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MICROBE- LIFT Technology Speeds Compost Processing & Reduces Odor while Producing Higher Quality Compost, Donegal, United Kingdom - Case Study
Location: Enviro Grind Ltd, Pettigo Co., Donegal, United Kingdom
Background:
Situated in South Donegal, Enviro Grind is a waste recycling company that has diversified into the reprocessing of organic waste streams. Enviro Grind operates an ABP Category 3 approved in-vessel composting facility and takes in feedstock including catering industry waste, pre and post food processing waste, fish and shellfish processing waste, some sludge material and green/garden waste.
Odor is often a problem in composting, but with the diversity of feedstock this was reaching a level where even the odor control technology employed on-site was ineffective. Recent growth in business had meant that the plant was also operating at full capacity and any change to the process was going to result in significant investment. Finally, being an ABP Category 3 site, any change to the process must not have a negative impact on the temperature profile of the process.
Objective:
In an effort to reduce odor being generated, Enviro Grind initiated a trial of MICROBE-LIFT® core technology. Enviro Grind applied the recommended dosage of bacteria directly to the incoming waste. With a broad spectrum of bacteria being introduced at the start of the process, the aim was expanded to not only reduce the odor, but also speed up the process to reduce the strain on capacity.
Results achieved:
Within the first six weeks of the program the performance was reviewed and due to the obvious odor reduction, Enviro Grind agreed to continue use for a prolonged period. After a year of use the results are clear:
- Odors are significantly reduced.
- Organic breakdown is improved.
- The operation process has been stabilized.
- The compost is dryer, and, as a result, screening is easier.
- All of the above have led to an increase in capacity.
Most importantly, all this has been achieved without any negative impacts on the process, or output, that could affect the ABP Category 3 status.
Martin Eves, Managing Director of Enviro Grind comments: "The addition of the MICROBE-LIFT® technology product has removed inconsistencies from the active composting phase, thus reducing processing time and improving the quality of compost produced". For more information on Enviro Grind Ltd, visit www.envirogrindltd.com or call +353 7198 61772.