Large-Scale Composting

Methods

• Large-scale composting needs specially adapted methods to handle the sheer bulk of material. These methods include passive piling, which heaps compost materials, covers the heaps and then allows them to decompose on their own. Windrow composting places premixed materials in long, narrow rows and agitates them regularly. Static piles are heaps of compost supplied with air via embedded pipes, and in-vessel methods place materials in contained areas--like buildings or industrial containers--and then use different mechanical turning and forced aeration techniques.

Site Characteristics

• According to the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, large-scale composting facilities should be built on slightly sloped land in soil that packs down well and not on flood plains. They should also have convenient access to utilities and power machinery and be shaped in a rectangle or square for optimal efficiency.

Materials

• Large-scale composting facilities can process materials the backyard gardener should not, such as agricultural products like manure as well as sewage sludge and municipal solid wastes. Large-scale composting allows materials like this to avoid landfills or other facilities that would not decompose them as rapidly.