Sustainability
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Composting
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Vermi-composting
is the placing of food waste into an enclosed area where Red Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) are added. Through the normal digestion process, the worms break down the food waste to a point where bacteria can take over, speeding the conversion into usable soil.
Windrow composting
is the production of compost by piling organic matter or biodegradable waste, like animal manure and crop residues, in long rows (windrows). This method is suited to producing large volumes of compost. These piles are generally turned to improve porosity and oxygen content, mix in or remove moisture, and redistribute cooler and hotter portions of the pile. Windrow composting is the most commonly used of farm scale composting methods. Process control parameters include the initial ratios of carbon and nitrogen rich materials, the amount of bulking agents added to assure air porosity, the pile size, moisture content, and turning frequency
In-vessel composting
is an industrial form of composting biodegradable waste that occurs in enclosed reactors. These generally consist of metal tanks or concrete bunkers in which air flow and temperature can be controlled. In-vessel composting can also refer to aerated static pile composting with the addition of removable covers that enclose the piles. In-vessel composting can process large amounts of waste without taking up as much space as the windrow method. In addition, it can accommodate virtually any type of organic waste (e.g., meat, animal manure, biosolids, food scraps). Some in-vessel composters can fit into a school or restaurant kitchen while others can be as large as a school bus to accommodate large food processing plants.