The BioEarth System is a patented technology that uses a low cost containment

vessel with forced aeration, which allows for a high degree of process control for

composting. An elongated plastic bag, up to 14 feet in diameter and up to 350

feet long, forms the containment vessel (Other sizes available to suit project

requirements). Forced aeration, to maintain aerobic conditions, is provided by

supplying air with an electric blower through perforated pipe that runs inside the

full length of the bag.

The raw material to be used as feed stock is placed into the bag with a compost bagging

machine manufactured by Versa Corporation. The basis of the compost

bagger comes from the agriculture related feed storage industry and has been

manufactured in this Country for the last 25 years. Process monitoring can be

kept simple or can be as high technology as the project requires. In essence,

the unique BioEarth System offers a low cost solution with the advantages of

sophisticated in-vessel systems providing a high degree of process control.

Composting is an important process for use in managing waste materials. This

paper is about composting with the BioEarth System. The information contained

herein is based on hands-on experience and information made available as a

result of decades of research and testing of composting different materials with

numerous processes.

This paper is intended to serve as an information source for interested parties

and users of the BioEarth System.

Landfills throughout the United States continue to be filled at an alarming rate,

increasing the attention given to solid waste problems. New legislation has

resulted in fewer landfills and has greatly increased the cost of landfilling in

many areas. Decision-makers are focusing their attention on recycling and

composting to help divert material from landfills. The following chart shows that

compostable organic material (including yard waste and non recycled paper)

makes up 47% of the typical waste stream. Many States have already banned

yard waste from landfills. Besides the material normally included in the solid

waste, other compostable organic material, such as stable waste from race

tracks, zoos and State Fairs are often available for composting.

The result has been for composting projects to spring up throughout the country.

Composting is a logical choice for the conversion of organic matter to a useful

product. Not only does composting reduce material volume through natural

biological action, but it also produces a product that enhances soil structure,

benefiting new growth.

The rash of new composting projects has ushered in a new set of problems,

including odor complaints, weather related control problems, leachate control,

blowing debris and high operating costs. Composting is often accomplished by

piling material in windrows and mechanically turned to achieve aerobic

decomposition. However, if the weather does not cooperate, control of the

process is difficult, if not impossible.

Composting is a natural form of recycling that has been occurring since the

beginning of time.

The most desirable composting takes place under aerobic conditions avoiding

the release of obnoxious odors and providing faster decomposition. The end

products of aerobic metabolism of organic material are carbon dioxide, water,

heat and some ammonia.