The Deal with Composting
Commercial Composting
It all begins in the kitchen. Receptacles are placed in strategic locations to conveniently capture organic materials and keep it seperate from recyclables and trash.
From the receptacles, compostable materials are transported to 64-gallon Toter carts that are kept in the dumpster/loading dock area. Danny's Dumpster collects the material up to three times per week to decrease odor and vermin problems.
Our carts are kept clean by washing or lining them with a compostable liner. The compostable waste is then transported to Crowell Farms, a local commercial compost processing facility.
Residential Composting
Changes are being made to our residential services. Please call (828) 380-9094 for more information.
The Composting Process
Compost facilities use a recipe of both dry (woodchips) and wet (food and grease trap) materials. Dry materials absorb moisture and wet materials make the composting process work. The materials are mixed and turned regularly. When properly “cooked”, the mixture is sent through a screener to separate out large materials that need further composting. The finished product is then sold back to the community for use in farms and gardens, and the process begins again.
Interested in a more detailed explanation?
Composting is a natural biological process - Organic matter is metabolized by micro-organisms and consumed by invertebrates. The resulting nutrients are returned to the soil. Temperature is directly proportional to the biological activity within the piles. As the metabolic rate of the microbes accelerates, the temperature within the pile increases. These microorganisms thrive in temperatures between 130-155 degrees. Temperatures must be monitored and often reduced by the introduction of more oxygen through turning the piles of composting material. If temperatures get too high it will kill the micro-organisms that facilitate the breakdown.
Examples of Compostable Materials
1) Food Scraps
All pre– and post-consumer food, including...
· Dairy (including egg shells)
· Fruit (including pits & nuts)
· Meat (including bones)
· Seafood (including shellfish)
· Vegetables
· Coffee grounds
2) Soiled Paper
· Paper cups & plates
· Paper take-out
· Paper bags, napkins, tissues & towels
· Coffee filters & paper tea bags
· Waxy paper drink cartons (no foil liner)
· Waxed cardboard
3) Compostable Plastics
Anything labeled “compostable”, including...
· Plastic utensils, plastics cups, plastic dishes, plastic bags
To learn more about the composting process, call (828) 380-9094.