HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.b. Compost Facility Tour y P.O. BOX 510
` C�j�� Q 2875-145TH ST. W.
osernoun� ROSEMOUNT. MINNESOTA 55068
612-423-4411
ITEM � � �
T0: Council Members Klassen
Oxborough
Willcox
Wippermann
FROM: Stephan Jilk
DATE: February 16, 1990
RE: Dade County, Florida
Compost Facility Tour
Recently, Mayor Napper has had the opportunity to tour the Dade
County, Florida Compost Facility. He has placed this item on the
agenda to review, with you, his findings.
I have attached the information he has brought back on the plant,
information supplied to the Dakota County Board in November of
1989 on this plant, a copy of a recent article from "Waste Age"
magazine offered by the University of Wisconsin on the
integration of composting into a community' s waste management
plan and a copy of an article outlining a comparison on how
different states handle their waste management.
dw
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Agripost would like to use the finished compost as a �oil
amendment or fertilizer supplement. It is not clear what will
happen should the Agripost compost, which has not yet been
tested, happen to contain high levels of lead, cadmium, or
certain other heavy metals. Dade County is requiring extensive
testing of the compost. Florida will soon adopt extensive
regulations for MSW composting projects that restrict
distribution of compost with high levels of certain heavy metals.
However, three MSW composting projects which already have
obtained permits, including Agripost, are egempt until 1998 from
the rules reqardinq how compost caa be distributed. If the
' compost is used as a form of fertilizer, it will be subject to
state department of agriculture rules regarding labeling of
minimum nutrient content. These rules apparently do not address
inclusion of non-nutrients that in sufficient quantities may
inhibit plant growth or be incorporated into edible plants in
unsafe concentrations.
The bottom line is that by early 1990 Agripost will be processing
11� of Dade County's waste into some type of compost product, but
there is no guarantee that the product will be usable.
Additional information is shown on the attached pages.
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Agripost's new MSW composting facility in Dade County.
During the current testing stage, which began in
October, Dade County is supplying about 2,400 tons per
week. Agripost also processed some waste from Dade
County during tests earlier in 1989.
When the Agripost and RDF facilities are in full operation
in several months the county's waste will be managed as
follows:
Tons Per Week � of Total
RDF 18,000 43 $
Agripost 4,800 11 �
Other (landfill, 19,200 (approx. ) 46 $
recycling)
Total Waste Generated 42,000 (approx. ) 100 �
3 . Aqripost�s Dade .County Compostinq Plant--Construction and
Testinq.l Located on a 20 acre parcel amid residences and
three schools, Agripost's operations occur within a 320,000
square foot building. This privately financed facility cost
about $25 million. Agripost is essentially selling a
technology. The plant is being constructed and operated by
different divisions of a large construction firm. The
plant, which is essentially complete, is currently
undergoing performance testing. Agripost expects
certification of acceptance within the next few months once
the plant is capable of consistently processing 800 tons per
day.
4. Delivery of Aaste from Dade County.1�4 Dade County will
provide 4,800 tons per week of waste to Agripost. All of
the waste will be delivered from County transfer stations,
where some bulky materials such as appliances and tires are
separated prior to loading into transfer trailers. Agripost
can return non-processible wastes to Dade County up to 5� of
the incoming waste. This means that Agripost accepts at
least 95� of the MSW delivered.
5. Aqripost�s Processinq System.l Agripost's process is
conceptually quite simple. Incoming waste is deposited on a
tipping floor. After non-processible wastes are removed,
the incoming waste is subjected to two hammermill shredders
to reduce the size of the waste. The waste is then
composted by placing it in windrows (piles) and turning the
piles with a front end loader every three days to maintain
aerobic composting conditions. Once composting is completed
the waste is subjected to a third hammermill and screening
step. Material under about 1/8 to 1/4" becomes the finished
/ � _
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' I states � solid waste: �
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Leg�slators are des�gn�ng un�que plans for an attack
' on the d�sposal crtsis. Some establ�sh tough waste d�vers�on goals.
:
� ; �
rom Maine to California,legislative printing ' distillariotl;'gasjfication,or biological conversion(other
presses have been producing reams of new solid ' than Comp�sting): ', �:
� waste recyciing and reduction legislation.Thes� j.$y 1991r,eacl�Coupty(by Januar�and each city(by
actions are inducing the creation of a new infra- •.,July)must preg�i��pl�j}consistent with the above
• structure of services.In Florida,for example, . hjer�chy,Under.the 1�'vV�;�itiBs.and counties must divert. � .
, nurrierous material recovery facilities are in planning � 509'0 of the waste�stre `�tii,'�landfilling by January,2000.
stages and residential collection vehicles are taking to the Source reduction,recy�lLi�,composting,and"transforma-
� streets. tion"are to be used but�1o;rtore than 10°�o can be tra�s- �
Many laws set conservative state recycling/�•raste formed.The law's interIm goal is 259'o by 1995.
, reduction goals at 25%,but some states such as Washing- Senate Bill 1221 increased the redemption fee of the
� � ton and New York are shooting for 50%. existing AB 2020 program for beverage containers(see
� What follows is a selective look at what legislators have January, 1988 Waste Age articls on AB2020)to improve
wraught. " redemption percentages.AB 4 will stimulate the recycled
C8�If01'I118'S bUShE� Of �aWS products mazket by setting procurement preferences for
recycled materials for all state agencies.
California recently passed 17 bills relating to waste To increase demand for recycled newsprint,AB 1035
� management and reduction through reuse�recycling,and requires pubiishers to obtain at least 259'0 of their paper
composting.One,AB 939,created the Integrated Waste from recycled fiber by 1991.A series of increases raises
Management Board,whose six members will supervise the the requirement to 50%'o by 2000.Each violation can
development and implementation of county-integrated provoke a fine of$1�000.
waste management plans,The new law promotes the SB 432/AB 1308 created tax credits as incentives for
� following waste management practices,in order of investment within the private sector.Tax credits of up to
� priority: 40%are to encourage buyers of machinery or equipment
� 1. Source reduciion. used to manufacture products made of recycled materials.
; 2.Recycling and composting. Credit is capped at$254,000 for each piece of equipment;
; 3.Environmentally sound transformation and environ- the credits expire in November. 1994.
` mentally safe land disposal. Additional tegislation creates a 25-cent tire-dispasal fee
"Transformation"means incineration,pyrolysis, to support tire recovery�while another bill mandates the
coding of all rigid plastic household containers by 1992.
By PETE GRDCAN W8Sh111 JtOtl's goal: 50% by 1995
Grogan is director of materials recovery for R.W.Beck B House Bill 1671,Washington state's recycling legislation
Associates(Seattle).He has worked on solid waste projects/or
� the states of Alabama,Ca�ifornia,Maine,Massachusetts, , passed in May, 1989,set a recycling and waste-reduction
Michigan,and wasnington. goal of 50%percent by 1995.Note that the state currently
1
J�Z WASTE AGE!FEBRUARY 1990
,�
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d
' ' � Weapon Contd.
:• i �
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?� � rec clin oals for kinde arten throu h
, y g g � g unless they are made of material which degrades
'� � the 12th grades. within 120 days and are so labeled. Polystyrene
; � Other state laws include an act estab-
� foam or coated paper food packaging will be
� � � lishing a$10 deposit on lead-acid prohibited unless it biodegrades within 12.
; � batteries to encourage recycling; an act months.Coding plastic containers by resin type
; ' � that would make$5 million in capital , , wili also be required.
� grants available to local and regional � , State agencies will begin recycling programs
' ; governments for recyciing equipment and use�omposted materials when feasible.The
and facilities;and an act that creates a$6 Department of Education will develop guidelines
million fund for protecting groundwater within the state education system; the Department
quality and public health through the of Transportation is to expand the use of recov-
= cleanup and closure of municipal and ered materials in conshuction programs and find
z abandoned landfills.
a new ways to use these materials in paving
Florida's bold 1988 law p�O��cs. . ,_.,
, Florida's June, 19$8,Solid Waste Man- LOUISI8tl8'S Q081: 25% by end of '92
. agement Bill,SB 1192,is perhaps the boldest Enacted in September, 1989,Louisiana's House
mandatory state recyciing legislation to date. In Bill 1199 set a goal of reducing the state's solid-waste
� addition to establishing a 30% waste reduction/recycling stream by 25%before the end of 1992.Each parish,in
; goal by 1994,the bill bans the use of certain nonbiode- conjunction with major municipalities,will submit a solid
gradable packaging material and prohibits the disposal of waste management plan that meets the state's goal.
certain speciai wastes in landfills and waste-to-energy State agencies will procure recycled goods to the fuliest
� facilities. extent possible.Solid waste management facilities wili
SB 1192 sets guidelines for local govemments and provide drop-off locations for recyclable materials,if ihey
� encourages the creation of regional solid waste authorities. become necessary to meet state goals.
Counties are responsible for developing and enforcing HB 1199 charges the Department of Environmental
. their own recycling programs,either through centralized Quality with establishing permits and regulations t�at wilt .
i ! processing or curbside collection.Newspaper,glass,pias- encourage recycling.The DEQ will create a list of recy-
'� tic bottles,metal cans, lead-acid batteries,tires,used o'il, clable materials and will annually review recycling
, and yard waste must be separated from the wa�te stream. technologies,markets.and materials costs.The agency will�
� Banned from landfilling are whole tires,used oil,and also develop and implement public education programs
x lead-acid batteries. White goods and construction and and act as a source of infurmation on state recycling
demolition debris must be separated and recycled when businesses for the purpose of matching recovered materials
possible;they can be disposed only at specially permitted with markets.
sites.Together with tires and yazd waste,C&D debris can Initial funding for HB 1199 programs and activities will
account for no more than half the waste that must be come from$2.5 million in oil overcharge settlements. In
separated out to meet the 30%reduction goal. " July�solid waste management facilities may impose a
To assist counties with program implementation,F7orida surcharge on the disposal�recycliag,processing,or storing
created a new Solid Waste Management Trust Fund within of solid waste.Half the funds will be dedicated to local
j the Department of Environmental Regulation.The fund governmental recyciing programs directly;haif wip
�� comprises unallocated sales tax collection monies and provide state suppoR for local activities and statewide
business registration fees.transfers from oii overcharge recyciing education.
i settlement funds,and tire,newsprint,and beverage- By March,the DEQ will determine guidelines for the
container advance disposal fees. uses and application rates of compost products and
Beverage containers with detachable metal rings and establish product requirements for various applications of
containers connected by a separate plastic ring or other compost. It will also begin a permitting system for used-oil
device are banned(unless the connectors are biodegradable collection sites and develop incentive programs for the
within 120 days).Over the next few years,materials reuse,recycling and marketing of used oiL
� containing fully halogenated chlorotluorocarbons will be , Disposai of used oil,waste tires.white goods,and lead-
prohibited as will plastic bags for consumer products, acid batteries will be prohibited by 1991, H8 l 199 also
1 �
' �J4 WASTE AGE/FEBRUARY 1990
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r /, },,, f e . q +a E �sR. I` � t tt E � f' -1'-
� � 18Y�8/�I� 1..y :��..Si+ •w,.'.k+ .�:�:1`. •.�. �-.,�.�.i� . ;,, �.� ; . 1 `r,aiy ��',$` -�"ay�'�'�k.�>.'� y .n y,�,: . i
� Current Waste Reductlon And Recycling Laws ��• . ,�,�� f ' r..4'!,t 8 '`, 'a};�;�''�.��► ��'���� �� `.`'� �� :
� -: . �' ,. r �i �`t{ d «FfpN ��.. : +�' t.-� -. :
Date WR/R Compitance Product Disposal � �' � � '
! ��a .• Bans Other •
� State ;= Passed;=; Goal r Date �;.: Bans ;_ ;�t - = r;�;:'Funding �3�!`�'���"L���'�fis�,,��=.Character(stics�.:F�:� ��
� :;',$i- `''.',,:7 ..
i CA :1989 259�0 �1995� None � 4 � None �Statewide disposal surcharge, ;� s,�`som,e�ae�it u�,a=:os�
,, �� 50%s��. 2000= .. ,.::_ `� Advance disposai fee on tires;����_.����.r���o�v�«��4 '
. . e'' ` t r/���- r ' �.�-. 4 �. ' �j� t{y F'r����.O�10 USO fbWi WI�I�Y�(l�C�Ed
s '; �` _ _�_ . ._ , �
1 �!1 � .�? +.: `� t e� `��v,r ky �.�sj�'� `WnGnt by 1981 atM 501E by 2000. �
� . 4 � y� S i���g Commlasion W atudy market ODPartunitiea. s,
.. ° :.:} rl I a ��; � �.�r s ��' '. . i � E'�t 4" >�t.siT�a!�`��s�r�'� !�i$bGCAd��.. , � � - .
FL 1�988�i�, 30�0 ,� 1994 �;/.{petachablepull- t:.,Tires,`�oil,and ' .� AdVancedisposalfees�sale9� � #°,�4+►�����e�+r���o ='
x � rings,some non batteries � `, tax,business regl�tr�ttpn � +�o�namn�ac�oo��.sat. s
t�'�'• % �'Vf•'�i�`y�� ° `s biodegradabie �,#�r �:'Oiloverchargemonies.So1� � .; � ��'""`a"D0�'"���01
' :� , E x� 5 .i�F �,� �s,, plastic packaging x:,{ ^ � :-waste mana ament ttu�t fund,r � ' _������ '���';�;k t,;
�,: f °.c - � �` ` t g � x k,�� � .�, . ���:R .
LA . 1989 ��,25�0 ��� 1992�r .a None ;:���� •Oii,tires,white Surcharge on dispo§al;�eC�cl�-��. sr�. ""`roEox,.mi�nv�`ncy��.a
��,; x, ,:°. v , r� �� s";,. , ,;, :::9oods,batteries� �, ing,&processing OU Avercl�at�e cP�!�.��ro���da don�s.r�n�n
� '. . �, t -.. �;- _ . ...--�mOnle$ ��:-.- �.3 t � �sQUd y+a�rtwnapement Wang fequirad ..
� �� '� r � ..: .'�,par , � ':�.�. i'.�:� ....., f r.�...� ����.�'•t.,� ��+�.fq:!`���i �,4:a .,�..'.: :.:.',�. , .
ME , 1989 . 25�0 ,„ Y1992;, Mufti-layer�uice , `,^� None . . �,:Disposal su�charge Advanc��y y �'j�}pIt1UGCodin(�.3t1YrhWCrollltqi►ecyclinp :
:'containers,plastic , - disposaifee on special wastes�'����ntpurchase.8ottb8filextendedW =`
�� i ' $ cans,6-pack yokes � " � ��. ,�u wve�ce�omai�.creazos w�
'�c ,a{ ��` : � is_` *�j`.�;�� .M�°mail Ayency.Stat9 apencies W
: � ' . , . . r •���n# -Plttehat�racyc�ed PaPe►Commalcai aectw Y
. . � r'. �. . � _.:.. l ` ' , .,.- ,; '�,f..-. �.;�. 'tt i"�.� ^ F -�'�.t^,s,.;� .0. ..'.'-.,,- ,a�
NY 1988 . �� , ;
�� 50�0 =' 1997'` ' a`'None . '. : _.." None Oil overcharge monies, EC,�`. �`s�aeron n��o.tiw�n�a w c�
:� s: ,? . #�recycling grants. � ;,: , � �a.mo��orau��.w�a��
: , � ?'. ' .,, 1 4 y+�. 1�onr�Pyu-bAc�ducatwn,cehuvi coMcula,ana
. . ' i �.. ) . . � . . � . i( 7... �... i' �. ; �, ... .:. �. ... t� 4 �n.� AE'�"M'^'1�8���. '
�i � NC . . 1989 t : 25�0, ; 1993 % Detachable pull- :. Batteries,oil, `'State trust fund and g�arits Y��'�`�����iu�iyua m�rocyamo'�,wroo oy
� .. ,:f rings,packaging ,:yard waste, g,,>Advance dispos�)fee pn t�ress��;�,�}��189�•StafeipenclestoQurchase ,;,
Wlth CFC non- white goods . '+�f0�°d w°di�'"a'""»P°g�.°°Y°'°p-
' • t r e � . S�� + :,1 ,A r-�,. t� �7;Y-5���}��{��}�nMt M WRIR Curtkalum arM sWdent � �
. , " �, recyclable poly- �` t +xr,r.nees propram, �.
� ��� i , , _ _��styrene and plas •��:�:.r , �` ^,t�� r���, t; �.t=.s���;�t2���,�.��F ..,.:. '
Z t �i , , tic bags,uncoded 4a ��,� , s <�.s x���r~s �;��r�� y �
� plastics �•` ,`, �_, ,, - �x ,-, V, . .�
, , , . r„ , � y d ,y` ;¢ �r3�` "t�k�'�gt,;tu.< . ... : . . .. , , ..
PA ;1988 25�0 �1997 r:•None ;,`.� f None Disposal surcharge ti+r,.. r 2:;;�-�e��,`�°�a'M°n�:Qn gp�i�, ;
� ;, , } _ �, ��<> r,�, ,,���C` �;;�i r.,and 0���equir�W source seParate.
' 1 ` ,� , +•`�FWrdUY lw markef roaearch and davalop-
� 3 �Jt :� 7�s, � � :$` .; 'it Ly,�� =.r :�;'a' �StZ,t;c,�'�ti x•9�;wg4� :�lMn4 low intefest 1o3ns avalWbk W fe-
� � , s .�. �`r, i . � " . ���-'f, �,`� ��€. '���� "�.t.gr"°s� �i� 'u..rC¢!k-�z'°�sf-�;;::�� 'p11i1f�dU(Il.�iq•Dev010p111eMoflCcyGinp
RI ; ..�•�1986 t��;`:15% "�r1990 �,,� �t�None `��'- :r F<:` None: r ;;���SUb'sidiiedtippingfee'forsourc�� � . `.` ��'��o�rore�ro.
:'>:, . .� i ��,;, s,:;: f.. � separated waste. � �,c��.��s rt�i,�'�MUn�dpallUes W OePocil wura 1�uated
I �` ,�z� -mUerials ha oi diarp��t MRF.Munici-
f "'�1 c :�?$� r Z' �Cx 1.`� +'i �t''y .! Z: 1 t �i 3{ � �w,f 41 P a .� �+}�ryf�J: ��"�,� �.,�:�pil�li}0 Nd01p p11b�C�Ip8110fl�II
� �� � .. � � � ' 3 .�u,�3 e .�,�kW
� . • �`� r ` E"..-t �.�� � .. r ,,.: r i p_� . Y 3; , �� .� 1'f,M i.i��l�e�,� a "'d I+ ...
WA }1989` �509�o�t 1995 �� � None '. �Batterles � ` a , Advancedfsposaifes4ntires�<�����i'��%�meMq�a
` ` - '�'' �` { _°�'� � "�' � '�= ,�� Solid waste collection tax �'�w����^p►���
�;,,; ,� : � , ;.� v . :f,��:s.; s,�,,,`r�`, . County disposal surcharge'°��,�' ''na���.�a�e�o�t
'Daq wrra:R.W 8a#and Assodatn �commMtee alablhhed
f t �a� t�.w�...f ..��� �� .�v,.+�'`,ql.�'s�'�:.k� t �T €��, wt��p :t td. <�. �a i .
. ..,...•.�r....�.v.�.+�,.._a.... .0...e,._i.. .�._"" ..... _....+...... _ .....,....�.:.�. .,a«1.CL.•.....�._w �3v i2+L'�+'��'�l4 Y.��'it''f{a.w..�i.sYr4... .s., i�s;:u ....o � . . ..
. � � . , �.:y -
materials and for developing recycling implementation three years of their recycling programs. RISV1�'MC also
schedules in cooperation with municipalities. DEM also provides facilities at no charge for municipalities to
provides technical assistance,works to improve public deposit separated recyclables.To comply with DEM and
education programs,and helps administer the state's RISWMC regulations,municipalities must adopt implem-
• ' financial aid program for municipal recycling. entation plans and develop enforcement measures to
Rhode Island's quasi-state agency,the Solid Waste Man- provide for source separation and collection of re-
'1 agement Corporation(RISWMC),provides funds to help cyclables.
`` offset additional costs to municipalities during the first Enforcement measures include a flow-control ordinance
k
�.� SC) WASTE AGE/FEBRUARY 1990
Figure One �
The lntegrated Waste Management System � �
Metals Electricity �
�
Pfastics ; Paper Methane AItBf(18tIV@ W8St8-handling
a;. approaches �
Composn�g Emissions Composting is a waste-processing technol- `
R���'^g wasre ro ogy.Incineration and refuse-derived fuel �
Total . , Energy (RDF�production are also processing i
MSW FIOw UVaste Anaerobic technologies.With each approach,the waste �
ReduCtion Digestion �
• is modified physically and chemically,in the �
erc.: �ndria�ng preparation of a useful product and a residue. .
� With incineration and RDF,the products are �
�
Permanenr Discnarges Discnarges steam,electricity,or some other type of :
Land to Ground to Surlace energy;residues are ash,stack gases,and
Disturbance water Water possibly a wastewater eftluent.The ash is }
with an►ntegrated Waste Management System the total resource conservation and landfilled while stack gases and wastewater �� �
environmenta! impacfs associated with han'dling a communiry's solid waste are effluents are passed through'air=�and water- . `
considered when choosing among the available options for handling waste. Pollution control equipmenL
Mixed municipal waste composting nesults '�
implement,the construction and operation costs of the in a stabilized organic product(compost),a residwe of un- �
solid waste handling alternatives are balanced against the compostable waste materials,gases released to the atmos-
projected health risks. . ' phere during the decomposition,and possibly liquid wastes :�
running off or leaking from the site. ���
Three underlying principles Anaerob;�Waste a�gesc�on,a process similar to com- �
The success of integrated waste management is based on posting,produces energy,a stabilized solid product,non- �
three underlying principles.' processible residues,and may have gaseous or liquid ;�
First,no solid waste handling option,be it composting, effluents.The energy is recovered as either synthetic i
recycling,incineration,or land�lling,will in itself be the natural gas(SNG),medium-Btu gas,electricity,or steam.
ultimate solution.A combination of activities will be The stabilized solid pmduct may be handled similariy to ;
_
needed.Implementing a new activity—for example, compost.The nonprocessible residue may be landfilled or "_
composting—without considering the effects on other burned.
waste disposal activities will probably lead to unforeseen Each of the above approaches handles the entire mixed
resutts and less than an optimal solution. � municipal solid waste stream as it flows from the commu-
Secondly,a community facing complex solid waste nity.Each has one or more useful products and also has i
problems will seldom identify on the first try a solution residues,air emissions or wastewater effluents,How dces ',
that is best.By considering alternative processes and yard waste composting or material recyciing relate t4 these �
combinations,one best solutIon will eventually emerge. processing technologies?
The first solution that comes to mind may be the best,but Yazd waste composting is,in a way,a waste-processing
that is unlikely `�'� ` '`-"' "'' '` ' technology.Here,though,we rely on waste generators to �
7'he third principle supporting integrated waste manage- accomplish the first waste segregation step:their product is �#
ment is the need to implement solutions whose economic the waste ready for composting;their residue is the
costs are proportional to the environmental bene�ts.A ` remaining waste from the residence which must be handled ;;
community rriay initially be willing to pay exceptionally in other ways.If the yard waste is composted in the
high costs for waste handling and disposal,since protect- resident's backyard,there will be a compost product,but
ing the environment is currently a politically attractive depending on their success,there may also be unstabilized �
activity. In the future,however,as a community encounters residues and odors. �
other needs,its priorities will tikely change;disproportion- Material recovery for recycling,whether accomplished ;w
ately expensive waste-handling approaches may be by curbside source separation,drop-off at central collec- ;#
discontinued. • • tion points,or low-technology processing of the mixed ;�
A better strategy is to implement solid waste systems for municipal soiid waste stream has a product—the recov- �'
which economic and environmental justification is ered material— as well as a residue—the remaining ��
balanced and defensibl,e and will remain so for yeazs into waste which must be disposed of or handled in another �?.
the future. way. Even the recovered material—as it continues to be
; ;
FEBRUARY 1990/WASTE AGE �1� � �i
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` �}i � Lesson 7 Contd.
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� �� � Integrating composting and recycling •continue operation of the curbside source separation
, � When integrating composting with recycling,the principal program for recyclables.
` � consideration is waste collection procedure. If the commu- Another configuration for integrating composting and
„� ? nity currently has a source separation program for recy- recycling may be to provide neighborhood drop-oCf sites
j ;; � ctable materials,the composting approach selected must for the recyclables and yard wastes.This reduces collection
` ' ; complement this program.Two considerat•ions are impor- costs while providing a convenient one-stop locatiun I'or
'� � � tant. First,the cost to the community for moving both the ►he community's residents.
;
�' � ' recyclables and ihe material to be composted must be $tudyin9 a �ISt Of Optj011S
''•�� 'i considered. Second,the system implemented for both the
`��� �` rec cl� p
.; , . y ables and the com osted material must be conven- When assessing the various options,it is imponant that
�'�',� � ient for and easily explained to the public. alternatives such as those described above be evaluated.
�;� !� A straightforward approach would be for the community Community leaders and waste-handling specialists should
�� �' to provide curbside collection of newsprint,glass,plastics, prepure a list of possible options—initially discarding
� ' metal cuns,and yard waste. However,the costs assoc;iated none as in�practical.From this list,the options which best
�`, - with operating a multimateriul collection system may be suit the community's needs and characteristics should be
s;� !� more thun the community can afford.A cosi-reducing selected.
�,', . ;
��; N f option would be for the community to: For a large community,evaluation of these best-sui�ed
� : '• •aggressively encourage residents to compost their own opcions may necessitate an extensive economic and envi-
�i; :; yurd wastes; ronmentat study.The study will predict the capitul,
�:s.�I� •provide a drop-off point for yard wastes as an operational,and environmental effects associated with
'�`;� option for residents who do not wish to compost;and each option for a service life of possibly 20 years.The
4� costs and the environmental effects will
�
' include all those associated with the rocessin
, `j ' figure Two p g
�,' � Waste Management A/ternatives Eva/uation Worksheet and disposal of the community's municipal
` � I solid waste flow. In this way,each option can
i 11 Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 ��;�irly co�npared to the others,since Ihey
�s ---- ----_ - — -----
�"" was�e Reduc�ion Recycling Recycling provide the same functional service to the
(� Recycling Anaerobic Digestion Waste to Energy Comntutltty.
� Landfilling LandfilNng Landfllling
, �`' Selecting the best option must be bused
, Paper Recycled upon goals and evaluation criteria which the
� ��`�` Plastics Re cled
� ` i� �' community adopts,hopefully,early in the
Metals Recycled integrated waste management study.'fhe tech-
: I �� Met hane Recovered niyues described earlier for scoring,compar-
�I� Electricity Generated ing,and ranking options can be used as u
; Air Emissions bookkeeping techniyue for this part of thc
Released y
If ' Permanent Land S` For lar er communities—where extensive
Distufiance g
Discharges ro capital costs and public education•programs are
''{ ; Groiu�d Water • . needed to inaplement any kind of�chang�in the .
Discharges to wuste-handling system—the net;d to Jo a
� ;� Surtace Water thorough evaluation of the options is obvious.
' Capitat Cost However,many smaper communities,and
Operating Cost even a few large ones,have selected, with Gttle
� consideration,a recyeling,composting,or
i Note:Each attemaUve handles the emire waste tbw generated by tbe community. W aSIC-[O-ClleCgy flPUOR W(11Cf1 liilel'PfUVC(�[O
9 After sefecting options to evaluate,the next step in preparing an integrated Waste
• Management plan is to tabu/ate resources conserved,environmenta!impacts,and have an economic cost disproportionute to�he
; i� costs. This data is then used to choose the best approach for the communiry to environmentat and community service ne�Js
pursue. Various techniques such as value ana/ysis,cost-benefit analysis,o�health �rovided.When this oCcurs,all the work of
' �� risk assessment may be employed to systematica!!y compare al�erna�ives. setting up the new system is jeopardized(along
!� with the capitat costs that were invested).
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i �'I G WASTE AGE/FEBRUARY 1990
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- . TM
. - ���� AGRIPOST
. .. : . . . - . _ .. k � �et�t'.
, , , ' Providing a sensible solution
� ��- ' to a community problem.
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"Behold this compost!Behold it well... �
[t grows such swee[[hings out of such com�ption."
Wait Whiunan
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w�►�`/�p�M /+ �
�'�71CPo J1�9IN�r. �
-. Pompono Beach.R 33061 U.SA �
(305)971-9167
waroar aa�caxo�a..«`w��am aa waw�n�rarat Nc.
ti�:
• • • • • •�• �� • � � • � • • •�• •• • •� • • • • • • • • �0�' Q�1
ECONOMICAL FAST A UNI6IUE PRODUCT
Because the AGRIFOSf solid waste The AGI�IPOST solid waste composting AGRISOIL'"is a
com in rocess is efficient and �`� z �.:
P� 8 P process speeds up the nacural decomposition �,i• nacural,compos�ed
uncomplicated,it typically costs communities of waste in a simple,controlled system that � ;,�, humus organic
� . less than alcemative methods,including shreds unseparated waste and c�verts it into }�_
,, "� material.It has
waste incineration,and landfilling. compost under optimum aerobic c�ditions. �`' eucellent water
FLEXIBLE From starc to finish,the entire process takes retention capabilities,
about a month to recy�ccle waste into a safe � t allows for ood
re � g
The AGRIPOSf solid waste composting and effedive soil mnditioner. drainage.AGRISOIL is
>. process 6ts well into virtually any established , . . �'"i �, nemacode hee and
or planned community waste-processing SIMPLE AND RELIABLE v�e����ng�t
progrdm.The process is neither helped nor The AGRIPOST solid waste composting � particularly attracrti��e
hindered by source separation,so the ess uses easi maintained and o rated '` y�e
� h' Pe as a n medium.
community may decide wh�her and how industrial equipment with litde,if any,down . `:„+�. � �� � !
much to source-separace. time.The multi-line planc design includes ;� �,, �� Other imporcanc '
A GOOD NEIGHBOR adequate back-up capability to assure that a ` I' ' r AGwSOIL aganic
community's waste processing will not be „_. �, . compost attributes
•Attractive,modem building interrupted. �'°""6� include: '
•All processing takes place inside a single ,
building TEXTURE—Thanks to the silica and aher non- ,
bioclegraclabte materials that:ue contained in
• Odor-free ope[ation � muniri al waste.AGRISOIL is Cree-flowin and '
• No air or water pollution � " ` � "'`�'� does n�c�it"cake"when mois.ened. g '
• Low noise levels �
� 'e � ' ' � SAFE?Y—AGRiS�i[.is kife tu iik bah as a
� � growin medium and a soil mix. It w�ill n<x bum �
r-'
�-rz�y'''• plants�even when used to full strength),and ic
� � � � � ' � ��'�•��� ��'�'�� ��� ii .��� � will nof d:irtrage the ernironment when earried
'`'�:; ofFt�y hea�y raii�s.
. , .., , ' • � .
., ,�," ' -- COLOR—AGRI,SOIL is dark in color,similar co
� --
,•: , . :� • . �"� '�^--'^w rich natural dirt or humus.
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�tant�on������o�o, AGRIP�STTM
_ pourrjulgri►ulers and bammer�ni!!s G6at sbred u tnto _
smou panr�be�ore se,�d�ng u ro�be compa�r pua ' a '�fj�'It f.ltTle.�lC tl�l�SO�1I�10[l.
ACIP/POST'S nem vade Co�nryP�k�RP�e o!P►�n8 - T�le tlghL COmp0tlx
up ro 1.000 mns oJsoud wmte per day.7bts makes u are
oJtbe world'slargest sdid uave corr�pauing Jac�tNes
f
� President's View
- by Edward West
One of the things we do frequently at disregard for his envirunment rather are readily apparent,and it leaves very
our Pompano headquarte�s is give di- than awesome monuments to man's littie to go to the landfilt.
rections to visitors as to how to reach ability to conquer that environment.
us.South Florida is flat and has few Our Dade County facility,when
natural landmarks to guide travelers, As a nation,we have become aware of completed in late 1989,will be a
a�d although we have our share of the urgent need to find new uses for the beacon to guide communities to more
"fast"expressways,turnpikes and toll materiats and products we enjoy in our rational and cost effective programs of
roads,visitors must pick their way society,then discard in frightful num- waste management planning.l doubt,
through urban sprawl and maze to bers. Incineration appears to create as however,that the facitity will be a
reach our modest offices. �many problems as it attempts to solve traveler's landmark-it's only 30 feet
and cost/benefit ratios have been high. But perhaps travelers will forgive
To aid in giving directions,therefore, I difficult to justify. Recycling, however, us i#the places they have had a little
often find myself referring to landfills. as a means to reduce the amount of � more trouble finding are less polluted
Liberally located throughout South waste which needs to be disposed, has when they get there.
Florida,these ma�-made mountains are quickly gained favor with policy makers
welcome landmarks to the navigator un- and citizens.
familiar with the territory.Who can get
lost on the Egyptian desert as long as the The Agripost process is a natural
pyramids are in sight�And so we often extension of the recycling activity now
tell visitors to look for our neighborhood underway in the U.S.The process is
"mountain"for guidance. capable of converting almost all of a
community's household waste,or the
Unfortunatefy, landfills are not modern- remainderof the waste left after
day pyramids. Unlike the pyramids, curbside separation into a safe,clean
landfills leave visible legacies of man's produd.The benefits of this flexibiliry
ConstruCtiOn on Target Plant Manager for)ones Operations&
Continued from page 1 Maintenance Company,which is oper-
ating the plant for Agripost.
Cou�ty's waste and turning it into a As O'Dell returns to his construc-
nutrient- laced soil conditioner. tion trailer,he's already forgotten about
As part of its Dade project-devel- ,,� the last girder.A hundred other prob-
opment plan,Agripost has opened a - lems await his attention and compla-
small area of the main equipment build- ;' '� cency is not part of a construction
ing to process waste into compost.This �� •' � man's language.O'Dell has built larger
area has been temporarily designated as � � �--. and more complicated projects in his
career but none as meanin ul as the
a process testing facility and consists of � qgripost plant,and thaYs orth smiling
conveyors,screens,one hammermill, about.
and limited floor space for windrow "
piles.
Several hundred tons of pre-
shredded waste have been delivered to ,
the test area by the County to initiate
the extensive testing program, prior to �j" �� (Lek)Workers adjust the tertiary hammer-
opening of the main facility.The County � milllocated in the testarea ofAgriposNs
waste is reshredded into smaller par- Dade County plant This equipment
currently shreds small qua�tities of waste
ticles, composted,shredded again and for test purposes.After plant construction is
then screened. This operation is under ,- completed in Octo6er,the tertiary process-
the close supervision of Raiph Waters, �`���'' ing line will hand/e compost anly.
>
Agripost Plant Hosts Visitors Agripost
Awards
Construction of the Agripost plant has search Laboratory; Dr.A. Buckens
created considerable interest in the U.S. of Brussels University, Belgium; Research
and abroad. During the past few weeks )ohn Stormont and Wilhelmina
Agripost has hosted many visitors Harvey,Monroe County(Florida) Grants
including the following: Commissioners;Barbara Skinner,
Commissioner,and Robin Kordik,
David Hay,Chief of the Urban Activi- Solid Waste Director of Pierce Agripost has awarded several research
ties Division/Industrial Programs Branch Counry,Washington; Barbara grants toWling$47,300 to the Universiry
of Environment Canada in Ottawa;Abe jordan, Recycling Specialist of of Florida and the Institute of Food and
Finkelstein, head of the Refuse and Snohomish County,Washington; Agricultural Sciences(IFAS)to test
Heating section of the same agency; Dr. Ellen Henke("America's Plant Agrisoil on a wide variety of plants and
Patricia Bolton,program officer of Doctor")of Saratoga, California; growing conditions.)ohn Nowell,
Ontario Ministry of Energy; Timothy Horgan, Director of the Director of Product Marketing for
consultant Donald MacCullum of ADI Cuyahoga Counry(Ohio)Board of Agripost,says that these awards are the
Limited, Fredericton, New Brunswick; Health;Senator George Kirkpa- first to be made as part of AgriposYs
consultant Danford Kelley of Greenfield trick,(D-Gainesville),sponsor of research and development program
Fnvironmental,Ottawa;James Kilgore the 1988 Florida Solid Waste Man- inaugurated earlier this year.Testing
of the U.S.E.P.A.Air and Energy Re- agement Act. will take place in Gainesville,Apopka,
�4�p.a°2 Y'9" a�yi L1' R`,+ls..��y' ro'r`3�"".cew i�x
�� ,� � ; � � :� <> .~ � ����"`� -" �' �� Ft. Lauderdale Belle Glade and Home-
��� ,�� �; ��€ �° � � � ` �, �� � � � �
;�. �`..�:� ����. F.�� ,�P� ���°� � �� ��� ��
� �° �� �'°��„��� ,.�,� � � stead, Florida.
�. ��>tz
Munici al ���
. p ��z.; , ��; � � �t ,
Sol�d Waste �: �: � i � r=� •,
. ,� �,��;�_ . r �� The AGRIP�T
� Rec cl�n �{�� -�,��
� .;_ g �., ` �� ���'` _ �`�� THE AGRIPOST is ublished
p periodically
' �: ' -� �� �`�� ���' ��� by Agripost, Inc.,at Pompano Beach,
��'�� �. I K _.,;,,,� �� Florida,for the purpose of informing
�,�� - ; interested parties on the activities and ac-
g complishments of the company.
� '�
���� Agripost,Inc.is a publicly owned corpo-
Agripost president Edward C. West(righf)greefs Florida Senator ration,traded on the National OTC Stock
George Kirkpafrick on a recent four of the Dade County plant Market.
Affiliated with:
We Agree . . ��,�,,dw����,���N��
Agr�post in the ����u�a������
Florida FMilizer and Agrichemical Auociation ifFM1
News F,��,«,.��,_�,�,�,,���,�
Florida Nurserymm and Crowers Associafron(FNGN
Florida Turfgnss Associatia�(fT/V
"The unfavorable developments in The Agripost Dade Cou�ty facility has FtoridaTurfgrassProducersAssociation
landfilling and incineration (have) led to �n in the news lately. Following is a
a sharp improvement in the prospects of partial listing of inedia which have AGRIPOST
composting.The improvement was ac- featured the Florida project: , INC.
centuated by the popular recognition of Channel 12 -WPEC(CBS), West POMPANO BEACH FL 33061
the conservational nature of com- �
posting. Unlike landfilling and incinera- Palm Beach, May 18, 1989 TEL. # (305) 971-9167
tion,composting reclaims and recycles Channel 7-WSVN QndJ, Miami,
resources rather than bury or destroy May 24, 1989
them. However,as far as adoption as a Miami Herald, May 25, 1989 „
waste management practice is con- Behold this compost!
cerned, its primary attraction is its Engineering News Record,June, 1989 Behold it well... lt gl'OWS
inherent compatibility with the environ- Recycling Times,June 20, 1989 such sweet things out of
ment and the public well being". corruption.N
National OTC)ournal,)uly 17, 1989
F�om an article in Biocycle,january, Paul Harvey, syndicated radio and WALT WHITMAN
1989,by Clarence Golueke newspaper column,July, 1989