Outback composting

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Wangaratta, AU - Organics plant (1840)

First to achieve EPA approval

The Wangaratta Organics Facility, situated in Wangaratta—a city in the northeast of Victoria, Australia—implemented cutting-edge covered compost bunker technology, and commenced operations in June 2021. This innovative system, imported from Canada and the U.S.A., revolutionizes the treatment of food and garden waste. The facility, the first of its kind approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), represents a pioneering effort in the region, enhancing renewable resources by diverting household and garden organic waste from landfills and transforming it into valuable compost.

Introduction

Composting is a sustainable practice that contributes to waste reduction, soil enrichment, and resource recovery. The Wangaratta Organics Facility aims to address these goals through its state-of-the-art composting process. In this technical document, we delve into the key components of the facility, focusing on the covered compost bunker technology and associated systems.

Key Features

Covered Compost Bunker Technology

The heart of the Wangaratta Organics Facility lies in its covered compost bunkers. These bunkers provide an enclosed environment for the composting process, ensuring optimal conditions for decomposition. Here are the salient features:

Airfloor® Aeration System:
- Developed by Bioworks, the Airfloor® aeration and leachate collection system plays a pivotal role in efficient composting. It facilitates aerobic metabolism by supplying essential oxygen to the composting material. Additionally, it aids in moisture removal, maintaining the ideal moisture content throughout the process.
- Since its introduction in 2004, the proprietary and patented Airfloor® technology has consistently delivered effective and odor-free composting results.
Leachate Collection System:
- Integrated with the Airfloor®, the leachate collection system prevents the accumulation of excess moisture within the compost bunkers. It ensures proper drainage and is an important odor control component.

ePTFE Compost Covers

The facility employs ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) compost covers, a breakthrough technology developed by Managed Organics Recycling (M.O.R.) in North America and produced by Stedfast—with an enviable manufacturing track of over 90 years. The covers serve multiple purposes:

VOC Emission Control:
- The ePTFE membrane covers, manufactured by Stedfast—a renowned leader in specialized coated and laminated protective barriers—achieve over 90% control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This significantly reduces environmental impact and enhances air quality.
Odor Mitigation:
- By effectively containing odors, the covers create a pleasant working environment for facility staff and minimize community nuisance.
Moisture Regulation:
- The permeable micropore structure of the StedAir® membrane allows moisture to escape while still providing a rain cover. This balance ensures optimal composting conditions.

Cover Winder

To streamline operations, Bioworks collaborated with M.O.R. to design and supply a cover winder. This mechanical system facilitates the handling and winding of the large ePTFE compost covers during installation and removal.

Monitoring and Control

The system incorporates oxygen and temperature sensors to monitor critical parameters. Maintaining optimal oxygen levels and temperature throughout the composting process ensures efficient decomposition and minimizes odor generation.

Conclusion

The Wangaratta Organics Facility exemplifies the successful fusion of Canadian and American composting technologies. By harnessing covered compost bunkers, ePTFE covers, and meticulous monitoring, the facility sets a new standard for sustainable waste management in the region. Wangaratta’s long-term planning and commitment to resource recovery and environmental stewardship serves as a model for similar initiatives in Australia and worldwide.