As awareness grows about the benefits of composting organic materials, composting facilities are appearing in many cities around the world. These facilities may vary widely from city to city. For example, a composting facility may accept a wide range of materials, or it may be relatively selective on what it will convert to compost. In addition, the method of composting may vary from composting facility to facility. These methods can include a static pile method, an aerated window method, and a fully enclosed method.
In many areas, a composting facility is given a certain class or certification. The class indicates what materials it will accept and convert into compost. The class may depend on the laws of the area, the needs of the people, or the demands for compost.
In some cases, a composting facility will take an extraordinarily wide range of materials. It is not unusual for such a facility to take everything from lawn waste to animal waste. It may accept vegetables, fruit, grains, meat, and dairy products. Some even take carcasses from wild or farm animals.
In the alternative, some facilities are very limited as to what they will accept. For example, a composting facility may only accept lawn waste. If it only takes lawn waste, it may take sawdust, cardboard, and newspapers as well.
Most composting facilities can be categorized by the methods they use to create the compost. For example, if a composting facility uses the static pile method, then the materials used in the compost are monitored for proper moisture and density levels. With the ideal moisture and density levels maintained, a static pile facility does not need to turn its compost. In some cases, air may need to be blown into the pile to keep it healthy.
Another method used by some facilities is the aerated window method. This type of composting facility uses a high quantity of materials added to an aerated space. The materials are turned occasionally by industrial strength blades on powerful equipment.
One of the last and most efficient types of composting is the enclosed method. An enclosed space is controlled and specific temperature, moisture, and air levels are maintained. As a result of these optimal conditions, compost can be created quickly.
Scientists are continuously studying different ways to make compost. As a result, in years to come, new types of composting facilities may be available. In addition, it is important to remember that not all compost needs to be created at a facility. It is easy to make compost in a backyard or even on a small patio; all it takes is the right organic materials and a little time.
