Biosolids, the processed solids from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, are renewable resources. This means they can be safely returned to the soil. Composting is the process by which these orgnic materials decompose into into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner; and SYNAGRO helps facilities manage this process efficiently and economically.
Biosolids can be recycled alone or in combin ation with other renewable resources, including:
- Yard trimmings
- Leaves
- Food wastes
Not only does this make economic sense, but it also allows communities to divert recyclable organics from landfill disposal in order to meet recycling mandates.
Synagro composting professionals produce a humus-like material with a balance of organic matter and nutrients necessary for fertile soil and healthy plant growth by accelerating the natural biological decomposition process. The compost can be screened and blended into a variety of finished, saleable products for home, nursery, landscape and other uses.
Composting gives you:
- Flexibility to process a variety of organic materials
- Low fuel requirements
- Consumer friendly products
- Greater public acceptance through a green image
The EPA promotes the beneficial use of these materials, and stringent regulations have been scientifically developed to ensure safe biosolids recycling. By providing a method for using these organic materials to benefit the environment, Synagro’s composting services are an integral part of sound resource management.
What Composting Processes Does Synagro Use?
Synagro offers total turnkey services for the three primary composting methods, all of which produce a safe, high quality product:
- Windrow composting takes place in linear piles as organic material is blended, then turned at regular intervals to provide aeration. This is the simplest compost process, having the lowest level of process control and requiring very little inputs (e.g. electricity, etc.).
- In Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting, piles of blended organic waste materials remain stationary throughout the process and are aerated by a circulation system. ASP composting offers more process controls than windrow composting, reducing stabilization time and that land area required for a site. Process air pulled through the active composting piles can be directed to odor control equipment such as a biofilter.
- In-vessel composting processes use an automated, fully enclosed system that mechanically agitates and aerates blended organic materials in concrete bays. In-vessel composting features maximum process control and is generally preferred where site selection dictates maximum odor control and where weather conditions warrant an indoor composting process.
Controlling process odors is the key to operating a successful composting facility. Synagro accomplishes this goal through proper facility siting, design, and operation. Maintaining aerobic conditions during composting, as well as directing process air through scrubbers and/or biofilters when appropriate ensures that our facilities do not create nuisance conditions in communities where we operate.
We are the largest marketer of biosolids-based compost products in the nation – moving over 500,000 cubic yards of compost for our customers.
Synagro will:
- Design, Build, and Operate or Design, Build, Own, and Operate a new facility for your organic residuals;
- Operate your existing compost facility, including making any necessary capital upgrades (e.g. converting from windrow to aerated static pile);
- Buy your facility and operate it for you.
Or, if you’re located in California, come to one of our regional composting facilities:
- Central Valley Compost (Fresno/Central CA areas)
- South Kern Compost Manufacturing Facility (Southern CA)
- Corona Regional Composting Facility (Southern CA)
- Arizona Soils (Arizona, NM, NV, Southern CA and more distant areas)
Learn more about our residuals composting services by calling 800.370.0035 for a representative, or by e-mailing info@synagro.com.
