Boulder County Colorado CASE STUDY

Nederland Transfer Station, operated by Boulder County in Colorado, was searching for a composting solution in this remote mountainous community. Goals included reducing the amount of food waste going to landfills, reducing the transportation costs of food waste collected by the county, improving the efficiency of the composting process with minimal labor and producing high value compost that can be an additional county revenue source.

The remote wilderness location of the transfer station also required the solution to be non-disruptive to the scenic landscape and natural environment while also being “bear proof” and immune from other wildlife. Because of the very cold winters in this region, they needed a composting system that would be able to operate through the severe winter weather conditions.

By reducing landfill waste and recycling food waste into valuable compost, Boulder County wanted to make a positive contribution to a healthier ecosystem in this mountainous region by promoting responsible waste management practices. Their initiative aimed to foster community involvement in sustainable gardening and education about composting, ultimately leading to a more environmentally-conscious public.

GMT provided a robust composting system that met all of Boulder County’s requirements, the Earth Flow IM20 to the Nederland Transfer Station. The enclosed automated composting system is specifically designed to withstand the cold, windy conditions typical of this mountainous area. This solution not only accommodates the elements but also integrates seamlessly into the landscape, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing experience for residents who visit to drop off their recyclables and food scraps.

GMT's Earth Flow composting solution offers exceptional durability and animal (including bear) resistance, which are crucial for a facility located just outside Rocky Mountain National Park and frequented by wildlife. Additionally, the Earth Flow will alleviate burdens related to hauling waste from challenging mountainous terrain—especially in snowy conditions—while keeping valuable resources within the community where they are generated.

By implementing the GMT Earth Flow, the Nederland Transfer Station will not only reduce waste disposal costs (and particularly transport costs) but also enhance revenue potential through the sale of premium compost. This innovative solution will attract more residents to the facility, thereby increasing both community engagement and the economic value of local resources.

The maximum capacity of this 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow composting system is about 30,000 lbs per month of food scraps and 30,000 lbs per month of wood chip or other carbon rich bulking agent media, such as shredded landscape scraps.

The finished compost will be utilized for local projects within the county and is planned for distribution to local gardeners, enhancing soil health and promoting sustainable gardening practices in the community. This high-quality compost will provide participants with the nutrients needed for their gardens, reinforcing the importance of local food production.