Odor Free Compost Systems

BioCycle Magazine

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BioCycle Magazine’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition, April 2009

REGIONAL ROUNDUP section, page 16:

American Fork, Utah
REDUCING ODORS FROM HUMANURE COMPOSTING

Utah Valley’s north sewer district, which currently composts biosolids with chipped yard trimmings in outdoor windrows, is conducting a pilot project to consider upgrading its operation. The facility produces 30,000 cy of finished compost per year, sold at $20.00/cy, and uses the $500,000/year in revenue to help keep sewer feed down, However, odors have been an issue.

For the pilot study, Utah Valley shipped tons of biosolids to Salt Lake Valley, where it is being composted using an existing Managed Organic Recycling (MOR) aeration and cover system. Tests are measuring the ability of the system to both reduce odors and expedite composting time. Odors are measured under the compost cover and above to determine how much is mitigated. Finished compost from the pilot will remain at the Salt Lake City facility.

If proven to successfully reduce odors and composting time, Utah Valley is considering installing a similar MOR System at its facility, which would cost up to $2 million.