Just outside Wangaratta, a city nestled in the northeast of Victoria, Australia, stands the new Wangaratta Organics Facility. This facility, which began operations in June 2021, boasts an innovative approach to waste management in Australia: covered compost bunker technology imported from Canada and the U.S.A. The first such facility to be approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), it marks a bold step forward in transforming food and garden waste into valuable compost.

Composting isn’t just about waste reduction; it’s a sustainable practice that enriches soil and recovers valuable resources. The Wangaratta Organics Facility embodies these principles through its state-of-the-art composting process. Let’s take a closer look at the core components that make this facility truly exceptional.

At the heart of the operation are the covered compost bunkers. These bunkers create an optimal environment for decomposition, ensuring the best possible conditions for the composting process. Developed by Bioworks, the Airfloor® Aeration System plays a crucial role. This system not only supplies essential oxygen to the composting material but also removes excess moisture.

Integrated with the Airfloor® system is a leachate collection system, preventing moisture buildup and ensuring proper drainage, thereby controlling odors effectively. But what truly sets this facility apart is its use of StedAIR® micropore compost covers. Developed by Managed Organics Recycling (M.O.R.) and manufactured by Stedfast, these covers are a game-changer.

These covers not only control volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, reducing environmental impact and enhancing air quality but also mitigate odors, improving environmental conditions for staff and neighbors alike. Additionally, their permeable structure allows moisture to escape while providing essential cover, ensuring optimal composting conditions.

To streamline operations, Bioworks team designed and supplied a cover winder, simplifying the handling and maintenance of the covers. Finally, the facility employs sophisticated monitoring and control systems, ensuring that critical parameters such as oxygen levels and temperature are maintained for efficient decomposition and minimal odor generation.

In conclusion, the Wangaratta Organics Facility is a testament to the successful fusion of Canadian and American composting technologies. Its innovative approach sets a new standard for sustainable waste management, not just in the region but globally. Wangaratta’s commitment to long-term planning and environmental stewardship serves as an inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future down under.

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