finishing" is the process of allowing materials in the compost system to finish the composting process at lower temperatures. After the initial composting period, the material is removed from the vessel and allowed to sit for an additional period of time. Composting systems will be classified as continuous or batch, depending on how the material is added and processed. Continuous systems can accommodate the regular addition of materials and often have a secondary compartment that allows for an ongoing process of composting. Batch systems require a stage where no organic material is added for a period of time and the existing batch is allowed to process. In this case, two systems can be purchased to allow for a more continuous process in which one batch sits, while material is added to the second system.

In 2012, Metro Vancouver completed a review of on-site composting technology. This review provides a comprehensive description of each of the composting systems included in this report. Given that Metro Vancouver was willing to share this report for municipal use, the information has not been duplicated in this report, but can be found in Appendix C.

In the following section, a sample of available systems have been evaluated and additional information can be found in the vendor specification sheets in Appendix B.

6.2. Composting System Comparison See the table on the following page for a comparison of various on-site composting systems available within Canada. Systems ranged in cost from $700 to $72,000, in processing time from 7 days to 90 days, and in service capacity from 15 people to 300 people. There are many different systems available on the market and the optimal system will be specific to each site.

Company Website SystemNearest1Company1Contact

Composter1Type Agitation Processing Capital1CostsSystem1Size1

(m3) Space1Req'tsCapacity1(kg/year)

Capacity1(kg/week)

#1Persons1(2kg/person/

wk)

Processing1Time Curing1Time

Housing1Requirement Ventilation

1.Cedar&Creek&Enterprises www.cedarcreekenterprises.com Kitsilano&Model

Vancouver,&BC 3&Bin&System Manual Continuous $975&CDN 1.59& Small 3,180& 61& 31& 3&months In&system

Outdoors,&no&shelter&needed Openings,&manual

2.Earth&Works&Composting&Supplies www.wormMcomposting.ca Worm&Wigwam

Chilliwack,&BC Vermicomposter Not&Applicable Continuous $1590&CDN 0.73& Very&Small 1,655& 32& 16&

Information&not&provided In&system

Outdoors&or&Indoors Openings,&manual

3.Green&Mountain&Technologies www.compostingtechnology.com Earth&Tub

Bainbridge&Island,&WA InMvessel Manual Batch $9975&USD 9.35& Large 18,250& 351& 175& 2&weeks 4&weeks Not&required

Mixing&auger,&biofilter

4a. Jora&Canada www.joracanada.ca/en Jora&NE401Kamloops,&

BC Drum Manual Continuous $689&CDN 2.12& Medium 3,640& 70& 35& 3&weeks In&systemOutdoors&or&Indoors,&no&shelter&needed

Openings,&manual

4b. Jora&Canada www.joracanada.ca/en Jora&NE20TKamloops,&

BC InMvessel Automated Continuous $45,000&CDN 6.80& Large 20,020& 385& 193& 3&weeks In&systemIndoors,&needs&3&phase&power

Internal&ventilation&system

5a.GreenGood&Composter www.greengoodcomposter.com GGM10

Vancouver,&BC InMvessel Automated Continuous $13,500&CDN 0.56& Very&Small 9,855& 190& 95& 1&week 3&weeks

Indoor,&with&outdoor&venting


5b.GreenGood&Composter www.greengoodcomposter.com GGM30

Vancouver,&BC InMvessel Automated Continuous $25,500&CDN 1.49& Small 31,025& 597& 298& 1&week 3&weeks

Indoor,&with&outdoor&venting


6a. Mass&Environmental www.massenv.com Rocket&A500Lakefield,&

ON InMvessel Automated Continuous $27,100&CDN 2.28& Medium 15,600& 300& 150& 10M14&days 6&weeksOutdoors&under&cover&or&indoors

No&ventilation&required

6b. Mass&Environmental www.massenv.com Rocket&A700Lakefield,&

ON InMvessel Automated Continuous $34,950&CDN 3.78& Medium 18,200& 350& 175& 10M14&days 6&weeksOutdoors&under&cover&or&indoors


7a. Big&Hanna&Composting www.bighanna.com Big&Hanna&T60Northfield,&

Ohio InMvessel Automated Continuous $61,800&USD 3.88& Medium 13,000& 250& 125& 6M10&weeksInformation&not&provided

Outdoors&or&Indoors


7b. Big&Hanna&Composting www.bighanna.com Big&Hanna&T120Northfield,&

Ohio InMvessel Automated Continuous $71,800&USD 6.39& Large 26,000& 500& 250& 6M10&weeksInformation&not&provided

Outdoors&or&Indoors


OnNSite1Composting1System1Comparison


7. Commercial Waste Management Waste Management Canada is the largest provider of waste removal services in the Kootenays and handles approximately 90% of the commercial waste removal in the Nelson area. Conversations were held with Neil Cook, District Manager, at Waste Management of Canada to discuss organics diversion at commercial buildings and how this would impact existing waste removal services. It was suggested that Waste Management Canada could play a role in the management of on-site composting systems and this was deemed something worth considering, should a system be implemented.

Fees for commercial waste removal are a combination of weight of material, as this factors into tipping costs, and pickup frequency/number of bins. It is estimated that the diversion of both food waste and recycling combined can reduce waste removal volumes by up to 60%. Recycling costs charged by commercial waste companies may vary depending on the value of the commodity and the markets available to use the material. For example, cardboard is currently valued at $50/tonne, but it costs $80/tonne to process and get it to market. Given the disparity in the value of the recyclable material versus the processing costs, it is expected that commercial waste management recycling fees will rise. However, waste removal cost savings resulting from the implementation of an on-site organics diversion program could help offset rising recycling fees.

8. Composting Concerns The concept of on-site composting may inspire concern regarding a variety of issues. The most commonly cited concerns are outlined in this section and recommendations put forward as to the best method for addressing the concerns.

8.1. Odours Odours primarily become an issue in composting systems when the system is out of balance (i.e. too wet, too dry, not enough bulking agent, etc.). The best method for addressing odours is a preventative one in which the system is well managed and kept in balance. Good signage and training is essential for anyone managing and using the system. In-vessel technology is most often used when odour control is essential. At Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops BC, an in-vessel composting system is located in the lobby of the Culinary Arts Building. The system is vented with a simple fan into the main ducting of the building. After 6 months of operation, there were no issues with odours and no noticeable smell when walking by the equipment (see Section 9.2 for case study).

8.2. Pest Control A discussion was conducted with Joanne Siderius, WildSafeBC community coordinator, regarding composting and pest control. The primary pest control concern around Nelson is bears and household compost is ranked as the third highest attractant for bears. Given that bears will learn the site of a food source, it is essential that measures are taken to prevent access to compost


sites. This can be done using bear resistant containers, electric fencing, or enclosing the system in a secure shelter/building.

In-vessel composters typically keep the organic material enclosed, so that its not accessible to wildlife. The Earth Tub at the Selkirk College Castlegar campus has been in operation since 2010 with no bear encounters related to the composter itself. There have been a couple of bear related incidents involving material being left at the composting site when an operator was not available. Students are permitted to use the Selkirk system for their personal compost, but are required to drop it off during set hours. The bear incidents occurred when material was dropped off outside of regular hours, so students have been encouraged to only leave material during designated hours.

Another important consideration is how the organic material is stored prior to being added to the composter. At Selkirk College, the organic waste is added to the composting system the same day it is picked up. If, for any reason, there is a delay in adding the material, it is kept in a secure building until the system operator is able to add it to the composter.

When composters are not bear resistant and are to be located outside, such as a multi-bin system, they should be fitted with an electric fence to prevent access for bears. Electric fencing systems can be found at local Nelson suppliers and would cost in the range of $500. WildSafeBC is available to provide recommendations on electric fencing systems and to assist in the setup.

8.3. Leachate When water contacts solids and the extracted materials from the solids become dissolved or suspended in the water, the resulting liquid is leachate. In a composting system, leachate may contain any combination of organic matter, nutrients, and soluble chemicals extracted from the organic material. Although leachate is a concern and needs to be addressed in large scale composting systems, a small to medium in-vessel system generates minimal leachate. Some manufacturers even make the claim that their system is leachate free. The multi bin system will also have minimal leachate if the moisture of the pile is well managed.

8.4. Management of the System When implementing a composting system, it is important to establish a management practice. In the case of Selkirk College, janitorial staff collect the organic waste and deposit it at a central site, while a work study student is employed to oversee and add the materials to the system. In addition, the composting system falls within the scope of facilities maintenance and the manager of this department supervises both the collection of the compost and operation of the composter. This can be a paid role that is incorporated into staff responsibilities as in the case of an organization or a volunteer role as in the case of a residential complex or a hybrid of the two systems. The main point is that there are designated individuals who are responsible for maintaining the balance of the system. Another possibility is the role of a waste management company in providing staff to operate and oversee the composting system. Through discussions with staff at Waste Management Inc., the primary commercial waste management company in the region, interest was expressed in being involved in organics diversion. This would need to be explored further, if implementation of a composting system was going to be considered.


9. Case Studies Operational on-site composting systems can be found at both Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC and Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. These systems process organics collected at each school and typically use the end material on site.

9.1. Selkirk College, Castlegar BC Earth Tub Composter A site visit was conducted at the Castlegar Campus of Selkirk College in the spring of 2014 to view their in-vessel composting system. A follow up meeting was held in the spring of 2015 for an update on the system. Ron Zaitsoff is the Director of Facilities at Selkirk College and oversees the composting program.

Composting site located behind the facilities maintenance building

Mixing of the material

In 2010, an Earth Tub composting system was installed at a capital cost of $10,000. The system is a plug and play type that comes fully assembled. The only additional installation required was the set up of a power supply at the site for operation of the augur in the tub.

The Earth Tub composter can handle cooked food, but no meat or dairy is added and the majority of the compost comes from the kitchen facilities. The end material is used on campus at the MIR Centre gardens. Both the material going into the system and the final product require sorting. At Selkirk, the tub is turned twice a week and requires 2-3 people for turning when full. Once the bin is full, it is cured for 30 days in the bin, then cured for an additional 30 days outside of the bin, so two bins would be needed to keep the system operating continuously. The Earth Tub at Selkirk is stored under a car port cover, but loses a significant amount of heat to the outside. Selkirk College advised that a better system would be to store the tub in an insulated shed with a wash station and floor drain for maintenance of the bins and collection containers.

The composter is managed by custodial staff, a work study student, and the director of facilities. The custodians pick up large collection bins located around campus twice a week and deliver them to the compost area. A work study student is hired each semester to sort the compost and keep the Earth Tub operating optimally. The director of facilities oversees both the work study


student and the custodial staff. The system requires 2.25 hours/week of custodial time for collection and 3-5 hours/week of student time for sorting and management.

The following are a few of the key lessons learned during the implementation and management of the composting system:

Venting of the system in the winter months drops the internal system heat too much, so it is better to place the Earth Tub in a location where it doesnt require venting in the colder seasons.

A hot water source should be located near the composter with good drainage in order to easily wash out the collection bins.

Maintenance of the system can be labour intensive and needs to be included in job descriptions.

The project needs a champion and someone to oversee the work being done. In this case, it falls under the facilities department and is managed by the director of facilities.

Although it is anticipated that a diversion of organics would result in a reduction of waste management costs, the specific savings have not been tracked and are difficult to determine given the variability in waste management costs from year to year. When questioned regarding their satisfaction with the system, Selkirk College said they were happy with the Earth Tub and wouldnt hesitate to buy the system again.

9.2. Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops BC Jora JK5100 Composter Discussions were had with Jim Gudjonson, Director of Environment and Sustainability, and James Gordon, Environmental Programs and Research Coordinator, at Thompson Rivers University regarding their on-site composting program.

Composting system located in the lobby of the Culinary Arts Buildings

Removing the finished material

The composting system is a Jora 5100 in-vessel system that has been operational since January of 2014 and is located indoors in the lobby of the Culinary Arts Building. The system was purchased at a cost of $35,000. The composter is comprised of two chambers and can accommodate 700 L (approximately 350 kg) of food waste per week. Food is chopped with built


in blades and mixed via a motor in the first chamber, then transferred to a second chamber for curing. The system also adds the required amount of carbon content via wood pellets.

For the first 6 months, the system was run as a pilot project with a student operating the system throughout this phase. After the 6 month pilot phase ended, maintenance of the system was transferred to custodial staff. During this transfer, it was necessary to assist staff in becoming familiar with the system and tweak the process in order to reduce the yuck factor. The process was revised with:

the use of compostable plastic bags that can be added directly into the composter and reduce cleaning requirements of collection bins;

pickup schedules that ensured organic waste was not left sitting for long periods of time, and;

consideration of a metal detector that will exclude the need for materials to be sorted prior to adding to the system, as metals are the one thing that will damage the machine.

In addition, an industrial grinder was purchased at a cost of $8,000 as the system would get gummed up with biodegradable cups and bags. The industrial grinder is able to grind everything into a mash prior to addition to the composter, including materials such as soup bones, and speeds up the composting process.

The system has now been in operation for over a year and there have been no complaints or issues with odours, even in the middle of summer, despite its location indoors with occupants working nearby. The composter is vented with a simple fan that connects into the main ducting of the building and exhausts the air via the buildings HVAC system.

Installation of the Jora Composter is part of a larger waste management plan being implemented by Thompson Rivers University that includes a zero waste strategy. Since the start of the plan, there has been a 60% reduction in landfill waste which has also resulted in a reduction of tipping fees. The university currently pays $60,000 a year in tipping fees and estimates the cost will decrease to $30,000 a year when the zero waste strategy is full implemented. This diversion of waste material includes paper, plastic, and bottles, in addition organics, and was implemented simultaneously, so it is not possible to separate out the exact savings of the organics diversion from the rest of the zero waste strategy initiatives.

Currently, the end material from the composting process is offered up to staff, groundskeepers, and the horticultural department. It is kept in large plastic bins and requires that individuals bring their own containers to collect and transport the material. If the end material volume gets to a point where it is too large, it may be bagged to facilitate the process of giving it away.


10. Potential Composting Sites Prior to the implementation of a composting program and installation of a system at a pilot site, it is recommended that a waste audit is completed. This would provide valuable information on a facility that can be used in selecting a composting system including the volume of material generated per day, the amount of bulking agent available, the types of food scraps, and the porosity and moisture content of the organic material (see Appendix D for a guide to performing waste audits).

10.1. Alpine Lakes Suites Alpine Lakes Suites is a 48 unit multi-residential building with approximately 100 residents at any one time. They were identified as a potential pilot site given their participation in the Provincial Climate Smart Program and their enthusiasm in developing a sustainable community. The Climate Smart Program is offered by the Provincial Government and provides businesses with the opportunity to be climate smart certified through a baseline and ongoing measurement of their carbon footprint as well as options for reducing their footprint.

Based on the waste data collected for the Climate Smart Program, Alpine Lakes Suites generates approximately 1,600 kg of waste per month. They have 1 dumpster that gets picked up twice a week, collecting approximately 200 kg of waste with each pickup. Waste removal is at a cost of $540/month for garbage and $70/month for recycling. Estimates for organic composition of residential waste typically range from 25% to 40%. Using those estimates, Alpine Lakes Suites would generate 100 kg to 160 kg per week in organic waste.

A bin compost system had previously been in use at the Suites, but it was not large enough in volume to handle all of the residential organic material and had to be shut down as it was overflowing. According to the property manager, Ray Stothers, they would be very interested in renewing an organics diversion and composting program. There is also a great deal of interest in using the end material on site or potentially transporting it to another site with the same owners as Alpine Lakes. There are plans to landscape the area around the property which would include the creation of a retaining wall and a 40 ft. W x 12 ft. D x 8 ft. H area that could be dedicated to composting and recycling. Alpine Lakes also expressed a desire to improve the aesthetics of a compost system over their previous attempts.

10.2. Selkirk College 10th Street Campus As outlined in the case study (see Section 9.1), Selkirk College has an existing composting system at the Castlegar campus. Additional systems at both the Tenth Street and Rosemont campuses in Nelson have been considered in the past, but not implemented due to logistical issues. These issues could be overcome and there is still an interest in expanding the Colleges composting system to the Nelson campuses.

At the Castlegar campus, there are environmental studies students with an interest in working on the compost system as part of the work study program and there is a day time custodial shift who are able to collect organic materials throughout the facility.


At the Nelson campuses, there is no daytime custodial staff and no study program that would directly relate to a composting program. Although these factors could pose a logistical barrier to implementation of a composting system, there are ways in which they could be addressed and Selkirk College is interested in pursuing options for the expansion of their composting program to the Nelson locations.

10.3. Kootenay Lake Hospital Contact has been made with Tanja Stockman, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Interior Health, who is based out of Kelowna. Given the size and centralization of the Interior Health Authority, it will take more time to determine the potential for Kootenay Lake Hospital as a composting pilot site. Currently, discussions are being had amongst staff within the organisation to review the idea and further follow up will be needed to assess the feasibility of an on-site composting system.

11. Business Case Analysis Given the variability in waste removal costs, it is challenging to determine a general business case for on-site composting systems. This would be very specific to each facility and their waste profile. Both Selkirk College and Thompson Rivers University were consulted to determine if they had observed a decrease in waste removal costs as a result of their composting programs, but neither organisation was able to pinpoint the specific effects of the composting program on waste management costs, as these costs are tied into many other factors.

As a high level example, Alpine Lake Suites generates approximately 1600 kg/month of waste that is removed 8 times a month (twice weekly pickups). If the residents were able to divert 25% to 40% of their waste, in the form of organics, into an on-site composting system, waste removal services could be reduced to 5-6 pickups each month (1000 kg 1200 kg). This could represent a monetary savings in the range of $130 to $200 each month and a yearly savings of $1500 to $2400. It is important to note that this example is for the purposes of illustration only and that the cost savings and waste profiles would need to be further developed and confirmed over the lifespan of a system for an accurate business case.

In order to determine the savings to be gained from an on-site composting system, an analysis would need to be completed on a site specific basis,, but there is potential cost savings to be gained through avoided waste removal fees.


12. Report Recommendations This report provides a starting point for the development of on-site composting systems within the community and can be used as a point of reference for organisations interested in implementing a composting program. The following are recommendations to be considered for further development and promotion of on-site composting systems:

Identification of grant opportunities

Identification of opportunities for partnering on grant proposals

Waste audits for potential pilot sites to determine moisture content and porosity of material either performed by a professional company or completed in-house

o See the Dalhousie University Waste Audit Procedures (Appendix D) for a comprehensive guide on completing a waste audit

Designation of a support person for questions and provision of expertise, similar to that which is provided to home owners and businesses through the EcoSave Program

Continued communications with identified pilot sites to encourage consideration of an on-site composting system

Contact of other potential sites to introduce information from the report and gauge interest in a composting program

13. Appendices 13.1. Appendix A Resource Contact Information

See Attached

13.2. Appendix B Composting System Specification Sheets

See Attached

13.3. Appendix C Metro Vancouver On-Site Composting Technology Review

See Attached - Provided courtesy of the Regional District of Metro Vancouver

13.4. Appendix D Dalhousie University Waste Audit Procedures

See Attached


APPENDIX A RESOURCE CONTACT INFORMATION

1. Neil Cook, District Manager Waste Management Canada [email protected]

2. Fiona Galbraith, Environmental Consultant FJG Consulting [email protected]

3. Jim Gudjonson, Director of Environment and Sustainability Thompson Rivers University [email protected]

4. Mike Morrison, Resource Recovery Manager Regional District of Central Kootenay [email protected]

5. Joanne Siderius, Community Coordinator WildSafeBC [email protected]

6. Tanja Stockmann, Manager, Environmental Sustainability Interior Health Authority [email protected]

7. Ray Stothers, Property Manager Alpine Lake Suites [email protected]

8. Ron Zaitsoff, Director of Facilities Selkirk College [email protected]


APPENDIX B

COMPOSTING SYSTEM SPECIFICATION SHEETS

Model / Product Information

Kitsilano Triple Bin System

SYSTEM APPROX. SIZE APPROX.

CAPACITY FEATURES

Single Bin 3 W x 2.5 D x 2.5 H 531 litres 1. Wire mesh lining 2. Hinged lid (s) 3. Back supports for opened lids 4. Star-shaped knobs on

removable fronts

Double Bin 6 W x 2.5 D x 2.5 H 1060 litres

Triple Bin 9 W x 2.5 D x 2.5 H 1590 litres

www.cedarcreekenterprises.com / Phone: 778-838-1094 /

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

1 2

3

4

THE WORM WIGWAM Revolutionary, Flow Through Vermicomposting System by Sustainable Agricultural Technologies Inc. Easy to use and produce a Superior Organic Soil Amendment! Recycle and reuse your kitchen or cafeteria waste, garden waste, yard debris, livestock manure, even reduce office waste by composting paper. Flow Through Vermicomposters are designed to process large amounts of food and organic waste. The finished product is a microbial rich, natural fertilizer and soil conditioner that is a readily usable or salable product reducing the need for chemical fertilizer. The Worm Wigwam is probably the smallest industrial grade flow through vermicomposter available. When working at full capacity, its simple, unique design makes producing up to 75 pounds of finished vermicompost per week a breeze. The worms do all the work! Harvesting is carried out simply by turning an extremely durable, lightweight crank. This system was designed to meet the vermicomposting needs of small restaurants, school cafeterias and the like. It is also highly suitable for families and neighbours who wish to combine recycling resources in one very efficient, easy to manage operation. If you are serious about composting, this is the one for you. Please call for an appointment to view our demonstration unit at 1-855-823-2280. Price: $750.00 plus tax F.O.B. Chilliwack. Please call for quote on delivery and bulk worms.

You will be amazed how quickly, and efficiently the Worm Wigwam

converts your kitchen, yard and garden waste to Vermicompost.

The Worm Wigwam features make Vermicomposting easier and more efficient than ever before. The Worm Wigwam is an economical, odorless, flow through vermicomposting system powered by the red worm. The unit is heated and insulated for year round use and can be conveniently located indoors or outside away from intense sunlight or other extreme weather exposure.

The Worm Wigwam is easy to set up and because the worms do all the work maintenance is easy too. This diagram shows how bedding and organic material are alternately layered by adding new layers on top. The worms continuously rise to feed on fresh layers, leaving a rich mixture of castings humus, worm cocoons, micro-organisms and organic material in varying stages of decomposition behind. This "worm free" vermicompost is easily sifted out with a quick turn of the crank and retrieved, ready for use, through the door at the bottom.

Worm Wigwam Specifications Start up worm inoculation 10-15 pounds Processing capacity - 1/2 the weight of the worm

population Output - Up to 75 pounds of finished

vermicompost per week. Dimensions - 3 ft. wide x 3 ft. high Space requirements - 4 ft. x 4 ft. work area

43480 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC, V2R 4J6 Toll Free 1-855-823-2280 www.worm-composting.ca

m

Green Mountain Technologies, Inc. The Composting Technology Company

Green Mountain Technologies 5350 McDonald Ave NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Contact: Tel (802)368-7291 Fax (802)368-7313 [email protected]

Earth Tub Pricing & Specifications

Effective March 2013

The New Earth Tub (Version 9.0) is now available! We've listened to our customers and incorporated great new features and benefits into the new Earth Tub design!

x Easier to mix! The tub and lid design has been modified for smoother turning of the lid. x Better protection against rain! Lid has a new sloped design to help it shed rain water and prevent rain from

entering the Earth Tub. x No leachate requirements! Leachate is now recycled back into compost. No need to manage leachate. x Easier to unload compost! The Earth Tub now has a new larger, discharge door that provides better access

to the interior of the Tub. x Easier to clean! No more perforated floor. The smooth surface of the Earth Tub tub floor makes removing

compost and cleaning easier. x Recycled content! The Earth Tub vessel is now made with recycled content plastic!* x Cool new look! Enhanced structural design imparts a sleek, rugged aesthetic. Neutral colors look great in a

variety of environments.

* Tub base is made of 50% post-consumer and 50% post-industrial recycled content plastic. Lid is made of 50% post-consumer recycled content plastic. 1 Earth Tub Package - $9,975.00 (USD): One Earth Tub Package provides all equipment required for a site to process up to 100 pounds of organic waste per day. For individual component pricing choose the custom package option. Assembly Includes:

x Earth Tub LLDPE insulated plastic body and lid (89x89x72/795 lbs. each): o 2Hp 3 phase totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) auger motor (208/230/460V 50/60 Hz) o In-line Helical Gearbox with UHMW support bearing o 12 stainless steel auger and track assembly o Optional leachate drain port o Locking discharge door and loading hatch o Retractable electric cord

x One 36 hand-held temperature probe x One Bio-filter which includes an aeration blower and odor filter x 2 aeration ducting and fittings to connect Bio-Filter to Earth Tub

Green Mountain Technologies

5350 McDonald Ave NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110


2 Earth Tub Package - $17,895 (USD): Two Earth Tub Package provides all equipment required for a site to process up to 200 pounds of organic waste per day. With this option, both units need to be sited in the same location if there is a desire to share electrical components (e.g., variable frequency drive). Assembly Includes:

x Two Earth Tub LLDPE insulated plastic body and lid (89x89x72/795 lbs. each): o 2Hp 3 phase totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) auger motor (208/230/460V 50/60 Hz) o In-line Helical Gearbox with UHMW support bearing o 12 stainless steel auger and track assembly o Optional leachate drain port o Locking discharge door and loading hatch o Retractable electric cord

x One 36 hand-held temperature probe x One Bio-filter which includes an aeration blower and odor filter x 2 aeration ducting and fittings to connect Bio-Filter to Earth Tub

3 Earth Tub Package - $26,975 (USD): Three Earth Tub Package provides all equipment required for a site to process up to 300 pounds of organic waste per day. With this option, all units need to be sited in the same location if there is a desire to share electrical components (e.g., variable frequency drive). A three tub installation comes complete with two bio-filters. Assembly Includes:

x Three Earth Tub LLDPE insulated plastic body and lid (89x89x72/795 lbs. each): o 2Hp 3 phase totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) auger motor (208/230/460V 50/60 Hz) o In-line Helical Gearbox with UHMW support bearing o 12 stainless steel auger and track assembly o Optional leachate drain port o Locking discharge door and loading hatch o Retractable electric cord

x One 36 hand-held temperature probe x Two Bio-filters which includes an aeration blower and odor filter x 2 aeration ducting and fittings to connect Bio-Filter to Earth Tub

Green Mountain Technologies

5350 McDonald Ave NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110


Add-Ons:

x Earth Tub Variable Frequency Drive - $895.00 (USD): A VFD is required for sites that lack 3 phase power. One VFD can be shared with multiple Earth Tubs using a retractable cord with quick-disconnect.

x Earth Tub Positive Aeration System - $349.00 per Tub (USD): This recommended aeration system pushes air up though the compost, increasing oxygen levels, raising composting temperatures, speeding decomposition and preventing odors.

x Earth Tub On-Floor Heating System - $299.00 per Tub (USD): This resistance cable heating system provides back-up freeze protection to the interior of the Earth Tub in case compost temperatures drop suddenly during severe weather. For maximum effectiveness, this heater is usually installed in concert with the Aeration System above.

x Additional Temperature Probes - $99.00 each (USD) x One-Year Extended Warranty - $395.00 per year (USD):

Extended warranties are available on our parts-only warranty. Limit two additional years of warranty extension beyond the standard one-year warranty.

*All prices listed do not include taxes, shipping or installation costs. Please contact us to receive a complete quote including shipping costs.

9

-w

um

mg m

anw

ash

lnlo

com

vm

lm

=m

uca

mnbm

tmIn

mum

:w

ecy

ue

PID

IJU

COO

verv

iew

/3D

istrib

ute

dby

:

KR

ecyc

ling

Alte

rnat

ive

n..m

w..u.-

.4:

muuzm

We:

Ivhc

9l6

7KiI\

vIh=

:nw

tive.

cnm

Pmdu

ctO

verv

iew

/3D

istrib

ute

dby

:

KR

ecyc

ling

Alte

rnat

ive

n..m

w..u.-

.4:

muuzm

We:

Ivhc

9l6

7KiI\

vIh=

:nw

tive.

cnm

P.O. Box 400 Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0

Telephone: 705 652 6544 Fax: 705 652 1757

www.massenv.com

Tech Specs

A500 RocketSize (mobile) Length 2.5m

Width 0.7m

Height 1.3m

Capacity 600 litres per week mixed organic waste

Optional Up to 900 litres per week (combined with MASSerator & Dewaterer)

Motor 0.18kWh

Power Requirement Single-phase 240-volt, standard plug socket

Average Power Consumption 20kWh per week

Heater Element 0.85kWh Thermostatically controlled

Temperature Recording Manual hand held probe as standard Optional 4 channel recorder and software

Ventilation Not required

Housing Requirement Under cover on hard standing (non-porous)

Equipment Options MASSerator and Dewaterer package increases capacity to 900 litres per week

Temperature datalogger and software - ideal for educational programs and accurate reporting

Power sieve for refining end product increasing product usage

..(I-IANGE ,BEGINS:wmuusT '-

?;oNE_STffM"

P.O. Box 400 Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0

Telephone: 705 652 6544 Fax: 705 652 1757

www.massenv.com

Tech Specs

A700 RocketSize (mobile) Length 3.0m

Width 0.9m

Height 1.4m

Capacity 1,400 litres / week of mixed organic wastes (approx 700 kg / week) Food waste capacities: Up to 700 litres / week (350kg) or 2,100 litres / week when used with MASSerator & Dewaterer (Sold separately)

Carbon Footprint Reduction Potential 409 Tonnes C02 equivalent per year can be saved by composting using this Rocket to compost organic wastes

Motor 0.75kWh

Heater 2 x 0.85kWh Thermostatically controlled

Power Requirement 240-volt, Single-phase, standard plug socket

Power Consumption 26kWh per week (Average)

Heater Element 0.85kWh Thermostatically controlled

Temperature Recording 4 channel temperature recorder and software

Ventilation Optional (available on request at time of order)

Housing Requirement Under cover on hard standing (non-porous)

Equipment Options MASSerator and Dewaterer packages to increase capacity to 2,100 litres of food waste per week

Power sieve for refining end product increasing product usage

Garden waste chipper, various types available

..(I-IANGE ,BEGINS:wmuusT '-

?;oNE_STffM"

Company(NameAddress

Phone

Website

Contact(Name(

Email

Country/State

Model(name(and(number

Material(types(accepted((liquids/dairy/produce/meat/bones/napkins/etc.)

Material(types(not(acceptedOperation(method(and(process(descriptionAdditional(inputs(required?((Wood(chips,(enzymes,(etc.)Output(material(&(suggested(management((Compost,(slurry,(etc.)Wastewater(discharge((Y/N)Sample(tests(available?((Y/N)Capacity((lbs/day(or(cu.(ft/day)Volume(or(weight(reduction(%Power(requirements((voltage(&(amperage,(multiMphase?)Energy(use((kW(under(max(load)Dimensions((LxWxH)

Fabrication((materials(and(assembly/installation(requirements)

Layout((process(diagram(M(please(attach)

#(Systems(Installed(in(US

Delivery(time(from(order(dateWarrantee/GuaranteesEquipment(Price(range((USD)Lease/rental(available?((Y/N)Installation(Cost((USD)

Required(service(interval

Estimated(maintenance(cost(($/yr(or(%(of(purchase)Annual(operating(costs((Energy(use(+(H20(Cost(+(Maintenance(+(Inputs;(assume(14c/kWh,($7.00/1000gal(H2O)

23(kWhrs/day

Y

Lease(to(own,(yes

Cost%and%Delivery

None;(however(two((2)(orders,(including(one(to(an(Ivy(League(University,(are(pending.

240V(or(480V,(30A,(3Mphase

26'(x(5'(x(11'304(stainless(steel(construction,(plugMandMplay.((Installation(M(enclosed,(heated(structure(with(concrete(pad,(electricity,(water(is(optional(but(recommended(for(sanitation(purposes(only.See(diagram(on(right.

Model%500

Fats,(oils,(grease.(NonMcompostable(materialsAerobic(inMvessel(rotary(drum(digestion

500(lbs.(of(food(scraps/day((based(on(5(loading(days/wk)25%

Compost(M(no(curing(required(unless(packaging(for(resale.

All%food%scraps%including%meat,%bones,%shells,%dairy,%produce,%napkins%and/or%paper%towels,%compostable%plates,%etc.

Bulking(agent/carbon(source.((Recommend(dried(wood(shaving(or(chips.

N

Company%Information

Technical%Specifications

FOR%Solutions555(E.(Main(St.,(Chester,(NJ((07930

917M613M0239((Ed)(or(973M945M9150((Nick)

www.forsolutionsllc.com

Ed(Friedman(or(Nick(SmithMSebasto

[email protected](or([email protected]/NJ

$100(

$830(for(electricity.((Water(is(not(required.

8M10(weeks1(year(parts(and(labor$140,000(

Grease(fittings(3M4(times(annually,(check(sealed(gear(boxes(annually,(check(air(filter(as(needed.

Varies(based(on(site(characteristics

F@RSOLUTIONS

F001snmmsMuod4nAum:\n-vnsdnpdsalascnmwnnvPrwasvu?lm

.w-m Ina gulps

..am: Kimluvmrumru W... .....m... my

p M ms ....m. um/mm. ..m um.ay mum ..m.- :21manyCEn:>viuh:rw1urn:uvvr:v\ r..mmm. ma. mum m..m VKIGEVmumvan.n was amnmummm...:,..x......m..m.mn..1Mm.a.n..mm;.

m v..m.m...mn...m..m......m..a.n..M van! wanna mrxgm .M..4 W... ...N. ..n.u...y.m...

: gm...mm...,....W.......m...a..a...-u..4..4..w...u..a

FORSo|u1ions

T Model0500

$BQBDJUZ

,HEBZ,HXFFL5POTBOOVN/VNCFSPGIPVTFIPMET()(&NJTTJPOTBWPJEFEDBMDVMBUFEPOXXXFQBPSHVTJOH8"3.()(&NJTTJPOT-BOEGJMMFE()(&NJTTJPOT$PNQPTUFE()(&NJTTJPOT4BWJOHT$BQBDJUZJODPNCJOBUJPOXJUIEFXBUFSFS

,HEBZ,HXFFL5POTBOOVN&MFDUSJDBMTVQQMZ

1PXFSTVQQMZ"NQFSFJODM-JOMFU"NQFSFJODM-JOMFUBOETISFEEFS1PXFSDPOTVNQUJPO

5PUBML8IEBZTUBOEBSENPEFM5PUBML8IEBZJODM-JOMFUBOETISFEEFS

&RVJQNFOU5FNQFSBUVSFTFOTPST0QUJPOBMMPHHJOHQSPHSBN0QUJPOBMIPQQFSGFE0QUJPOBMTISFEEFS0QUJPOBMCJOMJGU*OTQFDUJPOEPPSTPOIPPE"DDFTTEPPSTJOUPDZMJOEFS7JTVBMEJHJUBMEJTQMBZ

.FBTVSFNFOUT-FOHUITUBOEBSE-FOHUIJODM-JOMFU8JEUI)FJHIU7PMVNFDZMJOEFS8FJHIUFNQUZ8FJHIUFNQUZJODMTISFEEFSBOE-JOMFU.BYXFJHIUGVMMJODMTISFEEFSBOE-JOMFU/VNCFSPGTVQQPSUTGFFUPONBDIJOF$POOFDUJPOUPWFOUJMBUJPO)FJHIUJOMFUTUBOEBSE*OMFUNFBTVSFNFOUTTUBOEBSE)FJHIUVOEFSPVUMFU)FJHIU-JOMFU-JOMFUNFBTVSFNFOUT7PMVNF-JOMFU$POOFDUJPOGPSESBJOPO-JOMFU

5IFDBQBDJUZWBSJFTEFQFOEJOHPODPOUFOUNJYPGGPPEXBTUFNPJTUVSFDPOUFOUBCTPSCFOUNBUFSJBMCJPMPHJDBMQSPDFTTBOEIPXUIFNBDIJOFJTGFEBOEQSPHSBNNFE5IFNBDFSBUPSEFXBUFSJOHFRVJQNFOUSFEVDFTUIFWPMVNFBOEXFJHIUPGUIFGPPEXBTUFBOEJODSFBTFTUIFDBQBDJUZJFNPSFGPPEXBTUFDBOCFSFDZDMFE4FFTFQBSBUFJOGPSNBUJPO4UBOEBSENPEFMT0UIFSFMFDUSJDBMTVQQMZDBOCFTQFDJGJFEBUPSEFSGPSFYBNQMFQIBTF5IFFMFDUSJDBMQPXFSDPOTVNQUJPOJTDBMDVMBUFEGPSJOEPPSJOTUBMMBUJPOT5IFIFBUFSJTPOMZVTFEJODPMEUFNQFSBUVSFTBOEPOMZXIFOUIFUFNQFSBUVSFCFUXFFOUIFIPPEBOEUIFDZMJOEFSJTMPXFSUIBO$5IJTJTOPUJODMVEFEJOUIFFMFDUSJDBMQPXFSDPOTVNQUJPO

4VTUFDP"#SFTFSWFTUIFSJHIUUPNPEJGZBUBOZUJNFBOEXJUIPVUOPUJDFBOZPSBMMPGJUTQSPEVDUTGFBUVSFTEFTJHOTDPNQPOFOUTBOETQFDJGJDBUJPOT

.0%&-5

7QIBTF)["""

9999

NNNNNNNNNLHLHLH

NN

BQQSNNYNN

NNBQQSNNYNN

MJUSFNN

545"/%"3% 5@--*/-&5

5@-4-*/-&5"/%4)3&%%&3

Q?b

WWW.B|GHANNA.COM WWW.BlGHANNA.COM WWW.BlGHANNA.COM WWW.BlGHANNA.COM

-*/-&58*5)4)3&%%&3

-*/-&58*5)0654)3&%%&3

'PSMBSHFSWPMVNFTPGGPPEXBTUFBMJUSFJOMFUNBZGBDJMJUBUFIBOEMJOHPGUIFGPPEXBTUFBOEGFFEJOHPGUIF#JH)BOOB$PNQPTUFS5IFTUBOEBSEJOMFUJTBQQSNNIJHIBOEUIFMJUSFJOMFUJTBQQSNN.BYJNVNTJ[FPGOPOTPGUGPPEXBTUFJTDN5IFMJUSFJOMFUJODSFBTFTUIFMFOHUIPGBTUBOEBSENBDIJOFXJUIPSXJUIPVUTISFEEFSVOJUXJUINN

3FTUBVSBOUTPGUFOQSFGFSUPIBWFUIJTPQUJPO"TISFEEFSDBOCFGJUUFEUPHFUIFSXJUIUIFMJUSFJOMFU

-*/-&545"/%"3%*/-&5

"TISFEEFSDBOCFJOTUBMMFEJOCFUXFFOUIFJODPOWFZPSBOEUIFDZMJOEFSPONPEFMT5BOE5POMZ5IFTISFEEFSDVUTUIFNBUFSJBMBOEJODSFBTFTUIFDBQBDJUZPGUIF#JH)BOOB$PNQPTUFS5IFTISFEEFSJTNBEFPGWFSZEVSBCMFIJHIHSBEFTUFFM

Q?b

WWW.B|GHANNA.COM WWW.BlGHANNA.COM WWW.BlGHANNA.COM WWW.BlGHANNA.COM

.0%&-5

545"/%"3%

5@--*/-&5

5@-4-*/-&5"/%4)3&%%&3

$BQBDJUZ

,HEBZ,HXFFL5POTBOOVN/VNCFSPGIPVTFIPMET()(&NJTTJPOTBWPJEFEDBMDVMBUFEPOXXXFQBPSHVTJOH8"3.()(&NJTTJPOT-BOEGJMMFE()(&NJTTJPOT$PNQPTUFE()(&NJTTJPOT4BWJOHT$BQBDJUZJODPNCJOBUJPOXJUIEFXBUFSFS

,HEBZ,HXFFL5POTBOOVN&MFDUSJDBMTVQQMZ

1PXFSTVQQMZ"NQFSFJODM-JOMFU"NQFSFJODM-JOMFUBOETISFEEFS1PXFSDPOTVNQUJPO

5PUBML8IEBZTUBOEBSENPEFM5PUBML8IEBZJODM-JOMFUBOETISFEEFS

&RVJQNFOU5FNQFSBUVSFTFOTPST0QUJPOBMMPHHJOHQSPHSBN0QUJPOBMIPQQFSGFE0QUJPOBMTISFEEFS0QUJPOBMCJOMJGU*OTQFDUJPOEPPSTPOIPPE"DDFTTEPPSTJOUPDZMJOEFS7JTVBMEJHJUBMEJTQMBZ

.FBTVSFNFOUT-FOHUITUBOEBSE-FOHUIJODM-JOMFU8JEUI)FJHIU7PMVNFDZMJOEFS8FJHIUFNQUZ8FJHIUFNQUZJODMTISFEEFSBOE-JOMFU.BYXFJHIUGVMMJODMTISFEEFSBOE-JOMFU/VNCFSPGTVQQPSUTGFFUPONBDIJOF$POOFDUJPOUPWFOUJMBUJPO)FJHIUJOMFUTUBOEBSE*OMFUNFBTVSFNFOUTTUBOEBSE)FJHIUVOEFSPVUMFU)FJHIU-JOMFU-JOMFUNFBTVSFNFOUT7PMVNF-JOMFU$POOFDUJPOGPSESBJOPO-JOMFU

5IFDBQBDJUZWBSJFTEFQFOEJOHPODPOUFOUNJYPGGPPEXBTUFNPJTUVSFDPOUFOUBCTPSCFOUNBUFSJBMCJPMPHJDBMQSPDFTTBOEIPXUIFNBDIJOFJTGFEBOEQSPHSBNNFE5IFNBDFSBUPSEFXBUFSJOHFRVJQNFOUSFEVDFTUIFWPMVNFBOEXFJHIUPGUIFGPPEXBTUFBOEJODSFBTFTUIFDBQBDJUZJFNPSFGPPEXBTUFDBOCFSFDZDMFE4FFTFQBSBUFJOGPSNBUJPO4UBOEBSENPEFMT0UIFSFMFDUSJDBMTVQQMZDBOCFTQFDJGJFEBUPSEFSGPSFYBNQMFQIBTF5IFFMFDUSJDBMQPXFSDPOTVNQUJPOJTDBMDVMBUFEGPSJOEPPSJOTUBMMBUJPOT5IFIFBUFSJTPOMZVTFEJODPMEUFNQFSBUVSFTBOEPOMZXIFOUIFUFNQFSBUVSFCFUXFFOUIFIPPEBOEUIFDZMJOEFSJTMPXFSUIBO$5IJTJTOPUJODMVEFEJOUIFFMFDUSJDBMQPXFSDPOTVNQUJPO

4VTUFDP"#SFTFSWFTUIFSJHIUUPNPEJGZBUBOZUJNFBOEXJUIPVUOPUJDFBOZPSBMMPGJUTQSPEVDUTGFBUVSFTEFTJHOTDPNQPOFOUTBOETQFDJGJDBUJPOT

7QIBTF)["""

9999

NNNNNNNN

NLHLHLH

NN

BQQSNNYNN

NNBQQSNNYNN

MJUSFNN

-*/-&58*5)4)3&%%&3

-*/-&58*5)0654)3&%%&3

'PSMBSHFSWPMVNFTPGGPPEXBTUFBMJUSFJOMFUNBZGBDJMJUBUFIBOEMJOHPGUIFGPPEXBTUFBOEGFFEJOHPGUIF#JH)BOOB$PNQPTUFS5IFTUBOEBSEJOMFUJTBQQSNNIJHIBOEUIFMJUSFJOMFUJTBQQSNN.BYJNVNTJ[FPGOPOTPGUGPPEXBTUFJTDN5IFMJUSFJOMFUJODSFBTFTUIFMFOHUIPGBTUBOEBSENBDIJOFXJUIPSXJUIPVUTISFEEFSVOJUXJUINN

3FTUBVSBOUTPGUFOQSFGFSUPIBWFUIJTPQUJPO"TISFEEFSDBOCFGJUUFEUPHFUIFSXJUIUIFMJUSFJOMFU

-*/-&545"/%"3%*/-&5

"TISFEEFSDBOCFJOTUBMMFEJOCFUXFFOUIFJODPOWFZPSBOEUIFDZMJOEFSPONPEFMT5BOE5POMZ5IFTISFEEFSDVUTUIFNBUFSJBMBOEJODSFBTFTUIFDBQBDJUZPGUIF#JH)BOOB$PNQPTUFS5IFTISFEEFSJTNBEFPGWFSZEVSBCMFIJHIHSBEFTUFFM


APPENDIX C

METRO VANCOUVER ON-SITE COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Provided Courtesy of The Regional District Of Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver

ON-SITE COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This report was edited by Metro Vancouver; excerpted from a larger report by

Garden Heart Productions October 2012

2 Metro Vancouver On-Site Composting Technology Review

This report was edited by Metro Vancouver, excerpted from a larger report by Garden Heart Productions

October 2012

Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary ..................................................................................................... 4 2 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 7 3 General Methodology ................................................................................................. 8 4 Literature Review ........................................................................................................ 9 5 Study Sites ................................................................................................................ 10

.................................................................. 11 Three Bin Wood & Wire Composter at Quayside Village Cohousing, North Vancouver, BC ...... 12 5.1 Detailed Case Study ......................................................................................................... 13

5.1.1 Project History...................................................................................................... 13 5.1.2 The Technology .................................................................................................... 13 5.1.3 The Composting Process ...................................................................................... 15 5.1.4 System Support .................................................................................................... 16 5.1.5 System Evaluation ................................................................................................ 16

............................................................................... 19 Worm Wigwam at Bellingham Cohousing, Bellingham, WA ....................................................... 20 5.2 Detailed Case Study ......................................................................................................... 21


............................................................................ 27 Jora Model JK 400 at Cercle Carr, Montreal, QC .................................................................... 28 5.3 Detailed Case Study ......................................................................................................... 29


........................................................... 35 White Dragon - Model GG-30 at Mulberry Retirement Residence, Burnaby, BC ........................ 36 5.4 Detailed Case Study ......................................................................................................... 37

5.4.1 Project History...................................................................................................... 37 5.4.2 The Technology .................................................................................................... 37



October 2012

5.4.3 The Composting Process ...................................................................................... 39 5.4.4 System Support .................................................................................................... 40 5.4.5 System Evaluation ................................................................................................ 41

......................................................................................... 43 Earth Tub at Grandview / uuqinak'uuh Earth School, Vancouver, BC ....................................... 44 5.5 Detailed Case Study ......................................................................................................... 45

5.5.1 Project History...................................................................................................... 45 5.5.2 The Technology .................................................................................................... 45 5.5.3 The Composting Process ...................................................................................... 46 5.5.4 System Support .................................................................................................... 48 5.5.5 System Evaluation 48

50

Rocket - Model A900 at Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON ................................................ 51 5.6 Detailed Case Study ......................................................................................................... 52


.................................................................... 58 Big Hanna - Model T240 at McGill University, Montreal, QC ...................................................... 59 5.7 Detailed Case Study ......................................................................................................... 60


6 Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 66 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms & Abbreviations .......................................................... 67 Appendix B: Comparative Overview Analysis Tables .................................................... 69



October 2012

1 Executive Summary Metro Vancouver has expressed its commitment to sustainability and livability in the Sustainable Region Initiative and supporting strategies. How Metro Vancouver manages its waste in the region is a significant factor in creating a sustainable future. In order to move beyond the current fifty-five percent diversion rate, Metro Vancouver has set a new interim target of seventy percent; their Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management sets out a course of action, based on the 5Rs hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recovery and Residuals). Diverting compostable organics is a priority, given that it makes up roughly 40 percent of the overall waste stream. The Regional Food System Strategy (2011) sees a two-fold benefit to reducing organic waste. Food scraps, yard and garden materials and soiled paper can be composted, and thus transformed into a valuable source of natural soil amendment. In addition to beautifying the landscape, urban farmers and community gardeners can also grow food locally and help to strengthen the community food system. The On-Site Composting Technology Review is part of Metro Vancouver's initiative to encourage waste reduction and organics diversion while providing quality compost to local gardeners. The review focused primarily on suitable applications for multi-family residential housing. From late November through December 2011 seven on-site composting operations were examined. The technologies ranged from low to high tech units, capable of processing from 20 to 100 tonnes of organic waste annually. Three of the operations were located in Metro Vancouver, three were in eastern Canada and one in Washington state. The technologies included a traditional three bin wood and wire system (Quayside Village, North Vancouver), the Worm Wigwam vermicomposting unit (Bellingham Co-Housing), the Jora JK-400 (Cercle Carr Co-operative, Montreal), the Earth Tub (Grandview / uuqinak'uuh Earth School, Vancouver), the White Dragon GG-30 (Mulberry Retirement Residence, Burnaby), the Rocket A900 (Lakefield College, Lakefield, Ontario) and the Big Hanna T240 (McGill University, Montreal). The project team developed an interview questionnaire for data collection. The key data sought was installation and operating requirements and costs, maintenance, ease of use, staff requirements, reliability, scalability, compost product quality and suitability for various applications. In most cases, multiple interviews were conducted for each site, some in person during site visits, by phone and through email correspondence. Compost operators, technology distributors and manufacturers, community partners including urban farmers and non-profits involved in the projects, and other key players were all consulted. Both qualitative and quantitative information was gathered. The project team also reviewed a number of existing reports and studies as well as researched manufacturer and distributor websites to inform both the questionnaire and best practices. After comprehensive analysis and evaluation, five of the seven technologies investigated were found to be well suited to multi-family housing. The Earth Tub had many unforseen installation costs that doubled initial capital investment. The White Dragon had a number of ventilation problems, primarily indoors, that raised air quality and health concerns. Capital and installation costs are much higher for the automated systems. Total capital costs (including install) range from the low end of under $3,500 to the highest for the Big Hanna at nearly $150,000. Operating costs, not including labour (volunteer or paid) vary from under $150 for five of the systems to $1,000 and $4,000 for the White Dragon and Earth Tub respectively.



October 2012

In terms of space requirements, the Jora and the Big Hanna have a small footprint, the White Dragon and the Three Bin are medium and the Earth Tub, large. As for capacity, four of the locations were processing well under 20 tonnes of organic waste per year and three were in the 30 to 50 range. It should be noted that several of the units process minimal yard trimmings (Worm Wigwam, Jora, White Dragon, Earth Tub). With respect to processing time, the Three Bin, Wigwam, Jora and Big Hanna systems are considered slow (up to three months). The Earth Tub and Rocket are medium (up to four weeks). And the White Dragon is fast (up to one month). All of the systems are scalable in one form or another, different models are available, additional units can be added or optional equipment can be attached to increase capacity. For example, Quayside Village Cohousing installed two three bin units side-by-side and Cercle Carr had two Jora JK400s in the same room. With the exception of the Three Bin and Worm Wigwam, all other systems require extra curing and maturation time at another dedicated space. Although this requirement could be as simple as open ground space, there may be financial costs related to containment or esthetics. To ensure a successful on-site program, the site must have a champion or group of champions willing to spearhead and oversee the operation. Generally volunteers run the lower tech systems (Three bin, Worm Wigwam, Jora) and paid staff operate the automated sytems (Earth Tub, White Dragon, Rocket, Big Hanna). If the site has no garden or landscaped areas to apply the finished product, then a partner is required to remove the finished product. It is important not to make assumptions regarding high tech versus low tech systems. The low to mid tech systems (Jora) performed very well and are still viable options for multi-family settings. The Three Bin still provides excellent rodent resistance. While the manufacturers make promises on their websites, in reality, the high tech systems may not quite live up to the promotional hype. For example, one would assume that by being enclosed, the high tech units would offer a high level of odour and leachate control. But even with the exhaust air being treated with a biofilter, smells were an issue with both the White Dragon and the Earth Tub. In addition, the leachate system on the latter was improvised and not functioning very well. So much depends on the balance of carbon and nitrogen inputs and how well the system is being managed. There are, however, certain commonalities across the high tech systems. Certainly they are more vandal and pest resistant due to their construction. And with the high temperatures they can achieve, pathogens and weed seeds are likely killed. Some of the manufacturers have conducted their own compost tests and the results are available from them. All of the finished products were deemed suitable for applying to lawns, shrubs, trees and even food crops, if they make up no more than ten percent of a total soil mix. Several key criteria were identified to determine which technology is best for a specific multi-family complex including whether the potential compost area is indoors or out; whether the residents desire to compost cooked as well as raw food and yard trimmings; and whether or not sufficient funding is available to purchase, install and maintain the higher tech systems. The higher tech automated technologies are likely most suited to businesses, institutional and public facilities (community centres, schools, neighbourhood houses) with paid compost system operators.



October 2012

Given that the regional organics management infrastructure is not yet fully developed, on-site composting can serve as part of an integrated solution for diverting organics from the waste stream.



October 2012

2 Introduction Metro Vancouver has expressed its commitment to su

Compost report

Documents

Transcript of Compost report