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A waste management company in West Sussex claims to have
found the solution to composting in hot weather.
For the last 18 months, Chichester-based Woodhorn Group Ltd
has been working with composting technology firm GOC Technologies
using a special process that adds nutrients to organic waste
being treated. The company said GOC's "506" system keeps
the composting process moist without having to resort to the
use of extra water in hot weather.
The process involves a combination of amino acids, nucleic
acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins and natural carbohydrates
which help micro-organisms to break down the organic waste.
Maidstone-based GOC says the process works best when the compost
is not disrupted too often by turning the windrow.
The Woodhorn Group, which produces 20,000 tonnes of green
waste a year, said those composters that have experienced
problems during the recent heatwave may have flaws in their
existing operating practices. The drought has forced many
composters in the UK to pump more water onto the compost and
turn windrows more frequently.
John Pitts, managing director of The Woodhorn Group said
- "Our windrows are moist and moisture levels have fluctuated
marginally, despite the long warm spell. We’ve used our normal
watering regime throughout this period. Since incorporating
506, our watering needs have been greatly reduced. Maximum
temperatures in our windrows during this intense heat are
as normal."
David Moyce, managing director of GOC Technologies warned
composters - "Turning windrows too frequently merely releases
many of the things you want to retain - volatilising nutrients,
odour and moisture - as well as carbon dioxide. All of the
steam released during turning is moisture that the microbes
need to survive and reproduce."
The Woodhorn Group began its relationship with GOC as part
of an odour management programme, but has seen a variety of
additional benefits - including decreased operating costs,
fewer rejects and the achievement of the PAS 100 standard
for its final product.
The GOC "506" process is approved by both the Soil Association
and the Organic Farmers and Growers Association.
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