HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/17/1986 - Solid Waste Abatement Commission CITY OF EAGAN
SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION
AGENDA
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 17, 1986
4:30 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. Presentation - Jim Uttley
Metropolitan Council
Solid Waste Planner
III. OTHER BUSINESS
IV. DISTRIBUTION
A. County Waste Facility Article
B. Compost Information
C. Wood Chip Publicity
D. WPC Co- Composting Materials
V. ADJOURNMENT
MEMO TO: SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS
FROM: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HOHENSTEIN
DATE: SEPTEMBER 11, 1986
SUBJECT: SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION MEETING FOR
SEPTEMBER 17, 1986
A meeting of the Eagan Solid Waste Abatement Commission is
scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 1986, at 4:30 p.m., in the
Eagan Municipal Center conference rooms A and B. Please contact
Jon Hohenstein 454 -8100 if you are unable to attend this meeting.
The following discussion is intended to provide background on
those items to be reviewed at the meeting on Wednesday.
I. MINUTES
A copy of the minutes of the Eagan Solid Waste Abatement meeting
of September 3, 1986 is enclosed for your review on pages 3 (-/ .
These minutes, subject to any change, require approval by the
committee.
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. Presentation - Jim Uttley, Metropolitan Council Solid Waste
Planner -- Enclosed in your packets you will find two documents.
The first is entitled Anecdote - Landfilling and is found on
pages j. The document is a fact sheet relative to topics
such as landfilling, incineration, recycling and composting.
Also found on pages fp,F// is a Wisconsin County Extension Office
outline concerning source separation. These two items along with
the general information found in your copies of the staff report
provide background to the presentation of Mr. Jim Uttley,
Metropolitan Council Solid Waste Planner who is one of the staff
members involved in the region's solid waste strategy. Mr.
Uttley will provide an overview of the state legislative mandate
concerning landfill abatement, the Metropolitan Council
guidelines on source separation, the concept of source separation
and the relationship of community waste abatement programs to a
regional strategy for waste abatement. He will also discuss the
relationship between source separation and waste energy
facilities like that under development by the County for the
Rosemount area.
Mr. Uttley will provide ample time for questions, so please
review your background materials with respect to City
alternatives and be prepared to take advantage of this
opportunity to interact directly with Metropolitan Council staff.
Due to the availability of Mr. Uttley to make presentation at
this time, I have saved other items of business for a future
meeting.
III. OTHER BUSINESS
IV. DISTRIBUTION
A. County Waste Facility Article -- Enclosed in your packets on
pages 4,7J /;Jtyou will find a copy of the local press article on the
proposed County Waste to Energy Facility. The article answers
several questions previously raised by Commission members
regarding the County's long terms plan in this regard.
B. Compost Information -- Enclosed on pages you will find
several articles and brochures on compost, compost culture and
compost management. These items may be discussed by the
Commission if time permits or may be reserved for future
discussions.
C. Woodchip Publicity -- Enclosed on page 4 you will find a
copy of the local press coverage the woodchip program guidelines.
The application of these guidelines has helped significantly in
reducing the congestion of the compost site with wood products.
D. WPC Co- Composting Material -- Enclosed in your packets on pages
7 you will find information on the Waste Digester Co-
Composting System marketed by Waste Processing Corporation. This
is the company which is interested in developing a turn key
system for the City of Eagan. We will not be considering this
item on this agenda, but the information contained herein will
provide you some background as the various alternatives are
discussed.
V. ADJOURNMENT
The Committee will adjourn at or about 6:00 p.m.
■' ..�i
Aqinistrative Assistant
Attachments
cc: City Administrator Hedges
City Planner Runkle
Jim Uttley, Metropolitan Council
JH /cks
MINUTES OF THE SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION
Eagan, Minnesota
September 3, 1986
A regular meeting of the Solid Waste Abatement Commission was
held on Wednesday, September 3, 1986 at the Eagan Municipal Center at
4:30 p.m. The following members were present: Earl Milbridge, Delmer
Debilzan, Darlene Bahr, Tom Mann and Jon Hohenstein. Absent was Larry
Knutsen.
MINUTES
Upon motion by Milbridge, seconded by Mann, all members voting
in favor, the minutes of the August 20, 1986 Solid Waste Abatement
Commission meeting were approved.
COMPOST AWARENESS SURVEY
Administrative Assistant Hohenstein reported on the results of
the Compost Awareness Survey conducted by City staff. He indicated that
the sample was quite small, that the responses tended to indicate that
awareness of the compost program is relatively high, but that few who
knew of it had used it. Bahr indicated that low participation was
likely the result of the ease with which residents may dispose of wastes
currently. Mann indicated that one day per week schedule may create
storage problems for individuals doing yard work early in the week.
Hohenstein suggested that the Commission look at each of the programs it
considers as a business by addressing the collection, operation,
marketing and education components individually. Milbridge indicated
that his business had used the City burn site until it was no longer
available and that the difficulty involved in disposing of large
quantities of wood waste has created the attraction for the City's wood -
chip program. Bahr suggested that the other programs would only become
viable when they had similar economic insentives for their use.
DeBilzan said that the impending Met Council and state
deadlines will help create pressures for disposal alternatives. He
indicated that the long term focus would be on marketing the material
that was collected. Mann suggested that research be done to determine
what information is available from the state of Minnesota, Pollution
Control Agency and agricultural campuses that would be suitable for
publicity on compost and mulch use.
Hohenstein indicated that there were two ways to improve the
use of the compost and woodchip programs in light of the high awareness
shown in the survey. One is to improve access by expanding the hours of
site operation and the other is to develop a publicity campaign to
improve awareness of the fall activities. Upon motion by DeBilzan,
seconded by Milbridge, all in favor, the Commission recommended that the
City Council consider expanding the hours of operation for the compost
site. Upon motion by Mann, seconded by DeBilzan, all in favor, staff
was directed to publicize the fall waste abatement activities through
the local media resources and a direct mailing.
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SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT CONCEPTS
The Commission next considered several of the alternative
means available for waste abatement. Bahr expressed concern about the
quality of mass burn facilities as a safe effective waste abatement
alternative. Hohenstein reported that the Dakota County Waste
Processing Facility would be located in Rosemount and sell power to
Northern States Power Company.
Bahr raised the issue of the possible legislation and inquired
about its effectiveness. DeBilzan indicated that about 75% of all
aluminum comes back for reuse without deposit legislation. Mann
indicated that diversity of methods are of abatement and materials
increase the need to prioritize recyclables in which the City may
consider abating. As an overview, Hohenstein reviewed the waste
abatement alternatives suggested by the Metropolitan Council in its
Solid Waste Abatement Guide /Policy Plan. No action was taken on this
matter and staff was directed to provide additional information on the
alternatives at the September 17, 1986 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Upon motion by Bahr, seconded by Mann, all in favor the
meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
JH
Date Recording Secretary
ANECDOTE - LANDFILLING
FACT: Landfill tipping costs are not a true measure of the cost of
landfilling.
REASON: The average $10.00 per ton landfill cost does not
include collecting, hauling and burying the garbage
at the landfill site. Nor does it include the cost
of monitoring and eventual cleanup. These hidden
costs may reach $90.00 per ton (MPCA Report, March
1985).
FACT: Landfill costs are going to triple in the next decade (MPCA).
FACT: Very few new landfills will be opened in Minnesota after 1990.
REASON: The Minnesota Waste Management Act of 1980 (amended
1984) severely limits the development of any new
sanitary landfills in Minnesota. The emphasis will
be on alternative means of waste treatment and abate-
ment (MPCA, June 1984).
FACT: Without waste abatement or alternative technologies the Twin
Cities will need 15 new landfills by the year 2000. (Darby
Nelson, Biocycle, July /August 1984).
FACT: Approximately one -half of the 1,300 facilities for land dis-
posal of hazardous wastes will close this year unless they
begin to meet Federal groundwork standards. 200 of those in
violation have not so much as put in monitoring wells. (Bureau
of National Affairs, Environmental Report 1985).
FACT: Minnesota is not the only state having difficulty with land-
fill disposal. Wisconsin Dells hauls its municipal solid
waste to Middleton for an estimated cost of over $25 per ton.
Staten Island, New York has the world's largest open landfill -
150 feet high and 300 acres. (Feasibility Report For a Co-
Composting Research and Pilot Demonstration Project in Columbia
County, Wisconsin 1983, Biocycle).
FACT: Over one -third of Minnesota's landfills are presently con-
taminating groundwater. An alternative water system for the
communities surrounding the Lake Jane landfill will cost over
one million dollars, not including monitoring and operational
costs. (MPCA, Biocycle, July /August 1984).
FACT: Proposed landfill sites are generally also the best agricultural
sites because of optimal soil drainage and geography. (Biocycle,
September 1984).
LANDFILLING
FACT: Recent information suggests that all landfills, even with the
best of liners, are going to leak eventually. The DNR esti-
mates that the cleanup of a single contaminated site will
cost at least $750,000 and will not be paid by the people
who dumped it. (CBE Environmental Review 1983).
INCINERATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE?
FACT: Incineration is a very complex, technologically incomplete,
and expensive method for dealing with waste reduction.
REASON: Incinerators need a constant market for their product
(non - storable, non - portable steam) (MPCA).
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FACT: Incineration can, without adequate pollution control devices
and careful monitoring, elaborate particulate, chemical, and
noxious compounds (MPCA, Personal Communication Dr. C. Rappe
(Sweden), Dr. B. Commoner, (CBNS), Dr. D. W. Icuehl (EPA).
FACT: Incineration is about five times as expensive as co- composting.
(Gordian Assoc. Inc., Feasibility Study 1980).
FACT: 60% of the costs of waste - disposal in Ramsey County are
transportation costs. Any centralized waste -to- energy system
will further increase these costs.
(Phase I Report, City of St. Paul Energy Office 1981).
RECYCLING
FACT: A 25% reduction of the solid waste stream through source
separation could result in a reduced compost facility capacity,
with an $800,000 saving.
(Dano Resource Recovery - personal communication to John Madole
MPCA).
FACT: The U. S. imports 91% of its aluminum and buries it after only
one use. Recycling would decrease our dependence on foreign
markets and energy use. (MPCA).
COMPOSTING
FACT: In conjunction with recycling, waste -to- energy production, and
waste reduction composting could reduce up to 90% of
Minnesota's solid waste problem (MPCA).
FACT: About 70% of municipal solid waste is organic material that,
when landfilled, can contaminate groundwater. Composting can
make valuable use of such material plus solve sewage sludge,
septage, and manure problems (MPCA).
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FACT: Composting is an effective and low cost method of dealing
with municipal solid waste and sludge -borne pathogens and
weed seeds. (MPCA).
FACT: Co- composting is flexible, reliable, modular, easily adapted
to any urban or rural environment and easily demonstrated and
implemented. (Phase I Report, City of St. Paul Energy Office
1981) .
FACT: The products of co- composting municipal solid waste /sludge
products are multi - utilizable as soil amendments, land re-
covery, RDF fuels, and etc. (MPCA, Phase I Report, City of
St. Paul Energy Office 1981).
FACT: Mixing municipal solid waste with sludge is instrumental in
decreasing overall transportation costs of either waste
material. (Phase I Report, City of St. Paul Energy Office 1981).
FACT: Composting is a method of solid waste management that allows
handling, storage, and application of waste products without
adversely effecting the environment. (Phase I Report, City
of St. Paul Energy Office 1981).
FACT: While co- composting is relatively unexplored as a waste abate-
ment/recycling technology in the U. S., over 2,600 co- composting
plants are operational outside of the U. S. (Proc. National
Waste Processing Conference 1980).
FACT: Composting should soon become the cheapest method of waste
management available. While some of the earlier composting
facilities in the U. S. failed economically due to low product
prices, the rising costs of disposal via incineration and
landfilling should offset these losses. Also, as co- composting
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8
is a relatively low technology system, its cost will not rise
as rapidly as other high technology systems. (Proc. National
Waste Processing Conference 1980).
FACT: Co- composting meets EPA Standards For Processes to Further
Reduce Pathogens (PFRP) and dilutes heavy metals in sludge.
(EPA, Office of Water Program Operations 1981).
FACT: Governor Rudy Perpich ordered state agencies (5- 14 -85) to
give preference to compost when they purchase soil conditioners
for use in parks, along highways and in controlling erosion
on state lands. Minneapolis Star & Tribune (5- 14 -85, Final
draft of Governor's Executive Order on Compost (2- 8 -85).
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C)
SOURCE SEPARATION RECYCLING
I. Advantages
A. Saves landfill space.
B. Conserves energy.
C. Conserves resources.
D. Relatively quickly implemented.
E. Low capital cost.
F. Can be done anywhere.
G. Can recover items not recoverable by mechanical separation.
II. Difficulties
A. Must have economical market. Consumers must be willing to use
more recycled products.
B. Market prices fluctuate greatly.
C. Must motivate people to participate.
D. Must be designed so that cost of implementation does not outweigh
benefits.
E. Amount of material that is recoverable is limited.
F. Material recycled must meet market requirements for cleanliness.
III. Steps to Establish Municipal Waste recycling Program
A. Estimate amount of material available, and probable recovery
rates. Recovery rate for drop -off centers is from 1% to 10 %; for
buy back centers, up to 30 %; for curbside pickup, up to 50% for
voluntary programs, 100% for mandatory programs.
Recyclable Household Waste
Pounds Per Person Per Year
Urban Rural
Newspaper 75 - 125 50
Metal 60 - 75 50 - 75
Appliances 20 - 25 20 - 25
Clear Glass 40 - 60 40
Colored Glass 25 - 40 25
Plastic Containers 6 6
Motor Oil 1/2 Gallon 1/2 Gallon
Food & Yard Wastes 100 - 250 100 - 250
Leaves 325 - 390 325 - 390
Also, survey local businesses and industries to determine their recyclable
wastes.
B. Find markets, and their specifications for use of material.
County Extension Office has the Wisconsin Recycling Directory;
other markets may also be available. Be creative.
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C. Decide on type of recyling program desired.
What to recycle.
How to recycle. (drop -off center, house to house collection,
home compost of organics, etc.)
When to recycle.
Who will operate program.
Equipment, facilities needed.
Methods of publicity.
New ordinances required (if any).
D. Estimate economics.
Cost of system.
Revenue received.
Landfill costs saved.
E. Design system if feasible.
F. Implement system.
Begin publicity early.
Begin program in a pilot area to work out "bugs."
IV. Commercial and Industrial Waste Recycling.
A. Waste quantities greater than household waste generation.
B. Many companies already recycle part of their wastes, but there is
room for more recycling.
C. Incineration of clean cardboard, wood and similar wastes can
provide a low cost source of energy.
V. Waste Reduction Can Also Reduce Landfill Needs.
A. Buy reusable products.
B. Buy high quality, long lasting merchandise.
C. Maintain products.
D. Repair and reuse.
John Reindl
Director of Public Information
Wisconsin Solid Waste Recycling
Authority
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How to make and
use compost for a
more glorious ' .. f
garden. - y / . .
Add compost to soli around vegetable plants during the growing season to Menus yields and Improve the soil's moisture retention.
BY CAROLYN JABS can move freely. These conditions enable do the job. Be sure to select a balanced
INMMIIIIIIMIIMIIIIOIIIIIMIMIIIIIMIIOIIIMII plant roots to absorb the necessary water fertilizer that has a 5 -10-5 ratio: 5 percent
Once you've set up a system, making and nutrients from within the soil. Com- nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous, 5
"black gold," or compost, for your gar - post also encourages the presence of percent potassium. '
den is no harder than bagging your earthworms, which aid in mixing and You should also be aware that many
garbage and hauling it away. The real aerating the soil.' . fertilizers give off acids while converting
work in composting is done by the Without the presence of microorgan- to usable forms of nutrients. You'll need
microorganisms that transform grass clip- isms, the soil is less resistant to harmful to add lime to the compost pile to offset
pings, dead leaves and kitchen waste into elements. Studies by a French scientist, this effect. Most fertilizer packages will
a dark nutrient -rich soil enhancer. F. Chaboussou (Put Rai :tance of Plant:), instruct you as to the required ratio of
have shown that, in addition to keeping nitrogen to lime.
COMPOST VS. COMMERCIAL moisture in the soil, compost also reduces
FERTILIZERS the likelihood of soil - transmitted CONSTRUCTING YOUR HEAP
Much debate has taken place over the diseases. The classic way to make compost is to
value of compost in relation to commer- If you don't object to the use of heap organic ingredients together and
cia! fertilizers. Its an indisputable fact chemical fertilizer, you can use it to keep them moist. Most gardeners start
that commercial fertilizers have a higher supplement your compost heap. In this with a container, if only to define the pile
concentration of nutrients than compost, way, the finished product will provide and keep things from blowing away.
but according to National Gardening the both a higher percentage of nutrients and Ready -made composting bins are also
monthly magazine published by the Na- the valuable microorganisms that recon- • available (see "HM Tried It: 3 Compos-
tional Gardening Association, fertilizers dition the soil. However, there are a few ters You Can Buy," on page 80). Aside
alone cannot be relied upon to maintain things you should know first. from the convenience of not having to
a rich, healthy soil. Chemical fertilizer must be used spar- build a container, some units offer special
The best soils are those that are "alive" ingly or you run the risk of seriously features such as drums that rotate to make
with the microorganisms that composting damaging plants with too much nitrogen. it easier to turn the ingredients, an
restores. They break down materials in About a handful of fertilizer for every arduous step.
the soil and open up air spaces so water three bushels of composting material will You can also make perfectly adequate
70 HOME MECHANDC /OCt'OBER. 1986 i CI
•
• composting bins from commonly avail- notice steam rising from the inner parts. Finally, the bacteria in compost piles
able materials— chicken wire, concrete That's because a properly built compost feed 'on nitrogen, so a good supply will
blocks, bricks, boards, snow fencing. ' heap reaches temperatures of 140 ° F to keep then healthy and energetic. Most of
Some gardeners construct side -by -side 160 ° F at its center. These temperatures the materials used in compost have rela-
' bins, so when compost needs to be are critical because the heat kills off Lively little nitrogen, so you may need to
turned, it can be shoveled from one bin pathogenes and weed seeds. ' add a little extra. Manure is a good
to the next. When constructing a bin,
keep three things in mind: . �r ,p^ *,!;'. " "
❑ The bin should provide ventilation. li , Y , r k , -
Stagger bricks or boards and turn con- ��s RE FQR ; { •
crete blocks on their sides so holes permit z .,.;, ' -,, i , „ " l , , .;t . , , " ,= rr , ,
air circulation. a ? i you know, r a , r
.Now.,thac;you know, compost is,'' ' ,' IJon't_add, acones, glass, or
❑ One side of the bin should be open or you're ready to start building your pile • metal; because, they ,won't; decompose!.
be removable so you can get at the kor, : filling ;.your; biti.,.. , Keep. in • mind, `. Avoid animal bones°or fat because they. t
compost easily with a shovel.
Po Y however, that no matter. how you at attract; animals, • and don't: include dis -r.,
❑ Compost piles seem to be most pro- I ran8e it or Whit' mixture of ingredients '.eased plants or Weeds':that have gone
ductive when they a r e 3 to 5 f t . in you a end result will be usable • . t o seed m a y ce
diameter and about as high as they are com t,;'But, if Y ou: are, cularl roblems, into:next ear's. garden i; •
�; P� , Y particularly Y P Y 1
wide. Smaller piles tend to work more ; concerned abou t what you put into your ;, ' • you : construct ' the pile, ;'Soak it,'
slowly because they dry out or cool off :garden;. and the; time; required, :you Il down.", ItshoUld be kept moist, but not •
too quickly; larger ones compress inner 'maw to follow 'our recipe for it strictly r, soggy:: If you grab a handful of,material .
materials so they don't decompose . ;organic ,product that's ; usable in: a rela from the center of the pile, you should
properly. tively;shortamount of time,,-„....pm ' •••t be able to extract a few drops of liquid
Most compost bins are relegated to an The right proportion: of carbon and by squeezing hard
'' i , „ A
inconspicuous corner of the yard. Just be nitrogen 'is „crucial to; the composting r ?'; : Here's a listof Materials, to help you ,;1 •
sure the spot is well drained, so the pile process.. -To allow air to circulate, the . ;!'build your, ;compost.: heap: ` ;Broadlyr.
won't get waterlogged, and protected ?.first layer;should consist' of about 6 in ' . :speaking, those chat are soft (kitchen or .
from the wind with straw or plastic, so `: of brushy stuff: hedgest immings, small plant ;wastes, manure); and green are
it won't dry out. If possible, the pile branches, . raspberry bush r. prunings. ; higher in • nitrogen. - i materials ; that are ; :
should be within easy reach of the hose ;Next, ;pile, on 6 , 8 ,in. r of,,organic;; stiff or,hard like,straw,,wood, sawdust,
for soaking when necessary. Also, you ,material that's high in carbon.(see our' `etc.,• are. higher in carbon. ,
may find you add more to the pile if it's ; list belowhe right types of materi ❑. .Grass , clippings — if: ; ;your, lawn has.-
within convenient pitching distance from `. als for e ach layer)... Now you're ready .' been you're with herbicides or chemt
the garden. '. to „introduce;' ; the nitrogen rich`,; sub• cal fertilizers; °wain at least , . 72 , ,hours.'.
Left to its own devices, a compost heap - stances that feed the bacteria response ?; before',using • clippings (use `;'in thin - ;
will decompose into humus in six months ble for decomposition. Spread 1 to 2 in ' layers 'so they don't mat) • , ;
to a year. But don't expect to construct of manure (avoid ; using' ;dog: or cat ❑ Manure horse,' cow, sheep;,' etc
a heap in October and have compost in m anure because it may contain disease- ❑ Sawdust -in.c small quantities and
March. Winter weather virtually halts the . r carrying microorganisms)' or. '' blood from 'Untreated wood only z
process. However, there are several meal `over the organic' materials. You*, ❑ Plane remains — except weeds and ,
tricks for speeding things up. First, the Fran alternate 'the carbon."and nitrogen ,•,` diseased plants i,' , , .' ,',`, +
more uniform the size of the pieces in :layers as desired, "as long' as yeti don't , ❑ Kitchen' refuse — such as fruit and
your pile, the faster it will decompose. exceed a height o( S,ft.. material to shred contact your city , ' vegetable remains . .,j , i ,a , - .rz Chop or shred chunky items into uniform ' Covet these layers with'* few inche . ❑ ,Fis s craps..;; i , :, r .
pieces no more than 2 in. long. Ideally, of garden introduce. the microor 0„ Cardboard, (shredded) , �x z „F
leaves should be shredded, otherwise 13 , r -, ; }4
Y process. Larger ', materials' that attract fhes oC otter .0: Corncobs, stallks 1 4 g f ; Y , `
f t t ! !c� • ! .i ''
they'll mat and slow the rocess. Lar er
'
objects such as branches, corn husks or pest are covered. Finally, add a dusting ° ❑ Newspaper,- shredded, black and
sheen of cardboard will eventually de- of Limestone or wood ashes to maintain :'white'only ` ;x . i; " {r ; t ' ,y. k . { , r
compose, but they'll also slow down the D the p b al ance' :g , "�; . , 'rM� .. r' ❑ Blood meal 'r . ; 't , . i• t.,.. • process if they haven't been shredded. , ,+ , , ' . t fi 7 x t,'(-f.,9; ` ,' ' i • r a ,,,, '. r + { ..•
Shredders like those described in our , st r ,,, , ° { • r t N , ”' i e �, ' p t , 1 ; ; 1
product report ( "HM Editors Assess 7 j r • .3 is ,, ` y . 1� r r%:+.t i .,•• , ; s * C ..Fy x ;:k 1 , r, ?:.. ? . t i
," ti , , . , _ y
New Garden Shredders,” page 20) can + , , :, . r x '� r 1 ,
be purchased or rented. If you have a lot ,,rr r i g r , w T j ( ` , ' '�+` T . - ._ N E a 4
of ` ' '"
r. .{i� z; , . "j . " t A ct as of t,1 s'r
maintenance department. Some will rent -T 4. i : , , ,,4' °• ' { . � "' ,,• • r�
heavy-duty choppers to homeowners by . ", "' , er = ', a Y ,T, r out ' sat, , h y • the hour. z ; r ' :• l '!.- . '� . TO r MANURE
Second, turning the pile speeds up N � �� � %r A ;, , �' ", `,, ?. , � , k�+` �� eueaTANCE .
decomposition by adding air. If you 4 f y'` r . ,; •`' ,
neglect this task, you'll ultimately end up - t t i.. /*.... � ), " ,: / .s ,....„,:..:, . ' , i TO A' ` "
with compose, but it will take longer and f bj ', y , '�t , r',i- ' 4 ! „ , . ; umeu ,
' � ` ii �
? / .++t r ��V ■R ��� �, � � , �, a • �` \ 7�` ` MATERIAL
you're likely to create unpleasant odors. i : f1 I , , e, ,I 0,,N V : V r , \ , y ., �I IY► N 1, °��+, `t, +A' Y , _
Turn the pile with a pitchfork at least % +� Y ' < .." °tr ” : ,S' Vrya r\ .:,`1,/„..r,I �e/
every three or four weeks and be sure the "q.',.' ") /� / ' I 0. 1 1 :,v ; �. * :� ( � ' k y . ' 4a` '6', i`'
; ; . ; 5 , , ' „ ti \ \ �”, \/ ; I , tw , y„ 1 � , eRUSa ,
materials on the outside of the first pile �^`�l c ,,/ ;,,, V.— /� `� ,/' , -i, + �s y MATERIAL:.
end up on the inside of the second. If you \ �� a ' 1 ,' \ 1 ' �� ,; ' l `/ j f ( ' : I' i >t1 r
begin to smell a rotten odor, you've + / ',.7.''.• 1 , , / ` X 1 ' 1 ' , : / 1` " " ;\d 6. waited too long to rum it. a ,r ? �• > ,.I t ` r i t /,• j ; ,g
When you're turning the pile, you may .E ` r t , •o f i H t tM _ ), ; ,
,l', ,,.. ..ec.,.,..s ,r .,,.. r ;3Stf;).!
a ..,,..,,tEC, ,.it.u. .. .
.�. ti ,., ✓,x
/ 5
BLACK GOLD dressing plants, as shown in the photo on
(Continued from page 77) page 70, also makes for healthier, more
source. You can also sprinkle blood meal productive plants.
(or, again, about a handful of a 5 -10-5
commercial fertilizer for every three
bushels of material) over every 6- to 8-in.
layer of organic material. For more infor-
mation on what to add, see "HM's
Recipe For Compost" on page 77.
Most lawn and garden outlets sell
compost activators. These innoculants
are actually finished compost —they in-
troduce the microorganisms into the
heap. You can achieve the same results
by adding a little garden soil, if you don't
have any problems with it.
You can have compost in just two to
three weeks during warm weather, if you
pay attention to the composition of your
pile, shred everything that goes into it
and turn it every three or four days. So,
how can you tell when it's done?
Compost is finished when the pile has
shrunk to about half its original size.
What's left should be the temperature of
the air, uniform in size, dark brown,
crumbly and earthy- smelling. You
shouldn't be able to see the shapes of the
original materials. If the compost still
includes chunks of undecayed matter, sift
it through 1 -in. hardware cloth.
Compost can be spread over a vegeta-
ble oq flower garden before tilling. Or
mix compost in with the backfill when
planting trees, shrubs or roses. Top -
t r
grc
{ter `
f 3�, ! r
Lend Us Your Leaves
1984 Ramsey County Leaf Composting Project
What's going on? Ramsey County has developed a network of sites where you can
recycle the leaves you rake each autumn and spring. The County
piles them into huge windrows where they compost (decompose
naturally) into humus, a rich soil conditioner. When it has
decomposed, you can pick up as much humus as you need for
your garden, for free!
Why compost? We are in a solid waste disposal crisis right now! More than 15,000
tons of leaves from Ramsey County (which could be composted)
are hauled to landfills in other counties each year because we have
no sanitary landfill space anymore. In fact, all existing metro area
sanitary landfills are expected to be filled up by 1990. We can't burn
our leaves because of air pollution laws. But we can each help by
recycling (composting) our leaves this fall.
How do I do it? Bag your leaves or just pile them into your car, truck or trailer. Drive
to the compost site near you and toss your leaves on the pile — it's
fun! Bring your bags home and use them over again. Please
remember: No brush or trash — only leaves and grass clippings
will be accepted!
When and where? Each of the sites will be open on Wednesdays and weekends from
October 17 through November 11. The open hours are:
Wednesdays — noon to 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays — 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sundays — noon to 4:30 p.m.
Please do not come any other time as the gates will be closed and
locked. For the location of the compost site nearest you, please see
the map on the reverse side.
But what about ... ? Have you got a question? Call the Composting Hot Line, a service
of the Ramsey Public Health Department, Environmental Health
Division, at 633 -1204. Thank you for lending us your leaves!
cr ` c �'OSr G e er co r T ,_ c r^� � ," n
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mi from the Judd ringer company ... ■ ■ al
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Ai't
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k At) ^
' 111&„,„„„.......-
step."
-
.1140116., top) -7 4— --- / '.
A / —
k12'11
it :
•
„,-/
be accessible to collection - ------
;'-
,q)e., ,
,, A , ,, , ,, i.- , , , , ,,,,,,,..-. ......
-- illm•
-.....-.-.."----
The site for a recycling center ,../y ', '-/,` //' 4 1, , . "), / i
should le , , 1 , 7 _i, I, 1 , ,...;.... ,1
7
,
areas. Roads leading to the center f ii . yin / t
should be adequate to handle
trucks and vehicles. Good ,,
-, -/•'!„.,1111111 I ,,,; --"11 ,,_ ----- ' ---'4 ---- ----
4 .
drainetge is necessary, and a
Minimum w u av ir a s i tts lee n le t . is -- _ _ _ _
2-4 acres. ___ •
.....„,....-- , 0 ,.....-- ,,,•---__— __
....._ ------___
.----
ii —
,.......
44 # _---..... i
.„ 7 /
.
_i.
I I f r i ir pAri - , , 1\ 4 \,
step
Ofr,/
i
\ , IF
,
f
\ /
f 4w .
■_____
.--... 41 • \ ,
■ r
collec ---- ■ . .!' 1 ,
ii , ly ,
I /// ■ fl , ,i', ,,,, 0
' sail
La -4
Leaf collection programs II
(-. ______
' o , 1 ,1
should commence in Autumn, _____=_____;q
when leaves are falhng. Auumn, 1
Iii 111111 1 Idiri 1---"
Participating communities - VIIpb qk ' i ' - T4IPII NE111111' ,, /4
should be notified as to collection ------
schedules and procedures. _ --:Ir- • ) /
#..- 510 f .
Standard municipal equipment A/ ,. ' / „ -,
, .
can be used, including front-end , , 50/ .. ,” WI • , • . /6, Z 1
, ■ I t '', 1 - .k ' :-
loaders, sweepers and dump trucks. 1iiii r ,„ . ,, „. ,. , .
f , , i -; -
it
.. ...- , i , --- ?„, ir; ,,e,
. , , , i % " ir016- , ; ( 11 ' j1 . 7 ,•.• ..-..--- --_-....,____
, . ..-
, • , . ,, A i , / , / , / ,....., 2 A,, I ...-
.%. . 41..-.• .-4* ' Ir# de, ... -
......"'...".".,....
411 1111P v
step
3 _.--- •--w ..,4,4■,- .-....
......._.....,
dump:
Pl" _..- ,111,1111,111.111r- —
/ -- --
_ -, -.-
- .
An attendant should be on duty
at center during collection and , , .. /,'
7 , ., ft\, /A •••■<" 1114 - '/Kr l
dumping period. He will direct
unloading of trucks and trailers. / , / A / / i/ i0 70" ' /
/ " .!..4 ■ _ flilha■_
Leaves will be dumpeci in 8-foot / • , / i ,/ ,_ \ \ 4 404/ -1....• .
•ffm.
windrows, as illustrated. , ■ \ -.147,,,
be separated out.
Si
Private citizens should be ,/(04
directed to unload their leaves , _ pi f _ ,
in existing piles. - // ).- -- -
The center should be open ",",/ ,,, 1 v7/ - r
7 days a week during collection
period. It is important to maintain e/ , ""
good housekeeping at the center. ''',.1 ' 1 P . . .- " - ,,,.‘ , - - - - ' ' ' * ," < ' ,`. ; • ,_'. „-
/// 4 01_ ,.... , 4 ,0• 0 11 1 i i — _ .
__----Jele
■ . . -
, . - „-...
J . ■ \N sve - ,,,..---
4 , NEr';',, ,, ,z.:N i i . l
i
step , ,
.00- vi ,-,...........
. o. •l , ' vpi..
an
* al•N0",,, , 1 , 0 . ' ' ' ' ' -
'
,-- noculate. . =
The windrows are now ready -
/
to be inoculated with Compost
Culture in order to accelerate p i, ,
the decomposition. . ,i ('
It is suggested that a 1,000 .,, ' dill' R.1 v4 I \111
gallon tank truck with centrifugal
eilklik
PUMP be beeb ft) aPPlY inoculant- / /7 111111k s
The solution should be recirculated / 'l i4' wo w
for mixing, ), ri _ igii .■,
!-:- N /'k •
Windrows should be completely
saturated with solution to the f / ' ' /
,
,/ , ,/ / , // .i. i .
point of run-off. 1 , i , / 7, , 1 . I to,
A micro-biological acti takes This i / , ', ' 1,,/ 114/ / , I
,/ '/ i ' i ' \ #
place after inoculation. is ',', / //, ,, r
greatly increases the water , I, ,. / //,''''',
absorption capacity of leaves. , 7
1 i i 1 "
a
1
/ .4, , , '',Z "'''' -:•■■:. . ...<(:./' 1.- -- '; . ' „:,,,""c1 - 5; 411 ' . :)> . > -..;,,,,,..- - ."-- -....
■el '' _., , . .74' ' '.Wi . -_■.; 4
step i, -p," ' (701 ,11:7 ,' / ,, ,. _
5 ,..... __,,...,. . • ..../...
i , i , ..... ..,,,,,,,, /
rewater
----=-----
The windrows should be _--------
V ......--- ir,
, 00.,
thoroughly resaturated with , -- _ -.-- , ',lb
--- _ a : _ ....0 i
°, 111
water (only) not more than ten days after inoculation. . 0 - ,- .-- ----- ' __ / 1-6 -i'
The inocutant, by this time, -- • . /
111
...--- -
-
will have started to break down ,,,,\ \\ ,
the leaf structure. Windrows will , . • ,-
, , ;(„"
now receive and hold 8-10 times 'l illr . /'..?' VV1 \ 11......" -
P .Ilm7"---
/7/‘ Xt ill mil i \
more water than used in Step 4. / I f / kl ■ . 1
,
In order to get maximum water / i i , / // • • ' - 1., i ill: \ i
saturation, it is recommended that ilk t ' e ff, // / 1 //? , / 7 - ; 4. _.iiii ' . ,_ _ r
rewatering and consolidation
(Step 6) be done at the same time. 1 ' \0; /77/ ,,t.., i _, IN vi 4 /
, ,• i i 1 11// ii.- _ :. , _
\\ a A
step 6 / 7t,„ /-7 rii _ ,,,,)7 111 1 1111 1 , 11,
/ ' ■ \ II i( /
consolidate: .../
A front-end loader or bull :_--- 714 1 ir _ ,
dozer can be used to consolidate —
. i
windrows (see illustration). -,`'...",,,-;,' -----__ _ N ..., . di
The final windrow will be '-'.
'' r _ s - - -Irr ..., - 1 Iv ' ,Li
approximately 12 feet wide by -....,.._,... 1 -
12 feet high. By rewatering and .
' -. ■
consolidating windrows at the z_9.:-,;.. t,* ,,, -,leit,-
1 4 I -
sam time, not only will better ,./,_‘‘ ..._ '.:- -1 - --- _
water e absorption be achieved— Ai ,A...... ....., '‘. / - ---"I'f/r.r .,_ 2.7 ' "%. , -■,. 7 - ir , ..T "P -- ' - %
but, material will be thoroughly ,! ,,,, 0 ", ,.<-- 7 ' 1 ""I N - __-• )• , r , i v...... --; ,
temperature will be from 140-160° , -.a A ,/ /.
, ■„; ° ,1"-'4111, to ; 4 ','
' for several weeks, and then drop i „, ,
to 100-120° until totally decomposed. . 4 . . 0 ; . . ,.. " ./P A ,„ 0 0.■ -,,g' 1 / ---- _
These high temperatures Ireme /
T.
indicate that decomposition is ... t /,/ , /1.
taking place. Be sure to check _ ,, / 7 /
temperatures occasionally to /1# 11, 17" f , ,,,,' A ii 1 ,--- ' r .
make sure that the pile is working. . 7* ,„„..;-_,...•__,_r" / f ,: ,;.• . . .',' . ' ,,.--,' 1
''-ii / • ,...,....._-_, A
l� /lj/�i ��r� / � � sti , - ���i�•'ti� � � �l
0 v ,,, A i ii 4:',', 1, \ ti r t :',/r:3■„,,,-,i„,, Ste �1 � l . 4 a , , -
�(
1 R`"it� s, ' ,
/ r
shred: ;;
iii
401111-1, - , �.,, ::V ' ' � . -!/ In early Spring {March - April); = % f � g , :'! w . / ' °, ' 2 , ` ,
decomposition of windrows is /
nearly complete. It is suggested produce a more uniform �� i.� / t,I - � � .
that, to ;�
p its �,, : ,. - '/
end product, the compost should I . / : .i '
be shredded. A rich, "black gold" „ 4 // 'I / � / -
organic humus is now ready for ^ ✓ ,s.
pick up and use. I ii, , ii ` /1/
2i
i li
WA
"" , V
step Air • ,/, ,/ , k' •�l/ < — u, kw` . .. izip
" --- flosolio -.
- 41" / ,-.■ 4 10 . ....;••••••■., a in:::::p , , .., ,0_,...-
pick-up: .1 . i .
p p: �
✓ _' `
Leaves are now converted into '
1 L �--
compost —which is a valuable soil _ - _
builder. It retains moisture,
aerates sail and adds nutrien ts. - - _
A public announcement should __ - - . ----- :
be made that compost is ready for —�1 41\ � `,l � � pick up at the center. Many centers _ - _
give compost away at no charge.: Oira`°..-""` —""" / -
Some charge a nominal fee to -�.- _ _. Jr.
defray cost of collection and i
�..
center operation. �, � / j
__--7:=
ft:
Solid waste management has become a major mu- compost is a valuable material that is returned to the
nicipal problem. Burning restrictions enforced by the soil and put back to good use in the community.
Pollution Control Agencies have complicated the dis- Progressive communities now recognize leaf re-
posal of large quantities of leaves and garden wastes, cycling programs as a necessary part of environmen-
Land fill areas are increasingly more difficult to find, tal planning.
and are located further away from metropolitan cen- The Judd Ringer Corporation has pioneered
tern. Collection and disposal costs have spiraled, and research and development of microbial inoculants.
are becoming a heavy burden to the taxpayer. These inoculants have made it possible to accelerate
Municipal leaf recycling programs are helping to al- the natural decomposition process.
Ieviate solid waste problems. Massive quantities of Judd Ringer Compost Culture is being used exten-
leaves are now rapidly converted into valuable com- sively in large -scale municipal leaf and waste recycling
post. Volume reduction is close to 10-1. The resulting programs throughout the United States and Canada.
♦ ♦ judd ringer corporat
J iL,.,.,� 6860 Flying Cloud Drive o Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55343
Phone: Area Code 612-941-4180
o/
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NATURE'$WA T }�
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Nature had t 'foresight to provide us With
a 'cam- Hihich a rely tluely
_high, : percentage of.nitrogen: makes -,
plete system for disposal -of all unwanted -plant mate feasible e, method:of composting g".that doea not de-
vial. As further proof - .that the. process; tits irtto the - remand the labor` Involved )n �the_.Fourteen -Oe) tech-
greet natural. scheme ofKthings, the;end -product" - be- n que. Ho, w:ever, what the older approach,' until
Stow on the:,.earth ° - number of benefits We;so tar . " , Scientific Conn •o`st -there, was no °really' quick,- '
have col be>err'ablaf s {yritheei ae. ' - m anageab l e , I � r- saving .way to c 'ergs }e "in
The process is position. - Thes. ie corm dust�riai*" quantlt of waste vegetation,
posting,_Thes�end product:Is humus: rich t onus de -
irig froth thebest way yet devised to.disp�of huge NOW �,- A W `ir0 COMPOS
quantities of leaven +thatch _grass clippings, . tree LARG QUANTITIES i i - - : - - , MATERIAL .
trimmings, weeds, etc , etc. ' ' To overcome a the : lireitatfon described above,, an
SOIL l�`f lllfl,ll AN OTHil t MICROORGANISMS . -, . entirely neW -process of Scientific Co r>oostifig- has -
bt developed by the`' trod finger: Corporation
The° key to the entire; pre ces of . c o 10pp: ar e Based�on nature's own system , de this
the d help combatr,poHi Lion and yields .
the bacteria and other minute organisms, in still abie -
me
l'e
which do the actual work oft tampdelifen. Th a uct,-. .tier us. To better comprehen a v` the ,many, -
microorganisms 'are netere s , 'di`gestive system.
b •
The �` +�fiely a '� ttiei= m�iWrt e�rganl ixra�ertials ; ` ` : I�eriBfits� c>f tf►ls nesw systdrh� orals baisics abouf bac- -
yF breaking - teria and enzymes�are in order.
them down in o friable -humbe an releasing t "u: _ '
tri w hich ; are .abso by=, t p lants - for their -- W #iA T E B
continued growtth4 ', Ba are mloros cop one -ell ntsms ,
The bacteria a a th r des p ' '' the-. ' ttnuqusr I # or$a
powe to t y r�ic In bull than: -if eli pt i h g t con r' i nc 'Soli:" , i
n
material they feed - ce i for theirs, the eart r 3 i bacteria- or.
to ttra oa re r 1€ s pou dtsp ate Million
- r -in re.. tin .1,0 liPeed Per aPre,-Bac-
would,be covered wltht a iayterFof waste hundreds of terra are in the soli because t hoer °food- =is there. And
feet thicj. ver y It , %`estimat that mt takes d t r. tiofl fa ta= deco ose than cr±ganlc natty •
decomposed vegetation of - jeans to ma on '_�t�hat cow tr*m lei : and taste vegetatio. _ -
inch' of top edl`l ,_ - otall kinds. Like alt per bacteria: are born; grow
e u " - THE OL. W A - '' - and reiproduce Their can 'be cuttivated Pike crops, • -, until n we have relied mainly on burning and ' selectively b li ke3 a a c like
the s of satar
ruy; tkfi
anell r d poaat ste cheaucals — all far their: particular a bility t enter ,
pint"material • filow, en i` fcc the ter reaf wa tic � into a .sp tilo`1role in the complex pros bf,d oom.
seemingly trio Ito ,` vadani land- i d - etable pos�on. Stine of these - ,.. _a are. selected for • resource -- Nance t relatively :early 'enc taand ll their "ability to Ctlrr€trt the :n1trbgen in the air : into a
as °method of w , ans , nst open arm th cats be by plan ril ot are
burning are alr y ch more teB per rasiv al and, as select ar. Ir cep mbllity in b down ": the
tine urban sprawl c i tiniues to spread, Mare _and snore . different etements'rrd,corhpournde E ach type of bac'
political sobs sittrfis y+l!#: c utlaw biii~r ng as >a means - 'terra has its own d to -work fatly when • of getting rid`"of s ibi l e ic r r a t e ri s l .,a ' . - it is needed Aft must be present, . however, if decom=
True, composting~ has teen ur� used to •�a 1hilt ex- Position° l tt - be co mpteto There are two general
- types o bacter -
tent to , f icl the: en vl ' t_ of wantetlr issnts l�ornl .. . q , y . ,
- ever•the • older composting methods .were usually 1. Aerobic bacteria - which must have o -
oxygen to
i nefficient (predi ea sl`o►tTreducing a -relat vely function
email amount of , v , a re large :` _ ° .
space);. These 41,9 antity: e foramer eithod 1 also ` " prey 2. Ay er -b aicte + -- wh function-w thout at - -
scler itifia " —as a of e - wa used rs mos{ i- r i c oily e
as the inoculating age nt, hence faking ° `Po luck 'on " Few aerobic - beater a de ..cellulose in t
the families of ba`cter'ia' Involved F . Mai .single .constituent: -o f : plants H o weve r , as
icel
Probably the- be t "pre tific" tec hni q ue o f lulosa ' (a carbohydrate) and"_IIgtilt! _(a plastic- like,
composting Is.kn� , - ` "Fourt ii3ay Meth'' . o " bin d in g" ` at - t# ie o ther two main c on-
-- worked =put by the S anita r y y Eh v7 . - !vie- - a rtuent of ~ plants, Yield More: readily to aerobic bac
merit of the University _o 'Califor`r'nia Oasigned to coil ,teria. efore, both families must be present
post taiga quantities_ cif c i refuse the our n ,Cry "- In hig nom sf if there is to be complete 'and: rapi�'
• Method calls for a high per ge of µri Tre the decomposttioo of great quantities of organic, lwast.
complete shractdlrat# of the in ttuFerit organic rr k eaves ,- particularly, demand aerobic baccterla for de-7_ rial,, and frequent .tur T are ofte limiting cr iti t eca tie
,',part_ high perceritage_of. lignin
factors those s ki ig to dleOese al" large quantities (up to 30% of - ma in ak r l eaves)," a substance
=of leav - grass clippings and outer:, materi ,• i - qu ite resists ;to composting
az--3
..
WIIAT ARE ENZYMES? composting process. (Under optimum composting AN
Some bacteria Condert dead organic matter into conditiocis, the bacteria doubles itself every 20 min -
lubfe food. However, they cannot b reak down the utes!) There are
two basic. families of enzymes #list
4 � re complex carboh (hemicellulose is one),:' work on` organ vegetable s•_ ; .
they mu work together With enzymes. €nzymes . 1, Cellulose erizymea, which attack cellutas ; ( woo d -- ' •
are "natural organic subs t ances produced by the bat- ` arid= f i br es, paper, et c. ;
feria themselves to bre down the complex carbo- Hemtcellukase enz uhceh „ redu ce fh em ic elln -
hydrates Into slmp(er form s tile# the- b c a n •
lo an d, #o a Se degr ki gnn
v
u tili z e a s fo i i seen that the bacteria which Compost "C ultur e I °s uniqu t o t it to alr[s” a
contribute to'- boifiiposting, acre no# neces "sa s high Car}certtrstkon of l e mI c elluk e n ales which "
starting, They must be catalysed (or acceteratee) ` give bacterial a strong h ead -start in;the t n •
i nto action— hence the value of the concen #rated of s tubbbr -n c arbohydrates a Ies s t raetable ,
enzymes in Compost Culture which trigger the b oo - lign in, whictt comprises mo titan 349'4 _ €af the p
teria into immediate action grea tly accelerating t #te material In oak leaves.
-HIHI''' ', - - ' '- - - '- ' —
. , . , . .
s _ , ....... .. ,
...., _ . _ ...
.. .... .. ,, Compost
Cult ur I s a concentrated . biend , of me- _ HO D OES C OM P OS T C W ORK?
ticulousiy selec natural microorganisms (bacteria, 1Nhe n_ C ampost Cviture i s intro iuced II oto .a prop -
enzymes, fung tae, moI s , ett�.) isolated from t he - roistenect p r win d row of waste ye tabor
sail on the basis of their abiii#y Zto ` expsdite the
process of decoixipoaition = na t4ir- s - own recyclini � .bebterta. mid- zy e a vete ~ -v it e
ately► t o ' feed _ on the orgc ltiaterta tit is
system. ': Under ideal 'composting conditions _(vtrkitott . pre At t same time,.the bacteria be in to ni
seldom occur in nature}, there must be present t t i pl y, U nder optimu "m conditions , this "b ina fission" '
correct fa of bacteria in the proper: p will cause their number tofoubtes vi+tth3rF 2fl r i}Inutest
plus the organic materials ,arid ertvi.ron ant to sup the et a literati - "ctYe the vvs � iterlal
port th e process. the env i ro nment is = crea#d
�periy building a com p The po $t cut- Airded fay t he enzyrr+e == breakirtg- idQwn tti8mo
�; a provides the minute �trganisms far Scientific . c ptez, chemical. 'structures into s i m ple r . ones t '' Composting breaking do
th bacteria can ingest as =food. the ', bacteria l _ in
kwn the orga material,- rele mineral
It is here where Compost .Culture represents a nutrt r - and acids..M me,- tine related
sci s f orward _ titer p ra c t ice o f -"6111°.5....•:'
o ors - e nsrtiicat processes of hydr Etys , > o elation ails# re
ing, tt, atone, contains higher se lective a n d 'cartoon i are # a r ming, a vane co hiCh =
treated strains of bacteria microorgan wh were can also be, used .by growing; nee v ge b extracted from among. the many inert strains because -, - ,
of their cont ribut i on to quick, oornplete Composting - - WHAT - u tiw - P O E C O ' f ? . ;
Compost Culture is a u nique and superior p m -
C.om post Culture wa s c oncew.es ti> ex d ie - ~ an d
three distinct ways: .- Ps
l a e. alone contains a high Percentage of hemkceilu- "00,010013' make mere' co mplete the nat : of - . de
l enzyrrt ito ti on O e
n t hem :wh nti tl -- clrganic uegetabke,materiak It:tltilizes
accelerate thsr decomposition ev the m stub scier►tifiC&1. selected .and canceotrated strexls of the
born ' materials, most potent - natural microorganis s which aott,t ally ' -
accomplieti the compostin =process Composting „ et,
2. Compost Cultu alone cantairts a high percentage course #ea th r iee f toe th bttrntng rt r pIbg .
of thermophil (heat lo superior bacteria v filch generate - in�santta i -1 # f l 1 a l ste vegetatIon iris d,it - cor
a compost h eap of super temperature. These h igh vents " tills unwa m aterial Inca a Un uel y�.v'altua b te `
temperatur are very desirable because they ac re . ` r ic u t tu t rea e u t ce . Th the battle for the 4) On' - ,
symptomatic of a _pile which destro the seeds of mint is pined can •
ttnra fronds„" irist iewastef prat
weeds and other undesirable ina#eriais which might tires of po!!utl . for - the . re e.kng pf~ n atura l
find their way Tinto the heap. material sti ecoldgm fuk c #modify.
3. Compost Culture atone cont ains 3� BILLION #' .-
cabs of viable, non - pathogenic bacteria per_ g ram , f ar, , � : riu U l i ?
; e �
more than any similar product. Amo ng these are
an extremely high number of ce splitt and _ ` ;_` 4 . g rriu s : i s welt- 11ecayiid organic. rrtater #al th e tt l -
n itrogen- fixing bacteria (both aerobic and anaerobic) - p roduct dot . the mat ure co po heap - the rich
ich .combine n anstorm the cellulose preseb`t In ' - black, 'waxy "fat of t--"%land "" so i eoe r y to the •n of humus .
Compost Culture IS , currently a vailat le iii bulk i s to hold . a)owty r e e -the plant nufrienta -�-
quantities - Co nsu l t your suppiler or t he J udd: Anger nitr ogen,` phcisph a r 08.-01 it tersls , CAS et o� =lt also "pro
Corporation: - vices the ” trace , et emeats - the uric, . mangan
,_ F,.rX'
! / (AD Psi-
917 /SG
•
City wood chip program
adopts stricter guidelines
The city has adopted stricter The wood chip program uses
guidelines for acceptable wood acceptable wood products and
products in the wood chip pro- makes wood chips for citizens to
gram. Beginning Sept. 13, tree use as border material and tree
limbs and trunks 1-6 inches in mulch. Much of the wood that
diameter, including attached was previously brought to the site
branches, will only be accepted. could not be reduced to chips, re-
Twigs, roots, bushes, building quiring the city to dispose of the
materials and other items not materials at public cost — thus
meeting the requirements will the new restrictions.
• not be accepted , - Citizens may drop off wood pro -
' ducts meeting the requirements
or pick up wood chips noon to 6
p.m. Saturdays at the city com-
post site, located just south of the
Municipal Center on Pilot Knob
Road. The compost program will'
also operate during those hours.
For more information call Jon
Hohenstein, 454 -8100. •
WASTE_DIGESTER
THE ONLY MODULAR
CONTINUOUS AGITATION
COMPOSTING SYSTEM
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Low cost g
N i��M of municipal solid waste
• sewage sludge •manure processin • septage
a
WAST I.
E DIGESTER
LOW COST MODULAR DESIGN ADAPTABLE - !1 ii
FOR THE WASTE HANDLING REQUIREMENT i
OF LARGE OR SMALL COMMUNITIES
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CONTINUOUS
A single W
PROCESSES MANY WASTES AGITATION PRO- ADAPTABLE M
SIMULTANEOUSLY: DUCES HUMUS FASTER ASTE
The WASTE DIGESTER SYSTEM proc The WASTE- DIGESTER cylinder con module will process
esses m unic i pal solid waste, sewage tains three waste processing chambers. per day, or approxir
sludge, manure, an septag simultane The interior of each processing chamber year. Minnesota rE
ously in a large horizontal revolv cy contains parallel metal ribs and teeth that person generates
finder. The cylinder is 120 feet long, 12 feet sp through each chamber of the cylin waste annually. Fc
in diameter. der. As the WASTE- DIGESTER cylinder single WASTE DIG
revolves, the interior ribs and teeth con handle the needs
tinuously agitate the waste mix, eventu community of 200,(
MEETS EPA STANDARDS ally reducing the intake waste tonnage to ple —would therefc
less than half of its original weight and bulk. DIGESTER cylinder
The compo sted end product or humus The fine ground humus produced • the be strategically der
meets Environmental Protection Agency third processing compartment is metered portation lint cr (typ
requirements. WASTE DIGESTER hu through release ports. It is then delivered tal waste i
mu can be used as a soil conditioner, soil by belt conveyor to a Trommel screen centralized sere
erosion stabilizer, a growing medium for which further refines the humus. plant. WASTE DIG
horticultural and agricultural operations, a sign is adaptable tc
clean fill, or burning fuel. small communities
O`
.
I
7
4 0
'
V
Ilk
if
� ` �� - %, COMPLETELY ENCLOSED
' + W1 . . -° SYSTEM
° ".. Because WASTE- DIGESTER is a com-
pletely enclosed system, sludge is pumped
.` into the cylinder through a pipe system,
# ,. - - eliminating the health hazard of open
sludge handling. Objectionable odors are
/ � contained within the processing compart- „,...
# `
ments. The final product of the waste mix
1
_ is odor -free.
HOW IT WORKS
N LOW ENERGY USE The WASTE- DIGESTER system cylinder
11111N, WASTE- DIGESTER uses relatively little module consists of heavy gauge steel
\ electricity to power two motors used to turn containing parallel agitation ribs about 14
the cylinder and several smaller motors inches high from the cylinder base wall,
required to operate conveyor belts. Elec- and a spiralling line of teeth about 24
tricity also lights the working area around inches high from the base cylinder wall.
the system. The cylinder is basically horizontal, but the
intake end is mounted higher from the
ground than the release end. The cylinder
revolves about 12 times per hour causing
IDULAR DESIGN PRESEPARATION AND POST wastes to tumble over the agitation ribs
IGESTER cylinder REFINEMENT ADAPTABILITY and grinding teeth as they descend down
the
p to 60 tons of waste Modular design makes it possible for the cylinder incline
This s combination at the rate
ately 20,000 tons per WASTE- DIGESTER to operate using a foot peer r 32r 32 feetd gravity t a gi of 1
earch reports each variety of preseparation and post refine- provides tation, grinding, tumbling and gravity fall
p
average of 3 /4 ton of ment devices. In its simplest form the provides the most efficient and fastest
rough estimating, a WASTE- DIGESTER system can be loaded method for producing composted humus.
STER MODULE will from a Bobcat Loader. Any large items The waste mix in chamber 1 of the cylin-
If 20,000 people. A such as refrigerators and truck tires are der passes through a port designed to hold
0 up to 300,000 peo- removed from the dump -truck pile before back some of the waste mix to inoculate
require 10 WASTE- wastes are loaded into the WASTE- the next batch. The fine ground product
nodules, which could DIGESTER cylinder. But it is also possible in chamber 3 is finally released by gravity
)yed to reduce trans- to combine the cylinder module with var- through a port as the cylinder revolves.
ally it 60% of to- ious types of devices that separate mu- After the product is conveyed to the Trom-
cos' or could be nicipal solid wastes to a greater degree mel screen and further refined, it is al-
a v.,...,te treatment prior to loading the WASTE- DIGESTER lowed to stabilize in open storage for about
STER's modular de- system. More extensive refining of the fi- two weeks (as is also true of product pro -
:he needs of large or nal product can also be achieved by add- duced by other composting systems).
ing phases to the Trommel screen for the WASTE- DIGESTER reduces a centuries -
purpose of manufacturing pellets or bri- old- process of composting provided by
quets for burning fuel. nature from many months to a few days.
.9
LOW TECHNOLOGY, LOW COST GENERATES HEAT
Because WASTE- DIGESTER is a low WASTE- DIGESTER system generates
technology system, its initial investment, heat during the composting process in
operating and maintenance costs are low each of the three compartments. This heat
(approximately 1 /5 the cost of an inciner- is an autothermogenic product of the bac-
ating system). Highly trained operators are terial oxidation and mineralization of the
not required. Most maintenance can be substrate in the digester. This bacterial
accomplished with simple hand tools. breakdown also reduces the mass in the
Simple monitoring devices, a tempera- digester by about one -half.
ture gauge and an insertable wand for
measuring interior gas content, are the only Chamber 1 —the intake chamber —gen-
devices necessary to determine the con- erates heat up to 135 °F
dition of the composting process in each Chamber 2 increases the temperature of
processing chamber. Since the WASTE- waste from the intake chamber up to about
DIGESTER SYSTEM generates heat, in 140 °F
states that require a building enclosure,
little additional heating would be neces Wastes in Chamber 3 have been reduced
sary during cold months. to about 50% of their original weight. Heat
level in chamber 3 is also reduced to about
135 °F The material moves through the
three chambers in three days, spending
one day in each chamber. The tempera-
tures are continually 135 °F or higher, thus
meeting EPA (Environmental Protection
Agency) requirements for further reduc-
tion of pathogens.
The fine ground humus produced in the
WASTE- DIGESTER composting system
has the look and feel of good dark soil.
The waste mix is converted to this useful
. humus as it is continuously ground and
agitated in the three chambers of the sys-
..w tem and further refined in the Trommel
screen. A new batch of waste is loaded
for processing only after the following steps
have been completed. First, chamber #3
ii,
is emptied and contents are transferred to
the Trommel screen. Waste mix in cham-
ber #2 is then transferred to chamber #3,
and the waste mix in chamber #1 is trans-
ferred to chamber #2. At that point a new
batch of waste can be loaded into cham-
ber #1 of the WASTE- DIGESTER.
[1
WASTE PROCESSING CORPORATION
One Appletree Square, Suite 961 • Bloomington, MN 55420
Telephone: (612) 854 -8666
36
4� r 1 7 —
•
I f : \ \ I ' ; A 1 ( � 11 1111 K P , 6 1+ - II L G � -
MINNESOTA'S GARBAGE PROBLEM
Each of us produces an average of four pounds
of garbage a day. This may not seem like
much. However, when it is added to the trash
from manufacturers, service businesses,
schools and government offices, the total
amounts to between three and four million - `�
tons of garbage each year. That's enough to" •
_
fill a convoy of garbage trucks, five
abreast, from Lake of the Floods to the Iowa t'=
border. 1 -Q ,..
Where does all this garbage go? And more
Jv au
importantly, where will it go next year and
after that? _ -
DUMPS: PROBLEMS OF THE PAST
For years, garbage was disposed of in open dumps where rats and flies thrived
on the uncovered refuse. These dumps were often located in swamplands and
sinkholes where they polluted surface water and ground water. Open burning,
common at most dumps, polluted the air as well.
LANDFILLS: A FIRST STEP
Most of Minnesota's 1,200 open dumps have been closed and replaced with about
130 landfills. Landfills are an improvement over dumps because the refuse is
covered each day to control pests and fires. Proper design and operation of
landfills reduces the amount of water that seeps through buried garbage and
becomes contaminated with chemicals and organic materials in the trash. When
landfills are poorly located, designed and operated, more water seeps in and is
contaminated. At least one third of Minnesota's landfills are known to be
leaking contaminants into the ground water.
Our existing landfills are filling up fast, and many will run out of room in the
next five years. New sites are difficult to find because areas with the best
soil and drainage for landfilling are also good for farming. Most Minnesotans
also oppose the development of new landfills . . . at least in their
neighborhoods. Unfortunately, we can not reduce our use of valuable property as
landfills until we begin using alternatives for getting rid of our garbage.
Landfills have been widely used because they appear to be an inexpensive way to
dispose of our garbage -- about S10 a ton. However, this cost is artificially
cheap because it only includes the dumping fee haulers pay at the landfill. The
bill'for landfilling rises to $75 a ton when collecting, hauling and burying the
garbage properly are added in. It increases to more than S90 a ton when the
"hidden costs" of long -term monitoring and cleanup of ground water are included.
In most cases, we are not yet paying these hidden costs of landfilling.
March, 1935
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
ALTERNATIVES TO LANDFILLS: READY FOR THE NEXT STEP
Fortunately, Minnesotans do not have to simply rccept the hiyh cost and
environmental risks of widespread landfilling. There are four environmentally
safer alternatives to landfills, each costing less or ahout the same as the true
cost of burying our garbage:
Waste Reduction is simply creating less garage by using fewer throw-away items
end reusing some wastes. Up to 3% of the state's garbage (about 100,000 tons)
could -be eliminated using techniques such as reusing office paper as scratch
paper, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, and not buying disposable products.
Besides reducing the amount of garbage going to landfills, taste reduction saves
consumers money when they buy reusable products and returnable containers and
avoids the disposal costs for throw-away items. For more information, see the
MPCA's Waste Reduction fact sheet.
Recycling is separating items in our garbage which can be reused or reclaimed.
Recycling can be practiced in homes, offices, restaurants, schools and any other
place that has garbage. Glass, metal, paper, motor oil and other recyclables
are collected and used to make new products. Recycling could reduce Minnesota's
landfilling of garbage as much as 20% by weight. Recycling also can lower the
cost of manufacturing new products and can conserve energy and natural
resources. For more information, see the MPCA's Recycling fact sheet.
Composting is a method for reusing leaves, grass clippings, vegetable scraps and
other organic wastes. Naturally occurring microorganisms decompose these wastes
into a compost that can be used on yards, gardens and fields as a soil
conditioner and fertilizer. Composting can be done in backyard compost piles,
in community compost centers or in high - technology "composterrs" that decompose
the organic wastes of an entire city. Cornposting could eliminate 20% o 60% of
the state's garbage, by weight. For more information, see the MPCA's r posting
fact sheet.
Waste -to- Energy Incineration is burning garbage to produce electricity or steam
heat and to reduce the total volume of the waste. In some systems, glass and
metal are removed for recycling, but most incinerators burn some recyclable
materials, such as paper and cardboard. The ash and unburnable wastes from
incinerators are usually landfilled. Even the carefully controlled incineration
of garbage can produce air pollution that must be controlled by special
equipment. By weight, 35% to 60% of the state's garbage could be eliminated by
incineration. For more information, see the MPCA's Waste -to- Energy Incineration
fact sheet.
Together, these four alternatives can potentially remove or reuse up to 80% of
Minnesota's garbage. Landfills would still be needed for incinerator ash and
for wastes that could not be recycled, composted or burned; however, burying our
garbage would be the last choice rather than the first.
Everyone contributes to our growing pile of garbage. These landfill
alternatives will shrink that pile if we all make the corTj tment to use them --
and to break the landfill habit.
MORE INFORMATION
Contact your county solid waste office or the nearest Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency office for more information:
Twin Cities - 612/296 -7373 Detroit Lakes - 218/847 -1519
Duluth - 218/723 -4660 Marshall - 507/537 -7146
Brainerd - 218 /828 -2492 Rochester - 507/285 -7343
3
- -� rt -- �_ :. CO COMPOSTING k I k- ,
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.:-.7,X, ( li 1 \ - '--. :-. _
.� Minnesota throws array more than
' ' � � ' 4 million tons of garbage each year.
/V r= Almost all of this solid taste is
"-'j "'". buried in the State's 131 landfills.
-� , • X -s i.,
Even though they reduced the fire A4. : 1 and rodent problems that plagued
, l; ;4 �' . open dumps, landfills can pollute
�.•. - - -_ - ,, - - .-f41-1>t/ •
ground water with the small
_ �`-� quantities of hazardous chemicals
present in buried household,
business and industrial trash.
Approximately 70 percent of all municipal solid waste is comprised of organic
wastes such as food wastes, wood, and yard wastes. When buried, decaying
organic wastes can increase the seepage of chemical contaminants into ground
water. However, these same wastes can become a valuable resource when they are
separated from other trash and composted.
In a process called co-composting, sewage sludge from wastewater treatment
facilities is mixed with a community's municipal solid waste. Prior to mixing
with sludge, the solid waste is shredded into two inch diameter pieces. Natural
organisms then decompose these two wastes into a rich, earthy compost.
Inorganics such as plastics, metal, and glass are then screened out of the
compost mechanically. This finished compost can be mixed into croplands to
improve plant root growth, to loosen heavy soils and to hold water and nutrients
where plants can use them.
To be effective, co- composting projects need markets and uses for the finished
compost. Typically, this compost has been used on mine reclamation sites, on
croplands, at tree nurseries, at tree farms and poultry farms for bedding.
Three methods are commonly used to convert sewage sludge and solid waste into
co- compost including:
• The windrow method combines shredded solid wastes with sewage sludge and piles
them in long rows. Special machinery turns the compost in the row, mixing it
to add oxygen. Non- organic materials are then screened out to make the
compost ready for marketing.
• The aerated pile method uses air pumps and perforated piping to draw air into
piles of mixed sewage sludge and shredded solid waste. The pumping provides
oxygen for composting, so the ?il s need no turning. Non- organics are
screened out of the compost to make , final product.
• The enclosed vessel method uses high- technology equipment to compost sewage
sludge and shredded solid wastes in an enclosed area with ideal amounts of
heat, moisture and oxygen for rapid decomposition. A large rotating drum or
an auger mixes the wastes as they decompose. Screening equipment is used to
remove inorganics such as plastics, glass, and metals.
( )/N
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL ROL AGENCY ` l! , "
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3_3
-2-
Co- composting projects allow communities to convert both municipal •olid waste
and sewage sludge into a valuable product. These projects al 'o hel p to reduce
Minnesota's overall dependency on landfills, since co- composting ,lone can handle
as much as 80 percent of a community's solid waste stream. If co composting is
used as part of a comprehensive system that includes taste reduction, recycling,
yard waste composting and waste -to- energy incineration, it is estimated that up
to 90 percent of Minnesota's garbage could be removed.
. ___. ___ . _ ____,
For more information in your community contact:
t
Or the MPCA: Metropolitan Area (612/296- 7373); Duluth Regional Office
(218/723- 4660); Brainerd Regional Office (218/828- 2492); P,tiLit Lakes
Regional Office (218/847- 1519); Marshall Regional Office (501/537- 7146);
Rochester Regional Office (507/285 -7343)
•
3 4 / .
N . •
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3
WASTE PROCESSING CORPORATION
One Appletree Square, Suite 961
Bloomington, MN 55420 612- 854 -8666
THE PROCESS
FOR ORGANIC WASTE MATERIALS
THE BASIC PRINCIPLE
The process speeds up natural bio- conversion of organic
matter by creating optimum conditions for phenominal growth
of the same micro- organisms which are essential to provide
optimum nutrient uptake.
THE PROCESS
1. Municipal garbage from collection packer trucks can be
dumped directly into the receiving hopper without pre-
grinding. Garbage is pushed into compartment #1 by ram.
Liquid sewage sludge (95 to 97% moisture) is pumped in
from a holding tank. Daily loading occurs in about
one hour to each digester.
2. Fully enclosed Digester is quiet - no odor, fly or
rat problems. No air, water or soil pollution.
3. Digester rotates slowly, mixing and breaking up garbage.
Rotation is accomplished with very low energy.
4. First Compartment: Thermophilic micro - organisms multi-
plying to billions per gram of digesting material in
addition to hot preconditioned air, heat the compartment.
Retention time - 24 hours.
5. Second Compartment: Material transferred into this
compartment via automatic rotation system leaving
10 - 15% behind for culture. Retention time - 24 hours.
6. Third Compartment: Material transferred from second
compartment leaving 10 to 15% behind for culture.
Retention time - 24 hours.
7. Discharge: Rotation is speeded up to discharge from
compartment #3 to a coarse screen which separates the
non bio - degradable items, such as cans, rags, etc.
3
- 2 -
"Tailings" amount to about 30% of garbage input by
volume. It can be easily ground to small volume and
dumped into landfill.
8. Permanent Microbial Culture: The original culture is
self -- perpetuated by leaving a residue in each compart-
ment as the transfer occurs.
9. Internal Atmosphere: Air pumped into the compartment #3
of the digester becomes conditioned with an increase in
carbon dioxide to about 10%, thus creating optimum cli-
mate for growth of microbial flora necessary for fast
bio- conversion.
10. Extremely Low Operating Costs: Elimination of expensive
grinders, pumpers and pulverizers means low energy and
maintenance costs. An 11 ft. x 120 ft. digester can
be rotated by a 90 hp motor, using only 10 hp for
operating rotation and 35 hp for loading and discharge
speeds.
11. Low Capital Costs: Because of simplicity of design,
capital costs are modest. A single unit combining bio-
conversion of both garbage and sewage sludge in one
operation costs about the same as a single purpose
resource to energy facility.
12. Digester sizes up to 50 tons per day garbage capacity
and 40 tons of sewage sludge are feasible. System is
practical for both large and small communities.
13. The End Product: Organic compost enhances soil ferti-
lity by several orders of magnitude. Agricultural soils
in the entire United States are losing organic matter
to an alarming degree.
- Compost is highly water retentive
- Organic nutrients, unlike water soluble chemical
fertilizers, do not leach polluting nitrates into
water and food supplies.
-One hundred pounds of compost with NPK nutrient
value of 1 -1 -1 represents more fertilizing value
than 10 pounds of water soluble chemical 10 -10 -10
at far less cost and, in addition, adds the vital
soil - conditioning organic matter.
14. Dr. Barry Commoner, biologist, ecologist, educator and
"professor with a class of millions" to quote the New
York Times, wrote as follows in his book "The Closing
Circle" (Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1971):
"If the United States is to survive economically as
well as biologically, industry, agriculture and
transportation will have to meet the inescapable
demands of the ecosystem. This will require the
development of major technologies, including systems
to return sewage and garbage directly to the soil"
_3�
WASTE PROCESSING CORPORATION
(1) has the financial base, acumen and corporate capability to
assist a community in financing a co- composting facility.
(2) has the scientific /technical staff necessary for the design
and operation of a safe, efficient and reliable facility.
(3) has the engineering staff on hand to develop a working syst-
em designed specifically for a community, plus immediate ac-
cess to already- designed peripheral separatory, monitoring,
and handling equipment necessary for a total system.
(4) has the experienced staff capable of expediting the politic-
al implementation of such a system within a community.
(5) has, in conjunction with community processes, the ability to
conduct research on the marketability of end- products for
contractual assurances.
(6) has the commitment to work closely with all concerned govern-
mental agencies to assure compliance with all relative legis-
lative, environmental and local concerns.
(7) has on hand staff persons certified in land application pro-
cedures sometimes necessary to dispose of unmarketed products.
(8) has on hand staff persons certified in landfill operations
to assure proper management of any site required for possible
unmarketed products.
(9) has on hand an extensive and comprehensive library available,
upon request, to anyone wishing further information on any
area of composting, recycling, reduction and several other
areas of waste management.
(10)has an on -going educational policy for presentations to com-
munities and other interested entities or groups interested
in recycling and waste management or related information.
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