Peace and Environment News* April 1996
|
Peace and Environment News * April 1996 |
by Marion King
Last year Composting Corner reported on a central composting facility in Kingston. Now we have two here in Ottawa, not on the same scale as Kingston's CORCAN, but nevertheless processingwaste from a number of institutions.
Wright Environmental Management Inc. manufactures what are known as in-vessel composters.These are containers ranging in size from 360 to 2500 cubic feet, through which trays of organic waste are slowly propelled. During its twenty-eight-day journey through the container, the waste is turned and its moisture content controlled by fans and water sprays. After twenty-eight days of processing, the waste must then be cured in windrows for a further ninety days before it can be used as compost.
The federal Department of Natural Resources (NRCan) has installed one of these machines. It processes waste from the department's cafeteria, including milk cartons and paper waste along with food matter. Because the cafeteria alone does not produce sufficient waste to satisfy the composter's appetite, the House of Commons, Agriculture Canada, and the Civic Hospital are also participating in the project. Approximately 3600 pounds of waste from these institutions is composted weekly. Since a carbonaceous amendment (wood chips) must be added to the high-nitrogen food waste for proper processing, a total of about 4000 pounds of compost is being produced each week. It goes to Agriculture Canada, where it is mixed with cattle manure and used on the Central Experimental Farm for soil enhancement.
The composter will soon have completed a year in operation, and NRCan plans to evaluate its technology against Ottawa's climate. Up to now these machines have been working only in balmier regions such as Toronto. Meanwhile, the Department of National Defence has installed the area's second in-vessel composter.
This month sees curbside colection of yard waste resume for the summer: April 15 if you live in a blue area on the Regional Municipality's (RMOC's) garbage map, April 22 if you live in a pink area. If you don't know what colour you are, remember it's the same week as your blue box pickup. If you don't know which week that is, call the RMOC for information at 560-1335.
Because of early snows last Fall, many of us are finding leaf-covered lawns as the snow melts. Before consigning all of those leaves to the curbside collection, consider whether you need to store a few to add to your compost along with your kitchen waste this summer. A mix of brown and green materials will prevent many common composting problems.
Marion King is one of the Regional Municipality's Compost Doctors.
Converted April 11, 2000 - Lg
To follow up on this article, contact the author or the organizations/individuals mentioned; do not contact the Peace and Environment Resource Centre - we cannot provide follow up or contact information. This article is an archival copy of the printed one in the Peace and Environment News (PEN). Viewpoints expressed should not be taken to represent the opinions of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, the PEN, or our supporters.
