Industrial and commercial composting are different from home composting. The operators should follow specific regulations and laws. These pertain to odor control and public health and safety. The way the extensive operations compost and what matters are used, when it comes to meeting industry standards, too.
What large operations composting is used?
There are basic categories of compostable products: green and brown waste. For the yard waste, you will have dry leaves and tree trimmings used in commercial composting Australia. For the food waste is collected in a large bin and includes:
- eggshells
- fruits
- vegetables
- coffee grounds
- food-soiled paper
There are other materials to use in commercial compost, which are untreated wood chips, fireplace ashes, sawdust, shredded newspapers, and dust. You must avoid anything untreated and know which materials affect oxygen levels, temperature, and nitrogen.
What can’t go in a commercial compost pile?
Just as important to know what goes into a compost pile, it is also important to know what can’t go in. Human and pet waste must not be used in composting operations because it can cause major health hazards. Bioplastics, labeled as recyclable, pose problems for commercial composting operations. Facilities can’t keep piles at high enough temperatures to degrade the plastics. Here is a list of items that must not be composted:
- Bones
- Cooked food
- Dairy products
- Coal ash
- Coated or glossy paper
- Fast-growing plants or weeds
- Produce stickers
- Treated wood
- Black walnut leaves can be toxic to plants
- Infested or diseased plants
- Any plant matter treated with chemicals
What causes the wrong mixture of ingredients?
If you don’t use the right ingredients, commercial compost may fail to form. It means you would not have a saleable product or your compost could be sub-par. Below are some of problems to check out for:
- Contamination. Unluckily, contaminants can make a compost pile at any stage of the process. Herbicides and pesticides can enter piles when making them, while heavy bacteria and metals can enter later on.
- Process issues. Sometimes, things go wrong with the commercial composting process. If the acid-alkaline balance is off, it ruins the whole mixture. If the piles are not turned on, they can’t get enough air or moisture. If using the wrong amount of bulking agents, it causes terrible odors.
- Using the wrong method. Although this doesn’t accomplish what you do or don’t put in your compost, still, it is important to know. Commercial composting operators must be familiar with the size and type of piles they worked with. They must ensure they are using the right equipment and tools.
Many are thankful for this commercial composting method because it has been helping farmers to have a good harvest. Thus, the emergence of composting machines has been acquired by many composting businesses.