Reference Materials For Composting

by Jackie
(USA)

Hi, I have to come up with some substantive options for an up coming meeting. Our corporate headquarters thought that instituting a new landfill diversion policy would reduce our carbon footprint. The problem is that they did not tell us how we are supposed to pull this off. I have spent hours on line and have learned a lot but I don't have anything prepared and don't know where to start. Is there anything you could suggest?

Jackie,
Now that is a problem. I'd like to give you some helpful information but not knowing what kind of waste material that you are planning on composting and what quantities are you producing it going to be tough.
But first things first. If your company has not done so already, it is highly advisable to seek a professional service to perform a waste assessment. You can hire a consultant and you can even get software now and do it yourself. This will give you a report of the types of waste and the amounts you are generating. You want to purchase or lease a unit that is big enough to handle your waste. Conversely, you don't want to have to pay for a larger unit than necessary. Once you have this information you will be able to forecast how much and what type of feedstock is best suited for mixing. There is a learning curve involved with any organization once they have made the decision to recycle. It is much more involved than deciding what color the new cafeteria trays are going to be. There needs to be a whole new procedure set up to ensure that organic waste are recycled at the source. For example, kitchens and waitress stations will have a red colored bin designating for organic waste recycling. There are also space considerations and logistical factors that need to be planned for well in advance. It is not hard, but it does take time to process through all the steps.