Site Planning

Each municipality will have unique challenges and opportunities in developing a composting site. Here are some of the factors that should be used in evaluating potential sites:

If a site has one or more of the following issues, it may not be a suitable site: Previous failure of site (odor complaints, regulatory non-compliance, fire) Neighborhood concerns/political challenges about noise, traffic, odors, proximity Incorrectly zoned Located in a floodplain No access to water Inadequate access roads Unbuildable soils … Read more

A critical component in developing a facility is understanding how many tons per year (TPY) will need to be processed. This number is found from conducting waste audits and waste composition studies. With that number in hand, the following variables will be helpful in determining a site’s capacity: Parcel size … Read more

Once an appropriate site has been selected, the following objectives should be prioritized when designing the site: Minimize the amount of material handling, traffic equipment crossing paths and vehicle bottlenecks Ensure separate areas for clean and contaminated materials – clean materials should be sited uphill of new feedstocks/unfinished materials to … Read more

Rainfall (on-site and run-on), stormwater (from structures and feedstock contact) and process water (leachate, wash water) must all be managed both as a resource and a liability. Read the Cornell Article on Water Protection on our Partners Page under Site Planning.

Odor issues are a leading cause of facility closures. Understanding the sources of potential odors and designing processes for odor control and mitigation are critical to the success of the facility. See the webinar and Ohio EPA guide to Odor Control on our Partners Page for site planning. Listen to … Read more

Regulations regarding compost production vary from state to state; however, many of them follow related solid waste regulations. These regulations are designed to protect public health, safety and the environment and can be a significant part of a facility’s operating cost. Keep these factors in mind when applying for a … Read more

Most municipalities consult outside engineering firms to design their organics facilities. These businesses can be hired to look at systems, or can be hired to design a chosen system on a site you have already. They will look at your footprint, equipment needed and processing rates to produce end product … Read more