# Green Mountain Technologies > Composting for a Greener Future Since 1992 > Contact: thepixelpantry@gmail.com ### Posts #### $150M in Grants Available for Qualified Organics-Recycling Projects The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has made more than $150 million in grants available for qualified organics-recycling projects as part of the 2023 “Cycle 7” of this multi-year program. The application deadline for this round is April 20, 2023. At Green Mountain Technologies we want to make sure everyone knows that we are available to assist grant applicants for these programs, by providing detailed information about compost facility design/build costs and specific information about our qualifying In Vessel compost systems like the Earth Flow and the Earth Cube. Learn About Our In-Vessel Compost Systems Explore Our Facility Design Services Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly if you need assistance with a grant application. Just send an email to sales@compostingtechnology.com and let us know what kind of compost system information we can assist you with.  The funding is divided by project type as follows: Project AllocationProject Type$56,549,473Anaerobic Digestion/Co-Digestion Projects$78,411,198Composting Projects$15,000,000Stand-Alone Pre-Processing Projects$5,000,000In-Vessel Composting Projects$154,960,671TOTAL ELIGIBILITY Local governments: Cities, counties, and cities and counties as defined in Public Resources Code section 30109. Regional or local sanitation agencies, waste agencies, or Joint Powers Authorities. Private, for-profit entities.  For purposes of this program, a “private, for-profit entity” is defined as a business intended to operate at a profit and return a profit to its owners.  Private entities must be authorized to conduct business in the State of California, by either being registered with the California Secretary of State as a business located in California, being registered as a foreign (out–of–state or out–of–country) business or processing a business license issued by a California city, county, or city and county. The business must be qualified to do business in California and be in good standing with all applicable California state agencies, including, but not limited to, the Secretary of State and the Franchise Tax Board.  Any and all subsidiaries, divisions or affiliated businesses are considered part of the primary business entity for the purpose of applying for and receiving a grant award under the program.  A business is considered an “affiliated business” if it has at least one owner with a forty (40) percent or greater interest in another applicant business. State agencies (including offices, departments, bureaus, and boards). The University of California campuses, the California State University campuses, or California Community Colleges campuses. Nonprofit organizations (except private schools) registered with the federal government under 501(c)3, (c)4, (c)6 or (c)10 of the Internal Revenue Code. Must be qualified to do business in California and be in good standing with all applicable California state agencies, including being registered and current in the Registry of Charitable Trusts. Qualifying Native American Tribes. A Qualifying Native American Tribes is defined as a Native American tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community, residing within the borders of California, which: is recognized for special programs and services provided by the United States to Native Americans because of the status of its members as Native Americans; or can establish that it is a government entity, and which meets the criteria of the grant program. View the full list of program details on the CalRecycle website or download the Application Guidelines and Instructions. #### 2023 WORC Tilth Conference GMT was a sponsor, exhibitor, and presenter at the annual WORC Tilth Conference in Washington State, Oct 26-28, 2023. One of our new team members, engineer Jasmine Kamdar, enjoyed running GMT’s tradeshow booth and learning from all the presentations and other professionals at the conference. GMT Founder Michael Bryan Brown presented about on-farm composting systems featuring HeyDay Farm, (now re-named as Winney Farm), with farm owner Brian Stahl. GMT gives thanks to the Washington Organics Recycling Council for their leadership and for all the great educational and networking opportunities from this conference! This short video shows how GMT’s Earth Flow composting system works at Winney Farm: #### 33rd Annual Northeast Recycling Conference & Expo RE: 33rd Annual Northeast Recycling Conference & Expo in Manchester, NH on June 9-10, 2014. Michael Bryan-Brown, BSCE, Founder & CEO, Green Mountain Technologies will be presenting: The Case for Community-Based Composting: It seems that the philosophy around municipal composting has tended towards a “bigger is better” approach. The economies of scale associated with large facilities (300K-500K tons per year) are certainly compelling. However, there can be downsides. This presentation offers some fresh ideas for planning our future composting infrastructure: What if larger composting facilities were supported and augmented by smaller composting facilities that are located closer to where the waste is generated? Are there situations when it is preferable to site smaller composting facilities in our communities? This presentation will also include comparisons and examples of different sized municipal composting systems, research into the economic “tipping points” of different sized composting systems, and a sneak-peak into hybrid composting systems. #### 35 Second Rutgers Earth Flow URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/35-second-rutgers-earth-flow/ #### Allwood Recyclers ASP Composting Operator: Allwood RecyclersLocation: Troutdale, ORFeedstock: Green WasteCapacity: 40,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements After many years of composting green waste in a static mass bed, Allwood decided it was time to improve throughput and reduce odor. They wanted a solution that was budget friendly, worked on the existing parcel of land, and could be incorporated into their existing asphalt pad.Our Solution GMT was hired to conduct a feedstock evaluation to assess the effectiveness of Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting at the Allwood facility. After a successful trial, Allwood hired GMT to design a positive only below grade aeration system. GMT designed an 8-zone pipe at grade aeration system, that could be installed into the existing pad. To help save the customer money, GMT worked directly with the clients construction team to cut trenches in the concrete, lay the ducting, and repave the trenches.Learn More About ASP Systems“Green Mountain Technologies has proven their expertise and professionalism, and they are always just a phone call away and offer their assistance promptly. Allwood Recyclers, Inc. was an existing facility for over 20 years prior to working with GMT to design our ASP system…I was very impressed with how they worked with our challenges and made adjustments to their design to make everything work for our facility…I have enjoyed working with the GMT team and would recommend them to anyone looking for a composting system design.” - Mark Wubben, VP of Allwood Recyclers, Inc. Fairview, ORContact Us #### Annen Bros ASP Composting Operator: Annen BrosLocation: Mt. Angel, ORFeedstock: Agricultural, Green, and Food WasteCapacity: 30,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2012Project Components: Facility Design Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Annen Brothers, a third-generation hop farm in Yakima Valley, historically grew and harvested full-vine hops. After securing a USDA NRCS conservation grant, the operation sought to eliminate open-pile disposal of hop vines and instead compost them—along with local dairy manure—to create a high-quality soil amendment. As the hop market shifted, the family decided to retire crop production altogether and convert the facility into a stand-alone commercial composting enterprise. They therefore needed a system that could: Handle a mixed feedstock of hop vines, dairy manure, and—eventually—other commercial green wastes. Meet NRCS grant performance criteria for aeration control, odor management, and nutrient conservation. Fit within the farm’s existing footprint without extensive earthwork or above-grade structures that might trigger additional permitting. Provide real-time process data to satisfy regulatory reporting and guide day-to-day operations as the business scaled up. Our Solution Green Mountain Technologies designed and delivered a below-grade Aerated Static Pile (ASP) Sparger system configured as six independent aeration zones—functionally a large, three-bin layout sized for incremental expansion. Key elements included: Below-grade sparger system, keeping the working surface unobstructed for loaders while reducing visual impact and permitting complexity. Six individually controlled zones to accommodate variable recipes (hop vines : manure ratios) and staggered batch starts, ensuring each zone receives airflow matched to its biological demand. Wired temperature probes (dual depth) in every zone, providing high-resolution data for turn frequency, moisture adjustment, and compliance documentation. WebMACS™ control platform for remote monitoring, data logging, and automated blower modulation based on temperature set-points—meeting NRCS grant requirements for process verification and enabling future integration of oxygen sensors. Together, these components give Annen Brothers a robust, grant-compliant composting system that converts former crop residues and dairy manure into a marketable soil product while positioning the farm for its new role as a regional commercial composter.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Annen Brothers Hop Farm Willamette Valley Oregon: Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) System Near the center of the Willamette Valley in Oregon most of the specialty hops for micro-breweries are grown. One of the most respected hop growers in the area is John Annen of Annen Brothers Farm. Hop producers generally have their own processing factories close to the fields to strip, separate, dry and bale the fragrant hop flowers from the vines and leaves immediately after cutting. Over 6,500 cubic yards are handled within the short 30 day harvest time. In the past, hop growers would cart the waste vines and leaves to a vacant field and let them sit and decompose naturally in a very large pile, the light porous material would take one to two years to break down, allowing rainwater to filter through, that if near a stream or over a sensitive water table, could cause water contamination. The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) encouraged Annen Brothers to relocate their waste piles and begin to manage them as resources to reduce impacts on the farm’s watershed. Annen Brothers teamed up with their local irrigation system contractor Stettler Supply in Salem Oregon and they looked for a composting system that used the smallest area possible, had the capacity to hold large volumes and allowed their trucks to dump and run back for another load as quickly as possible, as well as eliminate the impacts to the watershed. Stettler and Annen looked to GMT for doing simple aerated static piles, however after seeing our GMT TAP (Turned Aerated Pile) System technology, they realized they could do it all on a 300 by 120 foot area, and fit it right next to their processing factory, almost eliminating their travel time. The GMT TAP places all aeration pipes below a concrete pad keeping the nozzles at the surface clean using high velocity air flow. Annen Brothers drives their trucks, loader and mixer anywhere on the pad scraping and pushing the pile into a solid bed of compost, without having to leave any alley ways. Air is blown up and through the piled hop waste. Temperature probes control the speed of the three large blowers. It is simple clean and easy to manage. Pipes are easy to flush clean and the pad as well, allowing Annen’s outdoor facility to clean up after composting the harvest waste, with clean up water going to storage tanks for irrigation. The winter rains run clean once again off the pad. The finished compost is stored in a 60 by 120 foot metal building to be used in the spring.     #### Annen Farms Uses Green Mountain Technologies’ ASP Composting System From BioCycle: Mount Angel, Oregon: Hop Compost Mount Angel is in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, where much of the specialty hops for microbreweries are grown. Hop producers generally have their own processing operations close to the fields to strip, separate, dry and bale the hop flowers (also referred to as cones) from the vines and leaves immediately after cutting. “Hops grow in giant vines that can be 18-feet long,” says John Annen of Annen Farms, a third generation hop farm near Mount Angel. “Only the hop cones go to the brewery. The plants are grown on trellises. They are cut down and the cones are stripped off. The harvest lasts for about 30 days.” Because of the concentrated time frame, hop farmers tend to stockpile the plant waste on an unused field during the harvest and let it decompose on its own. Annen would try to grind the vines and leaves and spread them back on the hop fields. “That doesn’t work well anymore as we grow so many different varieties of hops for the microbreweries, and some hops still have viable weed seeds when the plant waste is spread,” he explains. “We can’t run the risk of mixing the seeds.” Another concern was related to potential ground water contamination from the stockpiled green waste.Annen Farms, in Mount Angel, Oregon, uses Green Mountain Technologies’ Earth Pad/TAP technology. To address the situation, Annen Brothers, teamed up with Stettler Supply, its local irrigation system contractor, and they looked for a composting system that needed the smallest land area possible, had the capacity to hold large volumes and allowed their trucks to dump and run back for another load as quickly as possible. “Originally we were looking at composting in windrows and turning the piles, but that ended up requiring a huge land area,” says Annen. “And we get 35 to 40 inches of rain per year, so we would have needed cement on the floor and a building or cover over it. We estimated it would have to be 5 acres, and we couldn’t afford that.” Annen Farms learned about the Earth Pad/TAP technology sold by Green Mountain Technologies, which suggested a 120-foot by 300-foot sized aerated pad. It could be located adjacent to its processing facility, almost eliminating travel time. The design involved turning the compost by loader and manure spreader twice, and watering as needed to keep the piles biologically active. Aeration pipes are under the cement slab; a small riser comes to the surface every 5 feet to aerate the solid bed of hop waste stacked 7 to 9 feet tall. “The goal is to complete the composting process in 6 weeks,” says Annen. “We can have it made and back on the fields ideally before fall rains come. We loaded the composting pad for the first time on October 1st last fall, and had the most beautiful compost by November 15.” Vinyl covers made from recycled billboards are being used to keep the product dry until the spring. A metal 3-sided building (60 foot by 120 foot) is scheduled to be erected on the far end of the Earth Pad/TAP to store the compost. [BioCycle] #### Archway Equestrian In-Vessel Composting Operator: Archway EquestrianLocation: Woodinville, WAFeedstock: Agriculture Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 247 T/yearYear Installed: 2017Project Components: Earth Flow IM 40’ Automatic mixing & aeration Moisture Addition System Insulation Package Client’s Requirements Archway Equestrian, a training center specializing in competitive show horses, set out to optimize their horse manure management practices with a strong focus on economic and environmental efficiency. The primary objective was to curtail the expenses and environmental impact associated with waste hauling and disposal while reducing their cost of bedding materials. In light of these objectives, the equestrian center sought on-site composting solutions to address this challenge. Our Solution Archway worked with GMT to select the 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow system. Distinguished by its high-performance mixing and aeration technologies, this system expedites the composting process, converting manure and bedding into valuable compost in just 14 days. This choice is underpinned by the Earth Flow system's multifaceted engineering controls, meticulously designed to deter pests and eliminate odors. These controls encompass automated mixing, the integration of bulking agents, positive aeration, and bio-filtration, all seamlessly integrated within GMT's award-winning in-vessel system. Archway's adoption of the Earth Flow system demonstrates a commitment to eco-friendly waste management practices, effectively repurposing horse waste as a valuable resource.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“For over three years we had intensely studied all the composting systems that might possibly meet our needs and finally selected the Earth Flow as the most suitable. Its creator, manufacturer and installer Green Mountain Technologies is coincidentally also like us located in the Seattle area.Our goal was to install a system that would enable us to compost the horse stall waste and then reuse it in its composted form as clean bedding thereby reducing and even eliminating the need and expense of both hauling off the used bedding and bringing in new traditional bedding. Which in the case of a show barn like ours consists of quite expensive, course sawdust from lumber mills. To sum up, our experience has been so far so good. I am glad to see Green Mountain strongly interested in the equine area as I believe their auger system produces the right result for stall material re-use. Michael Bryan-Brown their founder and CEO has been fully responsive to us and is a pleasure to work with from putting together a purchase order to handing Crescent wrenches back and forth as we tuned up the installation together.” - Bill Weaver Owner of Archway Land, LLC, 2017▸2024 Client Update“...Our experience in composting stall waste with our EarthFlow composter has only been with large flake, wood chip stall waste…Our farm is only ten years old and was built to our local conservation district standards that require that no waste product can be spread on our pastures or other grounds unless it is first composted and pathogen free. With that background, here is what we have learned: Composted wood chips can only be used as "supplemental" bedding. New wood chip bedding still needs to be purchased because the composting process reduces the volume and absorptive capacity of the original wood chip bedding by at least 50%. Wood chip bedding can only be composted and re-used once. It becomes too fine and dusty to be used in stalls if the recycling process is tried a second time. Moisture correct, composted bedding which has been recycled only one time makes good bedding and works from a practical standpoint. But in a high end barn like ours it does not easily meet with horse professionals' or our clients' acceptance simply because of its color and their mistaken belief that compost is just another form of dirt. The barn owner has to decide whether being practical or yielding to horse peoples' misperceptions is more important to achieving an overall successful operation." Contact Us #### Arlington County In-Vessel Composting Operator: Arlington County Solid Waste BureauLocation: Arlington County, VAFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 315 T/yearYear Installed: 2016Project Components: Earth Flow Custom Vessel 30 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Moisture Addition System Cold Weather Package Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Arlington County's Solid Waste Bureau set out to expand their waste collection operations and incorporate residential food waste composting. They started with a pilot project to find a fully enclosed solution equipped with advanced odor control- a critical feature for this urban setting located within city limits. The system had to be hardy enough to endure the harsh embrace of cold winter temperatures while also ensuring adequate moisture levels during the arid summer months. It was a pursuit that demanded innovation, dedication, and a profound commitment to enhancing the community's environmental well-being.Our Solution GMT won their bid to implement a 30’ Custom Vessel Earth Flow system. The Earth Flow processes food scraps in 19-21 days with its high-performance mixing and aeration technologies. The Earth Flow incorporates multiple engineering controls to prevent pests and odors. These controls combine automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration and bio-filtration in GMT's award winning in-vessel system. The added insulation package with the hot composting process also protects the materials inside from freezing.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“Deposited scraps are processed in an on-site, in-vessel composter, with the results made available to the Department of Parks & Recreation for landscaping projects in County public spaces. Compost from the County's food scraps curbside collection program processor is frequently available at the Trades Center near the mulch, free for pick-up while supplies last.” Arlington County WebsiteContact Us #### At Heyday Farm: Site-Built Earth Flow Composting System CLIENT CHALLENGE HeyDay Farm is a 25-acre high intensity farm dedicated to growing locally sourced organic produce, eggs, cheeses and meats. With the high cost of organic fertilizers and disposing animal manures offsite, finding an onsite composting solution made financial and environmental sense. Additionally, the local government mandates odor control and nutrient management for farms. Understanding these concerns and addressing them is key to the success of the farm. GMT SOLUTION HeyDay Farm chose the Site-Built Earth Flow from Green Mountain Technologies. The Earth Flow was built inside an existing 30’x50’ hoop house building to lower the capital cost. The vessel is 34’ long and 10’ wide with a capacity of 40 cubic yards. The feedstocks include pig, cow, chicken and horse manure and bedding, the entrails from the slaughtering of pigs and chickens, and green waste. These feedstocks are added to the front end of the vessel. The auger shreds and moves the composting waste towards the discharge end of the vessel. The manure can be loaded by tractor or dumped directly into the composting bay or stored in an adjoining bay until needed. The compost is rich in organic material and is used on the pastures and gardens of the farm. This technological advancement in composting creates a financial and operational success for the farm and allows the desired closed loop waste stream for environmental compliance. Farm Manager, John J. McGarrity, gives his opinion on the system and compost: “I’ve seen a lot of compost in my day. The labor (with this system) is minimal. It (the composter) does most of the work for you. The product is what really sells me on it.” Former Farm Manager, Craig Skipton, adds, “here at the farm, 2013 has been an important year for implementing some critical systems to help us conserve, reclaim and regenerate resources. This reflects the farm’s deep commitment to the environment and our belief that there is no such thing as waste. Our state of the art composting system is one good example. We worked for more than a year with Green Mountain Technologies to custom design a system that will work with our unique mix of land, crops and animals to turn waste into rich compost that is added back to the soil in our pasture and croplands.  Because of our careful care of the land and nutrient management, Stewardship Partners has certified HeyDay Farm as a SalmonSafe farm.” “ #### Beaufort County In-Vessel Composting Operator: Beaufort County, SC Location: Beaufort, SCFeedstock: Green Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 200 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements When Beaufort County set out to divert food waste from local landfills, they faced a common municipal challenge: the nearest commercial composting facility was over an hour away, making long-distance hauling financially and environmentally impractical. Rather than waiting years for regional infrastructure or state mandates, Beaufort County launched South Carolina’s first decentralized municipal food waste composting pilot. Food waste makes up over 24% of municipal solid waste in South Carolina (and over 51% when combined with yard trimmings). For coastal and smaller counties, building traditional, large-scale regional facilities requires millions of dollars in capital and years of permitting and construction. Before launching this pilot, Beaufort County’s only alternative for organic waste diversion was hauling heavy, wet organic waste across county lines to Bees Ferry in Charleston, creating significant financial hurdles and vehicle emissions that offset the environmental benefits of composting.Our Solution Beaufort County partnered with Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) to deploy an on-site, decentralized composting solution at the Public Works facility in Shanklin Road. The modular in-vessel system enabled the county to process food waste locally, eliminating the need for cross-county transport. By utilizing this approach, the county secured environmental permitting in under 30 days and quickly established a community collection program through four local Convenience Centers. To ensure clean feedstock, residents complete a short educational video and quiz online to receive a PIN code that unlocks the drop-off bins. The program expanded beyond residential collection to include food scrap collection from two local schools and four local businesses through a new Green Business Program. Within the first few months of operations in 2026, the pilot successfully diverted over 25,000 lbs of organic waste, including 16,000 lbs of food waste and 9,000 lbs of yard debris. More than 600 residents completed the educational training and actively participate in the program, demonstrating how decentralized, small-footprint in-vessel systems can bridge regional infrastructure gaps and provide a replicable model for municipalities seeking community-backed composting solutions.Learn More About In-Vessel SystemsWe recently purchased our Earth Flow from Green Mountain Technologies, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The team was supportive and professional every step of the way. Communication was clear, and they made sure we fully understood the entire process, including managing the equipment and operations. Even when we experienced delays, they worked with us patiently and provided exceptional guidance. The expertise and knowledge of the team are evident—they truly care about their work and take great pride in delivering top-notch customer service. Thank you, Green Mountain Technologies, for going above and beyond. This is a company that genuinely values its customers and ensures success at every step! - Victoria HoffmanContact Us #### Best Ways To Maintain Moisture In Compost Piles In hot and dry weather climates, water is a critical ingredient for effective composting. The expression “water is life” certainly applies to microbial life as well.  Without adequate moisture, compost microbes cannot survive. An overly dry compost pile will experience a huge loss of microbial diversity and will be unable to maintain internally-generated composting temperatures of 120-140 deg F. Additional water is needed for evaporative cooling to prevent the compost pile from overheating.   In this blog, we explore some key strategies for conserving and protecting the water that allows for successful composting in hot, dry conditions. Made in the Shade If we consider how composting happens in natural ecosystems, we might notice that it typically occurs in the shade. For instance, in a forest, leaves and other biological matter fall to the forest floor, accumulate, and slowly decompose. Natural ecosystems work to protect and conserve moisture by keeping the soil/compost covered and in the shade.  Trees provide multiple layers of shading for the forest floor and decomposition happens below the surface, where conditions are cool and damp. In contrast, in a desert, bare soil exposed to intense sun rapidly loses its moisture and dries out, becoming relatively lifeless and at risk of erosion. To emulate natural composting processes, it is helpful to place the composting piles in a shady location or otherwise provide shade cover for all of the feedstocks and compost piles. Shading is a basic tool for slowing evaporation and conserving moisture in feedstocks and compost piles. A second basic practice is to apply a thick layer of biocover over all compost piles. Feedstocks that are suitable for a biocover layer typically have a particle size of 4-6” or larger with a significant amount of fiber (e.g., wood chips, leaves, weeds or straw). A thick layer of at least 6-12” of biocover material is beneficial. A biocover provides “armoring” for the compost underneath, meaning protection from the drying effects of the sun and the erosive effects of wind. While the biocover layer on the surface may become quite dry, this biocover helps protect the moisture in the compost below. For positively aerated composting systems, this biocover also provides odor filtration for the compost. Maintaining Minimum Moisture A key strategy is to avoid letting feedstocks become too dry. The drier a feedstock, the more difficult it is to restore moisture, feedstocks that become overly dry will tend to become hydrophobic and actually resist absorbing water. In this case, water added to feedstocks tends to run off and not be absorbed.By maintaining reasonable moisture content in all feedstocks, moisture addition is more effective, efficient, and requires less water. Watering Food Waste With A Hose Prior To Composting If feedstocks do become overly dry, one possible strategy is to pre-water feedstocks (for example with a sub-surface drip irrigation system), which increases contact time to absorb the water and rehydrate. If one must cope with dry feedstocks, another helpful strategy is to add feedstocks that already contain significant proportions of embodied water (such as food waste or fresh cut green waste). Since these feedstocks hold a higher moisture content, they will help boost the moisture content in the overall mixture. Watering Strategies In hot, dry weather, regularly adding water to a hot compost process is often a necessity.  We recommend a minimum moisture content of 50% to support a hot compost process.  A hot compost pile can easily lose 1% of moisture content every day. Therefore, in warm climates, we recommend a starting moisture content of 60% for a blended compost recipe. This provides about 7-10 days before the compost will need to be mixed and rewetted in order to maintain compost productivity and temperatures. Adding water to a compost pile in hot weather follows the same principles as watering a garden. The goals are to conserve water and minimize the amount of effort required to keep the microbes alive and thriving. These best practices for moisture addition include: Add water regularly (at least once per week)Add water slowly and for longer durations (e.g., drip irrigation)Install drip irrigation below the surface of the pile to protect the moisture against the drying effects of the sunAdd water during the cool hours of the day (e.g., in the evening) Aeration Strategies Heat Rising From Windrow Compost Piles with GMT’s Wireless Temperature Probe During the compost process, heat generated by the metabolic activity of microbes accumulates and tends to rise up through the compost pile. This results in the hottest temperatures residing on the top of the pile. This is not convenient for hot, dry climates as it can cause the pile to overheat or lose moisture too quickly. Mechanical aeration can help manage heat and conserve moisture in the compost pile. For positively-aerated systems, the air going into compost piles can be misted in order to add moisture and support evaporative cooling of the compost. In particular, negatively-aerated and reversing aeration systems can provide advantages for heat and moisture management. For instance, negative aeration can induce moisture to condense in lower parts of the pile and allow heat to be dumped into the thermal mass of underground piping. For more ideas on aeration strategies to support commercial composting in hot, arid climates, please see our upcoming article in Biocycle Connect. And if you would like professional help with protecting your composting efforts, please reach out to us today! #### Beyond Wasted Food Educational Event Green Mountain Technologies is honored to support the Ohio Organics Council’s educational event, “Beyond Wasted Food: A model composter in an urban environment” at the Dayton Food Bank on September 21, 2023. The Ohio Organics Council is proud to invite you to experience composting in action, expand your knowledge about its benefits, and connect with others who are dedicated to advancing composting practices in Ohio. Michael Bryan-Brown, Founder of Green Mountain Technologies, will give an educational presentation about the Earth Flow composting system and help attendees learn how on-site composting brings environmental and economic rewards to all stakeholders. Register for this free event! #### Billings Commissions Engineered Composting Facility To Reduce Landfill Volumes Press Release - October 30, 2024 Billings, Montana: The Billings Department of Public Works commissioned a new composting facility in August of 2024, to reduce the cost of landfilling compostable material and to meet sustainability goals. The aerated static pile (ASP) composting facility has capacity to process up to 25,000 tons of material annually and is expected to extend the life of the current municipal landfill by at least ten years. The primary materials being composted are yard waste along with biosolids that come from municipal sewage treatment. Before this composting facility was in operation these materials were all disposed of at the municipal landfill.  “This composting facility should extend the lifespan of our landfill by as much as a decade,” said Kyle Foreman of the Billings Department of Public Works. “And it's a big step towards someday being able to accept food waste from residents and restaurants.”  Rising costs of landfilling, combined with landfill capacity issues and the city’s sustainability goals were all important factors motivating the city’s investment in composting infrastructure. Instead of spending money to throw these materials away, the city will now be producing thousands of tons of valuable “Class A” biosolids compost annually.The engineered aeration system and the overall process ensures that the composting material always has the optimum amount of oxygen. This speeds up the process, minimizes odors and dramatically reduces material handling costs compared to conventional turned windrow composting. In addition it negates methane emissions that would have otherwise occurred had the material been landfilled. The composting equipment was designed and provided by Green Mountain Technologies (GMT), a leading compost engineering company based in Washington State, who worked with local general contractor COP Construction and Great West Engineering. The specialized compost aeration infrastructure and equipment includes computerized data and control systems that can automatically adjust aeration levels to optimize the process. The composting aeration pad is divided into nine separate zones, each of which can be independently controlled. Proper aeration levels are a key factor in minimizing odors and producing high value compost products.The aeration system zones are all connected to one aeration blower, with specialized valves from GMT that are opened and closed by GMT’s “WebMACs” control system to track data and determine the aeration levels of each zone. WebMacs optimizes aeration levels to control temperatures across multiple zones. Optimized aeration reduces the need for mechanical turning of the material, speeds up the process and ensures low operating costs of the facility, while eliminating odors and anaerobic gas emissions such as nitrous oxide and methane. After the primary aeration phase is complete (three to four weeks typically), the material is moved off of the aeration pad and formed into windrows for a curing period before it’s ready for use as a landscaping soil amendment. “This is a huge step towards sustainability for Billings and a project I’m really proud to be a part of,” said Peter Haun, Montana-based engineer and project manager at GMT. “To my understanding there really aren't many other projects like this in Montana. This project solves two problems by composting two waste streams together, reducing their GHG emissions and creating valuable compost products.”  For more details, a Case Study is available here. About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) was founded in 1992 to design, build and manufacture commercial composting systems for the world market. GMT is dedicated to helping forward-thinking organizations reduce their environmental footprint, save money and produce high quality compost as efficiently as possible. GMT has designed and built advanced composting systems for over 500 customers and facilities across N. America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The company’s comprehensive product line and proprietary technologies offer unique solutions for institutional, commercial and municipal composting facilities of all types and sizes. For more information visit www.compostingtechnology.com. #### Billings Public Works ASP Composting Operator: Billings Public WorksLocation: Billings, MTFeedstock: Green Waste & BiosolidsCapacity: 25,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Facility Design Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements The City of Billings Public Works Department put out an RFP in 2023 for the detailed design and provision of composting equipment for a new facility near their existing landfill. They wanted a pipe on grade system aerated static pile (ASP) with an ecology block push wall to keep costs low. Price, reliability, and industry experience were all important parts of their selection process in a competitive bidding process with other leading composting technology firms. They needed a composting system to treat separated biosolids from the municipal sewage systems, along with yard waste, to reduce the environmental and economic cost of landfilling these materials. The primary goal was to divert 3 to 6 truckloads of human biosolids waste every day from the Billings landfill to the composting facility. The city also has interest in creating capacity for composting food waste in the future.Our Solution GMT was selected for our longstanding experience and cost effective solutions. GMT provided the client with a single aeration blower that controlled the 9 zone composting pad. Each zone is connected to the centralized blower via galvanized ducting with air flow regulated to the zone with one of our specialized composting butterfly dampers. Each zone provides temperature feedback to GMT’s WebMACS control systems via two temperature probes. This data, along with pressure data obtained from in-line sensors, is logged and used to automatically determine aeration rates. GMT successfully delivered on the project schedule getting all equipment and submittals completed months prior to start up. Billings Public Works says composting is set to expand the lifespan of the landfill by as much as a decade, and it's a big step towards someday being able to accept food waste from residents and restaurants, something already happening in cities across the state. The project has two phases, with phase one handling up to 25,000 tons of compostable material annually, including up to 12,000 tons of yard waste.“This composting facility should extend the lifespan of our landfill by as much as a decade, And it's a big step towards someday being able to accept food waste from residents and restaurants.” - Kyle Foreman, Billings Department of Public WorksLearn More About ASP Systems #### Black Earth Groton ASP Composting Operator: Black Earth GrotonLocation: Groton, MAFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 3,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2020Project Components: Facility Design Odor Control Aerated Static Pile Client’s Requirements Black Earth is a leading force in New Englands emerging food waste diversion efforts. They work with municipalities, schools, homes and businesses to provide composting collection and processing infrastructure where it is otherwise non-existent. After several years of hauling, they realized how important it was to their business and ideology to also process the organics that they hauled. At this point, they reached out to GMT to help them design small, decentralized compost facilities with excellent odor control so that they could be located proximally to the towns that they are hauling from.Our Solution Groton was the first facility GMT helped Black Earth design under this model. The system consists of three positive sparger aeration zones (one for receiving material and two for active composting) and an enclosed receiving area. The air from the receiving and composting process is sucked into overhead ducting and treated in a biofiltration system removing roughly 95% of the odorous compounds and emissions prior to being emitted to the environment. After a few weeks within the building compost is cured outside in windrows. The facility has been operating in Groton for several years without issue; saving landfill space, improving soil health and reducing methane emissions without disturbing the community.“Black Earth Compost has worked with Green Mountain Technologies for our 2 indoor compost facilities. GMT's engineering team has long experience operating actual facilities. I wouldn't trust an engineer in this field who wasn't an operator. GMT continues to support us when we have questions or new ideas.” - Andrew Brousseau, Compost Manager, Black Earth CompostLearn More About ASP Systems #### Black Earth Manchester by The Sea ASP Composting Operator: Black Earth CompostLocation: Manchester by the SeaFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 5,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Facility Design Odor Control Permitting & Compliance Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Black Earth Compost partnered with the City of Manchester-by-the-Sea to redesign a composting facility that had been previously designed by other consulting groups. The project presented several unique and challenging conditions: The site is located atop a capped landfill, posing soil stability and structural engineering concerns. It is situated in a high-end residential community, requiring strict odor control and sensitivity to NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) attitudes from nearby residents, this led to strict oversight from the town and regulatory agencies. Due to the existing design being largely complete, Black Earth had to operate within tight constraints, navigating legacy design elements while still delivering a functional and high-performance system. Black Earth was seeking support from qualified firms to help them design an efficient composting operation on a limited footprint with excellent odor control.Our Solution Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) worked closely with Black Earth to retrofit and enhance the facility’s design within the limitations of the existing engineering plans. Our team focused on reconfiguring the system to meet odor control, cold-weather operation, and regulatory requirements—without requiring major structural changes. Key components of our solution included: Designing a fully enclosed aerated static pile (ASP) composting system with five process stages, two negatively aerated receiving zones and three positively aerated active composting zones, to maximize throughput and control. Placing the entire building under negative aeration, with exhaust routed to a biofilter system designed to treat high volumes of air on a limited footprint. Engineering a custom aeration system and controller, including high-performance ducting and dampers, adapted for the cold, humid coastal environment. Despite working within an existing and partially fixed facility design, GMT and Black Earth successfully delivered a system that met the town’s regulatory scrutiny, addressed community odor concerns, and functioned reliably through cold-weather conditions and high internal humidity.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Bloedel Reserve ASP Composting Operator: Bloedel ReserveLocation: Bainbridge Island, WAFeedstock: Agricultural & Green WasteCapacity: 2,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2022Project Components: Facility Design Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Aerated Static Pile Client’s Requirements Bloedel Reserve is a premier public garden and community space dedicated to horticulture and sustainability. As a sustainable garden it was of paramount importance that they’re organics management operate on a closed loop, ensuring that they create the highest quality compost and avoid the emissions and cost associated with hauling their waste off-site. They were looking for an elegant solution that created excellent compost on a small footprint.Our Solution Bloedel reserve reached out to GMT for assistance with the design of their composting facility. They had designed and budgeted a windrow facility under an open sided enclosure. GMT suggested a simple pipe on grade ASP system. Seeing the significant advantages to product quality and cost savings - cut construction in half - Bloedel reserve contracted GMT to provide and install the system. The three zone pipe on grade ASP was built and installed in 2021, and has been operating without issue since.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Blu Sky Farms In-Vessel Composting Operator: Blu Sky FarmsLocation: Ocala, FLFeedstock: Agricultural WasteCapacity: 900 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Earth Flow CV 4012 Custom Facility Design Client’s Requirements Ocala Florida, renowned as the "Horse Capital of the World," boasts a rich equestrian heritage and is home to the prestigious World Equestrian Center. Blu Sky Farm is situated within the vibrant Ocala Horse Complex, surrounded by an extensive equestrian community where neighbors maintain horse stables and fertile farmland. The region is characterized by its sandy loam soil, which is ideal for horse grazing and the cultivation of high-quality forage, supporting various equine activities such as racing, jumping, and showing.Blu Sky Farms owner Steve Talbott sought a sustainable solution for managing horse manure and bedding on his equestrian property. He was dissatisfied with the existing practice of hiring a waste removal company to collect and landfill dumpsters full of manure, as it was both financially burdensome and environmentally harmful. Steve intends to sell finished compost that is free from chemicals such as pesticides or herbicides. His goal is to market a high-quality, all-organic product. To validate the quality of the final compost, he plans to conduct tests in collaboration with local extension agencies.Our Solution Steve was particularly drawn to GMT's Earth Flow solution because it offers automated agitation and aeration, setting it apart from other composting options like Aerated Static Pile (ASP). This innovation not only ensures the production of high-quality, finished compost but also requires minimal additional labor after the compost exits the vessel. Additionally, Steve plans to market the finished compost to the horticultural and landscape industry in Ocala, creating an added revenue stream that enhances the overall value of GMT’s solution for his farming operations.Steve will pioneer on-site automated composting in the horse capital of the world, setting a precedent for environmental stewardship within the community. The anticipated ecological impact of his initiative is significant, as his demonstration site will educate others about the importance of recycling organic residuals and the benefits of their reuse. This innovative approach is likely to inspire neighboring farms and community leaders to shift away from costly and environmentally detrimental manure removal services in favor of on-site composting, promoting both economic and ecological sustainability in the area.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“I have absolutely loved working with the team from Green Mountain Technologies,” said Mr. Talbott. “Their type of work ethic and attention to detail is a lost art in our society.”Contact Us #### Boost Organics ASP Composting Operator: Boost OrganicsLocation: Abbotsford, BCFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 40,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2020Project Components: Aerated Static Pile Facility Design Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Boost Organics, a composting company in British Columbia (BC), Canada, contacted GMT to discuss the construction of a new facility. Located in Abbotsford, BC, the customer planned to mix a high volume of food waste from the Vancouver metro area with cow manure and green waste from on-site farming operations to make a high-quality compost product.Our Solution To process these feedstocks, GMT designed an 8-zone Covered Aerated Static Pile (cASP) system within an open sided building. The system currently uses positive aeration but is designed for the possibility of negative aeration in the future. GMT designed the facility, created construction drawings, provided blowers, WebMACS controls equipment, and consultation during construction and start-up. The end result, a cutting edge satellite facility that reduced trucking times from Vancounver and transformed on-site agricultural waste into a high value finished compost.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Boulder County Colorado In-Vessel Composting Operator: Boulder CountyLocation: Boulder County, COFeedstock: Food Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 360 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements 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.Our Solution 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.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Brady Trucking ASP Composting Operator: Brady TruckingLocation: Shelton, WAFeedstock: Green WasteCapacity: 35,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Brady Trucking is a family owned and operated business offering high quality mulch and bark products to clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Brady Trucking was buying and reselling large amounts of compost and decided to bring these services in house to improve compost quality and lower costs. In 2020 Brady Trucking hired Green Mountain Technologies to design and permit their new facility. They selected GMT due to their proven track record and range of services that GMT could provide.Our Solution GMT designed a 10-zone cASP system with below grade aeration and open sided PEMB structures for the active composting process. The site is designed to process peak loads of 60,000 TPY of curbside food waste and green waste. The facility was designed, permitted, and built in approximately 2 years, a remarkable feat in Washington State, where this process typically takes between three and five years. Since opening the facility hasn’t had any operations violations and is creating high quality finished compost sold throughout Puget Sound.Learn More About ASP Systems"During GMT’s facility design process, they went beyond just helping us complete our successful permit applications. They also helped us build relationships with our regulating agencies. These relationships have been a key part of getting our facility permitted and running smoothly since start-up. This resulted in compressing the project from an estimated three to five years for just the permitting alone to completing the entire design, permitting and construction to two years and one week.” - Evan Brady, Co-owner of Brady Trucking ASP Composting Facility, Shelton, WAContact Us #### Brady Trucking Opens New Food Waste Composting Facility in Shelton, WA Shelton-Washington October 2, 2023: Brady Trucking Co. is operating a new food waste composting system at their existing mulch production facility in Shelton, Washington. The composting facility uses an advanced “covered aerated static pile” process, or cASP, with technology and facility design services from Green Mountain Technologies of Bainbridge Island. “Once we looked closely at the numbers and conceptual operating plans, we realized this was just the natural next step for our business,” said Evan Brady, co-owner of Brady Trucking. “For years we’ve been purchasing compost in bulk to have availability for our mulch clients who also need compost. Now we’re able to efficiently make our own compost while keeping food waste out of landfills.” Brady Trucking has run a successful mulch production facility and trucking company for decades. The company saw an opportunity to meet the growing need for diverting food waste from landfills driven in part by Washington law SB1799. The new cASP composting facility is designed and permitted to process 50,000 tons per year, with current constructed peak capacity of 30,000 TPY. Up to 10% of annual volume is food waste. Food waste currently comes from 3rd party collection services in Thurston County, Washington. Evan Brady and team members from GMT Compost aeration manifold and blower “To design, permit and build a large food waste composting facility in one of the wettest regions of the US, all in less than one year, was a pretty impressive achievement,” said Ashley Brady, co-owner of Brady Trucking. “We are grateful for the team at Green Mountain Technologies, they’ve done a great job on the overall facility design, including stormwater management and on-going operating support.” The aerated compost processing system is built under a covered roof structure. Compost feedstock materials are blended and formed into piles over the aeration outlets built into the concrete floor, and then the material is capped with a “bio layer” of wood mulch to contain odors. The WebMacs aeration system from Green Mountain Technologies is computer-controlled to optimize temperatures across multiple zones to accelerate the composting process while keeping pile temperatures at the optimum levels. This reduces the need for mechanical turning of the material, speeds up the process and ensures low operating costs of the facility, while mostly eliminating odors and anaerobic gas emissions such as nitrous oxide and methane. “We have really enjoyed working with Evan, Ashley and the team at Brady Trucking,” said Jeff Gage, Director of Consulting for Green Mountain Technologies. “They saw this opportunity and took a very pragmatic approach to get it operational on an ambitious timeline, with our help. We see this facility as a model for other mulch grinding operations to follow.”  Brady Trucking Location Entrance in Shelton, WashingtonAeration manifold connects each composting zone to blowerAeration piping and sparger system prepared for pouring of concrete slabGMT’s aeration valves controlled by WebMacs determines volume of air flow to each composting zone About Brady Trucking: Jeff and Nancy Brady started Brady Trucking Company in 1982. The Brady fleet has routinely serviced contracts with mills hauling bark, wood chips, and sawdust in Washington and Oregon. Raw bark is purchased from mills and hauled to their manufacturing facility where it is processed into finished landscaping products. Brady Trucking has become one of the largest wholesale beauty bark manufacturers in the state of Washington. Today, Jeff and Nancy’s son Evan, and Evan’s wife Ashley, continue the legacy of the family business. In 2023 they expanded operations and finished construction of a commercial organic composting facility that will divert green waste out of landfills and recycle it into finished organic compost. With this new facility, Brady Trucking Co serves to provide a recycling service that is beneficial to the community as well as the environment. For more information visit bradytrucking.com About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) was founded in 1992 to design, build and manufacture commercial composting systems for the world market. GMT is dedicated to helping forward-thinking organizations reduce their environmental footprint, save money and produce high quality compost as efficiently as possible. GMT has designed and built advanced composting systems for over 500 customers and facilities across N. America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The company’s comprehensive product line and proprietary technologies offer unique solutions for institutional, commercial and municipal composting facilities of all types and sizes. For more information visit compostingtechnology.com. #### Breaking Down Compost with the Earth Flow Kids Food Basket in Michigan continues to expand the social and environmental impact of their farming and composting programs. Learn more at https://kidsfoodbasket.org/grow/breaking-down-compost-with-earthflow/ #### Bridlewood Estates In-Vessel Composting Operator: Bridlewood Estates Location: Santa Ynez, CAFeedstock: Food and Agricultural WasteCapacity: 360 T/yearYear Installed: 2021Project Components: Earth Flow IM40 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Moisture Addition System Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Situated on over 100 acres, Bridlewood Estate is a former racehorse rehabilitation center turned resort style winery in Monterey County, California. As advocates of regenerative agriculture practices, Bridlewood sought an efficient on site composting system that would allow them to generate high-quality compost for application in their vineyards and across their extensive estate lands. The ability to routinely process grape pressings, peels was aligned with their objectives of waste reduction and maximized resource utilization. This thoughtful, organic approach underscores their unwavering dedication to regenerative agricultural practices and the enhancement of the overall sustainability of their estate.Our Solution Our recommendation of the Earth Flow IM40 in-vessel composter was driven by a meticulous understanding of Bridlewood's distinctive needs. This choice harmonized seamlessly with their regenerative agriculture commitment, providing the capacity to efficiently process diverse organic materials, including grape pressings and horse manure. By opting for the Earth Flow composter, Bridlewood not only achieved top-quality compost but also ensured the maximized use of resources. This partnership encapsulates their dedication to sustainable farming practices.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Bugs in Compost URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/bugs-in-compost/ #### California Composting Salinas Valley, California is one of the largest agricultural regions in the United States, producing 80% of the nation’s salad greens, 48% of broccoli, 30% of spinach, and 28% of strawberries.¹ With farmers required to overproduce crops to manage supply chains and pathogen scares, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA) estimated that 66,700 tons of food waste was brought to Johnson Canyon landfill in 2019 (one of three landfills in the area), resulting in 1/3 of waste derived from organic sources.² Salinas Valley Waste Authority finished compost product, Salinas, California, 2020. (Photo by Jeff Gage, GMT) With a push from California Senate Bill 1383 to reduce organic waste in landfills and SVSWA’s mission to “eliminate the need for landfills through an integrated system of innovative waste recovery and reduction technology,” SVSWA applied for a grant from CalRecyle and began the journey to fundamentally change their waste system. With the help of multiple private partners including Green Mountain Technologies (GMT), SVSWA created a network of food diversion programs, introduced innovative food separation technologies, and kept their compost facility design bootstrap affordable. This model can serve as a blueprint for other cities, counties, and states around the nation that have similar goals of transforming their waste systems to create a circular economy. DIVERTING FOOD WASTE TO FOOD BANKS With 37% of food waste going to the landfill already packaged, SVSWA partnered with Food Bank of Monterey and has already diverted 32,000 tons of food since December 2018. With dire shortages at food banks due to COVID-19, SVSWA purchased a second refrigerated truck to divert produce even further.  DEPACKAGING OUR CONVENIANCE Of the 37% of packaged food waste that is non-salvageable, SVSWA invested in a Scott’s T-3 Turbo Separator, a best-in-industry product that separates food waste and plastic so that bagged salads, packaged mushrooms, and other produce can be redirected and created into compost. “We have been really happy with this product and it was well worth the investment considering all the packaged products that we were able to divert from the landfill,” replied Mandy Brooks, Resource Recovery Manager for SWSVA.   LEAN COMPOSTING FACILITY DESIGN SVSWA built an affordable, state-of-the-art composting facility with design and installation assistance from GMT. Brian Kennedy, Project Manager for SVSWA, was impressed by GMT’s flexibility and ability to stay within the budget. Salinas Valley Waste Authority, Scott’s T-3 Turbo Separator, Salinas, California, 2020. (Photo by Jeff Gage, GMT) I don’t want to sound cheesy, but Green Mountain Technologies actually helped us believe this was possible, and gave us hope that we could do it.– Brian Kennedy, Head of Engineering and Procurement, and Project Manager for SVSWA GMT modified the design to complete the facility without a concrete aeration pad and instead installed the aeration system in native ground. With the total cost at approximately 2 million, this facility will last SVSWA upwards of 25 years, while a neighboring landfill cost 5 million dollars and will only last 5 years. FINAL THOUGHTS AND ADVICE TO OTHER EARLY ADOPTERS The next step for SVSWA is to start marketing the compost product to farmers in the Salinas Valley region, producing a true circular economy. Mandy Brooks advised that, in order to have success in your system, you must establish strong relationships with your feedstock providers, characterize your waste stream, and make sure you have the money and resources to build a successful operation.   If you have similar dreams of removing food waste from your landfill and converting it into a marketable product, reach out today! ¹ http://www.californiabountiful.com/features/article.aspx?arID=563² SWSWA Waste Characterization Study. 2019. Written by Theo Fehsenfeld, GMT project and business development assistant #### Can You Compost In Winter? Winter Composting Tips From Green Mountain Technologies Question: Is it possible to compost in the wintertime? Answer: Sure.  However, there is less margin for error for composting effectively in severely cold weather.  We have clients that maintain compost temperatures of 140-150 degrees F, with outdoor temperatures of -15 degrees F or less. Here are some tips for keeping your compost process going strong all winter long: Recipe.  A correct composting recipe is critical for maintaining 120-140 deg F composting temperatures in cold weather.  If the recipe gets off, temperatures can crash quickly.  It’s best to establish good practices for building a successful recipe in warmer weather.  That way, when cold weather hits, skills are established for maintaining those temperatures.  Hot composting is analogous to a wood fire.  In really cold weather, it is easier to keep a fire going than to start a new fire. Bulking Agent.   Providing a quality bulking agent is key for cold weather composting.  An effective bulking agent helps the compost pile insulate to itself.  It also provides air pockets that provide the microbes with vital oxygen for the compost process. Insulation.  For in-vessel systems, insulation for the walls and floor of the vessel helps retain heat in the system. Freeze Protection.  It is possible to provide heated air or radiant heat to the base of a compost pile.  This is not a substitute for correct recipe, but it can help keep a compost pile from freezing, while the recipe is adjusted. #### Can You Really Compost in One Day? Green Mountain Technologies is in the business of manufacturing technologies that help organizations compost. In this business, we often find ourselves in the position of advocating for aerobic composting as a beneficial process and an intelligent way to recycle nutrients. Aerobic composting is a natural process where bacteria, fungal organisms and other creatures do the work of decomposing organic compounds such as food scraps, garden scraps, wood fiber, etc.. These microbes have been doing this work for hundreds of millions of years and have evolved a very efficient and reliable process. They provide this ecosystem service for “free” (well, they do get room and board). One thing we know is that these organisms take a certain amount of time to do their work.  We find that the initial (mesophilic and thermophilic) stages of composting require a minimum of 10-20 days to complete, even under optimum conditions (here is one reference from Cornell University). And those are really just the initial stages. After these microbially dominated stages, fungal organisms go to work and this curing phase can take several months or more. Why Composting Takes Time When we hear equipment vendors claim to complete a composting process and/or produce a compost product in 24 hours (or 3 days or 5 days), we are naturally skeptical.  Based on everything we know in our 25+ years of experience in composting, the microorganisms just don’t work that fast. While it is possible to use vasts amount of heat energy to dehydrate food waste in a short period of time, this is not a composting process and the product is not compost. A dehydration process produces dehydrated food. When that food is reconstituted with water, it produces food again, albeit ground up food.  As it turns out, dehydration is a very effective method of food preservation. Pre-Treatment vs Composting  We want to be clear that a commercial food waste dehydrator is not the same thing as an aerobic composting system. The US Composting Council (USCC) refers to systems such as commercial food waste dehydrators (FWD) as a type of pre-treatment system. CalRecycle also publishes an informative web page on this topic. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) published an interesting study in Biocycle that shows what happens when dehydrated food waste (DFW) is mixed with mulch in various proportions and applied to the landscape. Basically, they learned that that, once the food waste rehydrates, it then begins a composting process in place on the ground. Here is their finding: Ultimately, the study revealed that the unprocessed dehydrated food waste samples were not suitable as a soil amendment on LMU’s campus. Rehydration of DFW produced large quantities of fungus, an outcome not acceptable on LMU’s grounds. Although dehydrated, the material is not decomposed to a stable state. This is a key distinction. While dehydrating LMU’s preconsumer food waste is a good first step towards sustainability, further processing of this material is needed before it is suitable to be used as a soil amendment or for another purpose. Why We Prefer Composting We certainly understand the value of a food waste dehydrator to reduce the weight and volume of food waste in a short period of time. This can be beneficial in specific applications. However, we have several criticisms with these types of systems: Higher Carbon Footprint. It takes a significant amount of energy to rapidly dehydrate a feedstock that is at 70-90% moisture in 1-5 days. This energy typically comes from the burning of fossil fuels. With natural composting, the microbes provide this heating at no extra charge, no fossil fuels required. Higher System Costs. In part because of the external heating and fine grinding of the food scraps, the costs of a dehydration system on a per ton basis are typically higher than a comparable composting system. Dubious Claims. We have a beef with equipment vendors who claim that a dehydration process is a composting process. This, in our opinion, is deceptive. This sounds like a classic case of greenwashing. We would really appreciate it if the vendors of food waste dehydrators would refer to their systems as food waste dehydrators and not pretend that they are composting systems. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. So, if you are shopping for a composting technology and you actually want to produce compost, we encourage you to be wary of vendors that claim they can complete an aerobic composting process in 1-7 days. These claims are at odds with the biology of composting. We put our trust in the microbes that have hundreds of millions of years of R&D under their belts. #### Cariboo Regional District In-Vessel Composting Operator: Cariboo Regional DistrictLocation: Williams Lake, BC CanadaFeedstock: Food and Agricultural WasteCapacity: 400 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM 40 Client’s Requirements Tera Grady, Manager of Solid Waste for the Cariboo Regional District with the support of Oliver Berger of Cariboo Compost invested much time and energy into researching a suitable on site composting solution to expand their landfill diversion efforts, inspired by the Solid Waste Management Plan Their Solid Waste Mgmt Plan is mandated by the provincial government to have 10 year plans to outline how to manage waste and increase recyclables. Diversion of landfill waste was identified as a top priority. A leachate proof composting system was imperative for their OMRR. (Organic Matter Recycling Regulation), which is a set of regulations in British Columbia, Canada, that govern the management of organic materials like biosolids and compost. It aims to ensure the safe and environmentally sound recycling of these materials while protecting human health and drinking water sources. Odor control was important but not a primary concern since they were already operating next to the central district’s landfill. A key operational priority for their on site composting solution was to maintain compost feedstock temperatures in thermophilic range for at least 3-5 days, including throughout Alaska’s severe winters. Curing of the finished compost also needed to be done on an impermeable surface, and the curing material must be covered per OMRR guidelines.Our Solution Cariboo chose an Earth Flow IM20 in vessel composting system as the hub of their new composting program. With the automation and predictable process control of the Earth Flow, collecting of food waste is the primary challenge initially, since most residents need to self-haul their food waste to the composting location, next to the existing landfill. Cariboo Compost, a private food waste collection and hauling company, is also bringing feedstocks to the Earth Flow.  The Cariboo Regional District aims to expand food waste collection and diversion over time, in collaboration with the landfill management teams and to serve the wider community of approximately 700 households that are on the outskirts of the municipal district. The operators of the new composting system have a long term goal of reducing their annual landfill tonnage of 11,000 tons per year by up to 30% by diverting food waste from the landfill. A biofilter odor control system was also included with multiple exhaust systems feeding into separate biofilter chambers. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“About 30 percent of municipal solid waste in the Cariboo is made up of compostable organics,” says Tera Grady, Manager of Solid Waste for the CRD. “Diverting this material from our landfills is one of the best ways to achieve the waste reduction goals outlined in our Solid Waste Management Plan. While our population isn’t large enough to support a big, industrial facility, this 40-foot Earth Flow composter is a practical first step. It mechanically mixes food waste with carbon sources to create a finished compost product.”Contact Us #### Case Study: Our Sun Peaks Project Earlier this spring, we were approached by Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia to design and implement a fully containerized composting system to help them manage their biosolids. Sun Peaks is an all-season resort 31 miles from Kamloops, B.C. Formerly known as Tod Mountain, it has grown to nearly 4,000 skiable acres of terrain as well as a world class golf course, lift access hiking, and mountain biking. In 2005, Sun Peaks realized that simple outdoor composting of its biosolids didn’t work at 4,000 feet during BC’s very cold winters. We were proud that Sun Peaks selected our Containerized Composting System (CCS)m as the best option for them. Flexible and expandable, the Earth Bin may be expanded to include other compostable materials in the future. We worked directly with Pat Miller, manager of Utility Services for Sun Peaks. We called Pat recently to check in and asked her to comment on the project for our blog. Here’s what Pat had to say: “We use the Earth Bin to take the exhausted biosolids from the wastewater treatment plant and combine them with locally available wood chips to create a Class A compost for use throughout the resort. In the future, we will be able to divert food waste from our restaurants and other waste compostable materials as well. We save more fuel costs, by utilizing the district’s roll-off trucks to empty our containers in between their trips from the local waste transfer site to the landfill. By keeping as many of these materials onsite and processing them in an environmentally responsible manner, we save fuel costs while enriching the landscape around us.” What a great system! Here’s how we pulled it off:The composting first takes place in controlled batches with three airtight vessels (CCS CompTainers) which are loaded by conveyor from inside the processing building. The secret to success at this altitude is that the Earth Bins are super-insulated to allow composting in the extreme cold environment. Each CompTainer is then closely controlled to optimize decomposition, meet regulatory requirements, and minimize odors. The unique aeration process integrates up to 50 CompTainers into a single system through centralized blowers and computer controllers. #### Chasing the Muse Farm In-Vessel Composting Operator: Chasing the Muse FarmLocation: Sonoma Country, CAFeedstock: Agricultural WasteCapacity: 600 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements Chasing the Muse Farm is a premier equestrian facility specializing in the breeding and development of top-tier sport horses, with a focus on high-level dressage training. With a strong emphasis on maintaining a high standard of care across its 50-acre property, the farm sought a manure management solution that aligned with its commitment to quality, cleanliness, and responsible land stewardship. The farm aimed to lower ongoing costs associated with handling and disposal of manure and bedding generated throughout the farm, while also producing a valuable on-site fertilizer. In addition, the system needed to control odors, pests, and vectors to ensure a clean and comfortable environment for horses, staff, visitors, and clientele. Our Solution Chasing the Muse Farm selected the 40-foot Intermodal Earth Flow to manage manure and bedding generated across the farm’s facilities. Designed for efficient, low-maintenance organic waste processing, the Earth Flow system uses controlled aeration to accelerate decomposition, creating consistent composting conditions for these materials and producing nutrient-rich compost. The enclosed system also supports effective odor and pest management, helping Chasing the Muse Farm maintain the clean, controlled environment expected at a premium equestrian facility. The Chasing the Muse Farm team selected the GMT Earth Flow system because of its: Fully enclosed composting process Aeration and odor control High-capacity design Professional, clean operation The Earth Flow IM-40 provides Chasing the Muse Farm with a reliable on-site solution that minimizes operator involvement and reliance on costly manure disposal while producing high-quality compost for use across its 50-acre property. Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### Chinese University of Hong Kong In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of Hong KongLocation: Hong Kong, ChinaFeedstock: Green Waste, Food Waste, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 208 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Site Built Earth Flow 30 x10 Installed inside existing building Automatic Mixing and Aeration Odor Control Tote Loader Client’s Requirements Great Harvest Company (Asia), in its pioneering composting project in Hong Kong, aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of urban composting, primarily for a research initiative at a local university - The Chinese University of Hong Kong. They required a comprehensive turnkey solution for implementing similar projects in mainland China. A subsidiary company, TLY Biotech Co., engaged in organic fertilizer production and distribution in southwest China, sought to process 250 tons per day of sludge from a sugar factory. These diverse needs compelled the search for an efficient composting system to manage organic waste, further research, and produce high-quality compost products.Our Solution GMT partnered with Great Harvest Company (Asia) to provide a tailored solution in the form of a 30'x10' Site-Built Earth Flow in-vessel composter. This innovative system allows Great Harvest to efficiently manage various organic waste streams, including tea and agricultural waste, while furthering their research initiatives. The high-performance mixing and aeration technologies of the Earth Flow ensure efficient composting processes, significantly reducing the waste management burden. The GMT composting system integrates multiple engineering controls including odor prevention mechanisms to fulfill a low-impact, highly effective composting operation. This solution not only supports their research goals but also contributes to producing top-quality compost products, aligning perfectly with Great Harvest Company's mission of sustainable and responsible waste management.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### City of Gustavus Alaska Food Waste Composting: WebMACS Controller And Aerated Static Pile System WebMACS Controller and Stainless Steel Blower for the City of Gustavus AK Equipment: Skid mounted single Zone WebMACS Controller with stainless blowerInstallation: August, 2006 GMT installed a single MAC’s controller for Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting source separated food waste from the remote community of Gustavus, Alaska. The composting operation is managed and operated by the recycling center adjacent to the landfill. Source separated organics are brought to the landfill by citizens and the material is mixed with ground wood waste and fishery waste and composted for 4-6 months. #### City of Hutchinson Commissions New Municipal Composting Facility February 11, 2025 Hutchinson, Minnesota- Creekside Soils, a municipal composting facility run by the city of Hutchinson, recently commissioned a new Covered Aerated Static Pile composting facility to increase capacity and processing efficiency of its food waste diversion and composting program. Creekside Soils is an enterprise fund for the City of Hutchinson, MN. The City has operated a city-wide curbside Source-Separated Organics Materials (SSOM) diversion program since 2001, making it one of the oldest SSOM diversion programs in Minnesota. Creekside also composts yard wastes in turned windrows along with producing landscape mulches from received wood wastes, producing widely popular bagged soil and mulch products that are sold over a 14 state area. Since 2001, 4,000+ single family households in the municipality have been able to dispose of food waste and yard waste for year-round weekly curbside collection. The compostable material  is delivered to CreekSide where it is now composted in the recently constructed 6 zone Covered Aerated Static Pile (CASP) composting system designed and commissioned by Green Mountain Technologies (GMT), with annual capacity to process up to 1500 tons of material. “Creekside Soil’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident throughout this project,” said Peter Haun, Engineer and Project Manager from Green Mountain Technologies. “With our help they constructed a clean, efficient, and visually appealing composting system that reflects their dedication and care to their community. Creekside soils always asked the right questions and did not let any detail go unnoticed. Their curiosity and drive to perfect their craft was truly inspiring.”The city’s composting process previously used a 16 container in-vessel system. The main goal for the new CASP composting system was to update the 24 year old in-vessel system (also provided by GMT), which was in need of refurbishment. The CASP composting system from GMT was selected after a competitive RFP process. “The main goal for the new CASP composting system was simply to update a now antiquated in-vessel system we started with 20+ years ago,” said Andy Kosek, General Manager of Creekside Soils. “The in-vessel system was effective but the vessels, the air system and the control software were starting to show their age, and wear. When exploring options for a new system, cost and operational efficiency were the two main focal points, the GMT CASP system checked all the boxes.” GMT designed and commissioned a 6 zone below grade aeration system per the RFP specification. Each zone has an individual blower that is automatically controlled by GMT's "WebMACs" control system, using a data probe inserted into each pile. “GMT staff were very responsive and accommodating to our needs,” said Kosek. “From the initial design, to system component delivery and ultimately system commissioning, everything went as smoothly as one could expect. We were venturing into uncharted waters transitioning from an in-vessel system to an ASP system, we really didn’t know how the ASP system would perform not having any previous hands-on experience with one. After a couple days of Peter Haun being on site for commissioning, only very minor changes were needed to be made to the control settings, it was like the system was “out of the box” ready.” The CASP system allows Creekside Soils to produce high quality compost with minimal operational demand by utilizing state of the art temperature control feedback, to keep pile temperatures at the setpoint to maintain optimal composting conditions at all times. Additionally, the below-grade aeration floor installed requires minimal operational interference between batches, allowing the operators to quickly load and unload batches without any adjustment to equipment. The facility was designed and positioned in a manner to allow the system to be expanded to 3,000 tons per year at a later date.“Not that I ever doubted the system’s performance, but I am very pleased with how the system controls are set and able to hold temps,” said Kosek. “It honestly floors me how well it is able to maintain “flat line” temperatures within the different regime set points.”For a Case Study about the project, click here. About Creekside Soils: CreekSide provides an environmentally responsible alternative disposing of city and county organics in area landfills in a manner that is self-sustaining and provides the optimum benefits, economic and otherwise to the residents of Hutchinson. CreekSide values innovation, market flexibility, incorporating best business practices, establishing partnerships, meeting or exceeding customer requirements, maintaining good relationships with neighbors, and being recognized as a community asset by the residents of Hutchinson and McLeod County. Learn more at www.creeksidesoils.com. About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com. #### City of Phoenix ASP Composting Operator: WeCare DenaliLocation: Phoenix, AZFeedstock: Green/Food WasteCapacity: 60,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2017Project Components: Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Pilot Project Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements The City of Phoenix was searching for a financially feasible sustainable approach to diverting the city's green and food waste. The solution had to work on an existing 20-acre parcel of land, have a high throughput, work in the dramatic desert climate, and not negatively impact the surrounding community. Composting proved to be the lowest cost solution meeting these criteria. They reached out next to GMT for feedstock feasibility analyses, pilot testing, permitting, and compost equipment.Our Solution To better understand the feedstocks, GMT designed a small pipe on grade system that was installed prior to the 2014 Super Bowl. Food waste from the event was mixed with green waste and aerated on the pilot aeration pad. Based on the results, GMT designed a large Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) composting system capable of handling 120,000 T/year. The facility utilizes below grade spargers, reversing aeration, and biofiltration for maximal process, and odor control. At present, the facility is only built out to half of the overall capacity and processing exclusively green waste as a result of subsequent political changes.Learn More About ASP Systems“Phoenix has authored one of the most remarkable sustainability turnaround stories in the country, and our new composting facility starts an important new chapter. This award is a testament to our partners and their commitment to make Phoenix one of the most sustainable and resilient cities in the world.” - Greg Stanton, Mayor, City of PhoenixContact Us #### City of Phoenix Cuts Ribbon On New Composting Facility The City of Phoenix celebrated the grand opening of its new compost facility designed by Green Mountain Technologies and Arrington Watkins Architects on April 20th, 2017. Michael Bryan-Brown and Jeff Gage of Green Mountain Technologies attended the ribbon cutting ceremony along with Mayor Greg Stanton, Phoenix City Council members, and over 100 guests. The Phoenix compost facility is capable of processing up to 110,000 tons of green and food waste per year and will divert more than 10% of waste currently being sent to the landfill. The award-winning design which earned the Envision® Silver Rating from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure will enable the city to expand its operations in the future to process up to 220,000 tons per year. Phoenix has ambitious waste reduction goals and plans to increase their diversion rate to 40% by 2020. They have taken the first step to meet this goal by composting their food and green waste. GMT is honored to have their state-of-the-art designs and composting technologies contribute to the City of Phoenix’s waste diversion goals. To see the PHX TV news story on the event, follow the link to watch the video: Phoenix Opens New 27-acre Compost Facility to Divert More Food Waste and Green Organics To read more about the event and what the City of Phoenix hopes to accomplish by composting, follow the link below to read an article published by PR Newswire: Phoenix’s 27th Avenue Compost Facility Earns Envision (R) Silver Rating from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure  To see more technical aspects of the project, follow the link below to watch our Youtube video about the design: City of Phoenix Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) Composting System Flyover #### City Of Phoenix TAP (Turned Aerated Pile) Compost System – Spring 2017 GMT was hired to design a 200,000 ton per year food and yard waste composting system for the City of Phoenix. The project will be built in two phases at a site adjacent to the City recycling facility. The design is based on GMT’s TAP (Turned Aerated Pile) technology. Phoenix presented some particular challenges due to the hot dry climate. The active composting area will be covered by a shaded structure with integrated solar panels. All waste water is captured and treated for reuse on the compost piles. The active composting area is turned every 3-4 days and rewetted to maintain optimal conditions. The aeration system is reversing to conserve water and reduce odors through the use of biofiltration. The project will be operational in the spring of 2017. Watch our flyover video below. #### City of Phoenix Turned Aerated Pile Facility URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/city-of-phoenix-turned-aerated-pile-facility/ #### Cold Weather Composting Thermophilic microbes living in a hot compost pile thrive at temperatures in the realm of 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These hot temperatures produce the highest diversity of microbes and are the most productive at composting. However, cold weather can threaten those desired composting temperatures. Without careful planning and design, the compost can freeze, which can spell the end of composting until warm weather returns. If one wants to compost year-round, it’s helpful to understand how to manage the composting process in freezing weather. While this might seem difficult or impossible, it’s actually quite doable (if you understand what the microbes need). Let’s explore some ways to make cold weather composting a success. #1. Recipe A balanced compost recipe is critical to effective cold weather composting. The colder the temperature outside, the more precise the recipe must be. In other words, if the microbes don’t have what they need in terms of food, air, water, and living conditions, they don’t stand a chance. Earth Flow Custom Vessel composting at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota Earth Cube composting in Cook City, Montana While the intricacies of building effective compost recipes is beyond the scope of today’s topic, here is one key tip for ensuring a good compost recipe in cold weather: keep your carbon dry. In winter weather, carbon sources, such as leaves and wood chips, tend to get wet from rain and snow. This tends to result in overly saturated compost, especially for food waste composting. To make matters worse, when the temperatures drop, that moisture can cause the pile of leaves or pile of wood chips to freeze and be unusable. In order to maintain a good moisture balance in a compost pile, keep that carbon source dry. #2. Insulation Assuming one has created an appropriate compost recipe, insulation is another important tool for protecting a compost process in cold weather. While compost itself is a good insulator, if the exterior of the compost pile is exposed to freezing temperatures, this increases the risk of the compost temperatures crashing in severe freezing conditions. The more the compost pile is insulated from the freezing weather, the easier it is for the microbes to maintain their internal compost temperatures. Protection from freezing winds, snow, and rain can all be beneficial to protecting the compost environment. This points to in-vessel composting systems, where it is relatively easy to insulate a vessel and protect a compost pile from severe weather. For instance, our Earth Flow and Earth Cube systems offer options for vessel insulation for cold weather #3. Freeze Protection Sometimes even a proper recipe and insulation can’t stand a chance against the cold. This is particularly the case for smaller composting masses that have less capacity for heat retention. Also, if outside temperatures drop well below freezing (say -10 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit), it becomes difficult for the compost to maintain its internal temperatures; simply too much heat is being pulled away. Earth Flow Custom Steel with Pile-based Biofilter in White Post, Virginia In these situations, an external heat source may be necessary to keep the compost from freezing. This could be an electrical heater integrated into the floor of the vessel or the entire compost vessel might be located inside a building with minimal heating to prevent freezing and protect from wind. The best solution depends on a variety of factors and needs for the compost process. #4. Start Up Starting a compost pile in cold weather is a particular challenge. It’s a bit like starting a fire in cold, wet weather. It’s hard to get the fire started but it’s relatively easy to keep it going. A hot compost process is similar. If you can start the compost pile before the weather gets cold and it’s much easier to keep it going once the cold arrives. One suggestion is to begin your compost process in warm weather. That way, when the cold weather arrives, the compost is already hot and thriving. Also, the larger the compost pile the more capacity it has for maintaining its internal heat. So larger compost piles are easier to keep at the desired temperature. If you need to start your compost pile in below freezing weather, one trick is to blend a small batch of compost feedstock indoors and then bring that small batch outdoors once the compost temperatures have started to rise. Then add plenty of cover material over the pile to protect that cooking compost from the cold weather. By carefully monitoring your piles and integrating these heat-positive conditions, your compost will be armed and ready for any weather. If winter weather is making year-round composting a challenge for you, we can help! Contact us today.  #### Colorado State University In-Vessel Composting Operator: Colorado State UniversityLocation: Fort Collins, COFeedstock: Food Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 153 T/yearYear Installed: 2011Project Components: Custom Vessel Automated Mixing System Forced Aeration Greenhouse Roof Client’s Requirements After years of transporting the University's food and landscape waste 50 miles to an off-site composting facility, Colorado State University (CSU) recognized the need for a more sustainable approach. The high transport and disposal expenses prompted them to explore on-site composting. They also wanted compost for on-campus landscaping, and to integrate on site composting with student learning. To address these goals, CSU turned to Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) for a tailored commercial composting solution.Our Solution GMT provided CSU with a 30' Earth Flow In-Vessel composting system near the main campus. This Earth Flow composts over a ton of biodegradable material daily, speeding up the decomposition process for food scraps in just 14-21 days. Food waste from dining centers along with manure and bedding from the equine center are easily loaded into the vessel with an automated tote loader. The system has user-friendly controls for compost mixing and moisture management. After the composting process, the finished product cures outside for a few weeks and is used for on-campus landscaping. The Earth Flow system drastically reduces transport and disposal costs, keeps valuable nutrients on campus, and prevents odors and pests while occupying a footprint the size of a single parking space.Learn More About In-Vessel SystemsThe Earth Flow system is a sophisticated and effective system for composting larger quantities of material, which works well for our university. We have also appreciated the strong customer support and service provided by Green Mountain Technologies as the university has implemented this new system.”  - CSU’s Sustainability Coordinator Amber SmithContact Us #### Colorado State University Composts to Reduce Overhead and Create Educational Experiences SYSTEM INSTALL: 2011  CLIENT NEED After many years of trucking the University’s food and landscape waste 50 miles one-way to an off-site commercial composting operation, Colorado State University (CSU) decided it was time to look into alternatives. The significant transport and disposal costs motivated them to consider an on-site solution. They also wished to utilize the valuable nutrients in waste for on-campus landscaping applications. CSU approached Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) to provide a commercial composting solution that met their specific needs. GMT SOLUTION GMT provided CSU with a fully enclosed, Earth Flow In-Vessel composting system three miles west of the main campus at the Foothills Campus. This 30’ long Earth Flow is capable of composting more than one ton of biodegradables per day. The system hastens the process of aerobic decomposition and is able to compost food scraps in 14-21 days. The composter is the size of a large, roll-off dumpster with a greenhouse roof for passive solar gain and a unique traveling auger design which simultaneously mixes the compost and transports it slowly from one end of the vessel to the other. The composter is powered with electricity generated by nearby solar panels. Pulped food waste (including meat, dairy, bones and paper products) from two dining centers is composted in the Earth Flow along with bulking material generated from the CSU Equine Center. Waste is loaded into one end of the vessel by placing a rolling toter on an automated tote loader. The control panel allows the operator to select the number of times per day that the compost is mixed as well as automatically adds moisture to the compost.  On a recent day, the heat off the pile was recorded at 130°F. Finished compost cures outside of the system in piles for several weeks before being used as a soil amendment on campus. CSU’s Sustainability Coordinator Amber Smith stated, “The Earth Flow system is a sophisticated and effective system for composting larger quantities of material, which works well for our university. We have also appreciated the strong customer support and service provided by Green Mountain Technologies as the university has implemented this new system.” The Earth Flow system significantly reduces CSU’s transport and disposal costs and allows CSU to keep valuable nutrients on-campus for landscaping projects.  In addition, the completely enclosed, in-vessel design of the Earth Flow prevents offensive odors and pests. And the Earth Flow does its job on a footprint roughly the size of a single parking space. #### Colorado State University: Earth Flow Composter “We’ve been nothing but ecstatic with the relationship. You guys have been awesome with helping us out.”– Tim Broderick, Sustainability Coordinator with Housing and Dining Services Colorado State University (CSU) uses an EF-30 In-Vessel Earth Flow composting system to compost about 1 ton of food waste and horse bedding per day. The Earth Flow composter at CSU serves as a living laboratory for students and staff as a part of Soil & Crop Sciences program. One recent CSU graduate used their experience working with the Earth Flow composter to help them secure a job at a winery in California. The employer indicated that the hands-on composting experience was key to their selection for the position. #### Come visit GMT in Booth #1166 at Waste Expo 2018, April 24-26 in Las Vegas, NV GMT will be exhibiting at WasteExpo 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 24-26.  GMT President Michael Bryan-Brown and Senior Project Manager Oley Sheremeta will be in Central Halls booth #1166 to talk about our latest products and technologies.  Stop by to say hello and discuss your current and future projects! We are giving away free Exhibit Hall Admission tickets to the first 50 people to request them.  If you would like one, please email your request to sales@compostingtechnology.com. #### Commercial Composters Put New, Odorless Spin On An Old-Fashioned Practice From BuildingGreen.com: Commercial Composters Put New, Odorless Spin on an Old-Fashioned Practice (Subscription required to read the full article) A shocking 40% of food produced in the U.S. never gets eaten, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (PDF). That means we’re casually throwing out a quarter of the fresh water we consume and 4% of the oil we burn, according to the organization. To add insult to injury, because of the methane released during anaerobic digestion, 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. come from organic waste in landfills, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes. (Methane is 20 times more potent in the atmosphere over a 100-year period than carbon dioxide.) Greater awareness of these issues—and new laws regarding food waste—have led to “an uptick in interest” in onsite composting for commercial buildings, says Van Calvez, sales and marketing director at Green Mountain Technologies. The company, based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, manufactures several types of commercial-scale in-vessel composters—enclosed environments that encourage high-heat aerobic digestion of organics—and provides consulting services for onsite composting in both rural and urban settings throughout North America. [BuildingGreen.com] #### Comparison of Sparger Aeration to Pipe At Grade ASP Systems URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/comparison-of-sparger-aeration-to-pipe-at-grade-asp-systems/ #### CompoNews 2024 COMPONews 2024 is an annual publication of our EU partner, Compost Systems GmbH of Austria. The 2024 issue is packed with deep insights about the big picture and the environmental and economic opportunities of advanced composting processes & technologies. Many specific facilities are described in detail, along with spotlights on GMT's Earth Flow and our overall partnership. Click PDF to view the PDF. #### Compost Aeration System Components Aerated Static Pile (ASP), Turned Aerated Pile (TAP), and In Vessel composting systems are essentially "HVAC" systems to control airflow, temperature and moisture levels to optimize the composting process. With hundreds of composting system installations worldwide, GMT has developed a robust line of aeration infrastructure packages for large or small facilities. GMTs aeration infrastructure includes aeration ducts built into the floor, aeration blowers, computer controlled valves that direct air flow to each zone, nozzles, pressure traps, manifolds that connect blowers to each zone and all the hardware that connects everything together. Click here to learn more about aeration system components. #### Compost Awareness Week 2017 Organic Waste Becomes Compost, Healthy Soil and Healthy Food by Dan Noble Assemblymember Arambula Introduces ACR No. 69 — Compost Awareness Week Sacramento, CA, May 8, 2017– The Association of Compost Producers are grateful to Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula for introducing Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 69 — Compost Awareness Week, May 7-13. “I am proud to introduce this important resolution supporting Compost Awareness Week. California’s long history of producing nutritious food has been strengthened by a holistic view of healthy soils.  From the backyard gardener to the family farmer, our practices help to feed and promote a healthier California.”  – Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula This year’s theme is “Healthy Soil, Healthy Food.” California’s compost producers are pleased to have the support of the California Legislature on this resolution, acknowledging the importance of producing and using compost in communities throughout our state. “We are proud and grateful to have the acknowledgment of the California State Legislature supporting the manufacture and beneficial use of compost in their districts, and throughout California.” – Dan Noble, Executive Director of the Association of Compost Producers (ACP). The resolution passed the Assembly on a unanimous vote on May 8, 2017. California produces 13 million cubic yards of compost from over 9 million tons of organic waste each year. However, to achieve both California greenhouse gas reduction and 75 % recycling goals, Californians will need to produce an additional 10 million tons of compost per year by 2025. ACR 69 cites over a dozen good reasons to produce and use compost. For these reasons ACP’s private and municipal members (and their customers and constituencies) make it their mission in life to build healthy soil from compost for the residents of this state. By returning the organic residuals generated daily by Californians back to the soil, we complete this important regenerative cycle, producing a valuable product that would otherwise be wasted. International Compost Awareness Week helps bring this central green business to the attention of all of us as we participate in this renewable carbon cycle, ending with ever-useful compost. “We are especially gratified that all Californians are opening up to the importance of recycling our organic waste into a beneficial product that has multiple benefits for our communities, and especially appreciate Assemblymember Arambula’s leadership in carrying this important message forward. “ – Jeff Ziegenbein, President of ACP The Association of Compost Producers (ACP) is a non-profit, 501(c)6 trade association of public and private organizations dedicated to increasing the quality, value and amount of compost being produced and used in California. We do this by promoting activities, product testing, standards and regulations that build healthy soil, benefiting people and the environment. To learn more, watch THE COMPOST STORY, at www.KisstheGround.com/TheCompostStory; watch the trailer, take the Compost Pledge and look for the full video on May 7, 2017, at the launch of International Compost Awareness Week, May 7-13, 2017. #### Compost Colorado In-Vessel Composting Operator: Compost ColoradoLocation: Denver, COFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 800 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Two Earth Flow IM 40 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Compost Colorado, (CoCo), is an Employee-Owned, Public Benefit Company that goes above and beyond to support its local community. With support from Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment and in close collaboration with Denver’s office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency, CoCo is establishing Denver’s first official composting facility.CoCo’s mission is to create a resilient resource management system that revitalizes local soil, reduces contamination, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions from trucking organic waste to distant facilities. Starting in 2024 as a community food waste collection project, they aimed to expand into processing their own compost—requiring a proven, economically viable hot aerobic in-vessel composting system capable of handling compostable plastics.Following Denver’s 2022 Waste No More ordinance requiring expanded composting, Compost Colorado (CoCo) aimed to establish a local, resilient organics processing hub at the National Western Center. Their goals were to: Process over 1,000 tons annually within a small footprint Reduce emissions from long-distance hauling Support environmental justice efforts in Globeville Create a flexible, regulation-resistant facility adaptable to changing policies A critical challenge arose when A1 Organics, which previously accepted restaurant and event waste—including biodegradable plastics—ceased accepting such materials due to contamination issues, leaving a gap in local processing options. CoCo needed a system capable of processing these organics and plastics locally to sustain organics recycling across the region.CoCo collaborated closely with the National Western Center Authority to develop the site, supported by a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Waste No More initiative, which provided crucial funding and strategic backing.In 2024, what started out as a community food waste collection project was ready to expand into having its own composting facility. After much research they decided to find an In-Vessel composting system that met their particular needs. The system needed to be proven, economically strong and capable of effectively processing compostable plastics.Our Solution CoCo selected two Green Mountain Technology Earth Flow hot aerobic in-vessel composting systems as the heart of their new operation. Known for their ability to rapidly process organics and biodegradable plastics—in less than four weeks—the Earth Flow machines are compact (under 500 sq ft) and feature integrated moisture systems, perfect for Denver’s high desert climate. The results of the 2024 Compost Consortium study on the effectiveness of various composting processes at breaking down biodegradable plastics made the Earth Flow in vessel composting system an obvious choice.  Commissioned in 2025, these systems fill a critical regional gap, converting food waste and plastics into high-quality compost while drastically reducing emissions from trucking. They also support the city’s goals of local food sovereignty, environmental justice, and sustainable community resilience. Climate conditions in Denver’s high desert make open-air windrow composting challenging due to rapid drying below optimal moisture levels. An advantage of the Earth Flow system is its integrated moisture addition via the mixing auger, ensuring consistent moisture content and fast, high-quality compost production. CoCo is also exploring plans to expand further with a simple ASP bunker system to effectively manage secondary processing after initial composting in the Earth Flows. This project exemplifies how strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and targeted funding can create a scalable, community-focused organics infrastructure—promoting equitable waste management, reducing environmental impacts, and building a resilient local food system. By developing their own internal compost processing capacity CoCo is cultivating a more resilient paradigm for managing resources, one that: revitalizes local soil, mitigates contamination, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be emitted from trucking materials to distant industrial facilities.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“We appreciate the GMT team and how responsive you are to our needs" - Natalie McKinney, Chief Program Officer & “Really simple to use — just load it in and turn it on. Super straightforward and easy to operate. " - Mitch Steffey, Compost CaptainContact Us #### Compost Council of Canada’s 2023 Conference GMT presented and exhibited at the Compost Council of Canada’s 2023 Conference in Montreal this week, Sept 27-29. Our founder, Michael Bryan-Brown, presented about new Earth Flow composting systems for five First Nations tribes in British Colombia the morning of Sept 29. Hundreds of attendees had a chance to see Michael’s presentation and speak with him at the GMT booth on the trade show floor. Check out the full conference program online. #### Compost Solution on Richard Branson’s Island Life is different on Richard Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Breath-taking views are found at every turn and villas or the whole island are available for rent year-around. Aldabra giant tortoises, flamingos, and scarlet ibis roam free and you might even be able to take lessons from Mr. Branson’s tennis or kite-surfing coach.  Along with its reputation as a secluded resort, Necker Island is also known for its commitment to sustainability. In 2006, Mr. Branson made a pledge to commit to fighting climate change by investing $3 million in carbon-reducing projects. Since then, his private island getaway Necker Island, has become an experiment in all things sustainable and has set an example for sustainability in the Caribbean Islands. Three wind turbines and a large solar array panel provide 80% of the electricity needed for the island. Chefs use local food, rainwater is collected, and the resort is working to eliminate disposable toiletries and source employee uniforms made out of recycled plastics.  A large part of the sustainability equation on Necker Island is managing waste disposal. While there are a variety of waste management methods for islands, composting has become a very cost effective solution. For Necker Island, Island composting became a reality using the Intermodal Earth Flow Composter designed and installed by Green Mountain Technologies. This state-of-the-art composter processes landscaping waste debris, food waste, and other biodegradable materials to produce nutrient-rich compost and soil amendments for the acres of landscaped grounds on the island. Other benefits of the Earth Flow include reduced waste disposal and fertilizer costs and increased self-reliance of waste management systems important during hurricanes.  This large solar array and three wind turbines provide 80% of the electricity for the island. Photo: Michael Bryan-Brown CHALLENGE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT ON TROPICAL ISLANDS British Virgin Islands. Photo: Matt Briney Circular waste management becomes a necessity on remote island chains like the BVI where food, fuel, wastes, and other materials are costly to ship in and out. Currently, 230,000 tourists visit BVI each year increasing waste streams and environmental degradation. A 2016 report published by the Inter-American Development Bank found that nine Caribbean countries face challenges related to waste management, including “increased solid waste generation, changes in waste characterization, lack of adequate disposal sites, and low collection rates.” To solve these problems, many islands such as the Hawaiian Islands and Puerto Rico rely on incinerators to manage their waste streams because of the lack of space for landfills, and economic feasibility of recycling. Recently, the BVI has made strides to reduce the amount of waste going to the incinerator, which was out of commission due to a fire from a gas tank explosion in 2019. BVI signed a memorandum of understanding with Green VI, a non-profit, to implement on-island recycling programs that upcycle glass into art, Styrofoam into beanbag chairs, plastic into fence boards, and cardboard into compost. Despite these efforts, strides must be made in composting to reduce costs for waste disposal and shipping.  RICHARD BRANSON’S COMPOSTING SYSTEM Reducing Disposal Costs Prior to their use of the Earth Flow, Necker Island shipped a 20-cubic yard dumpster of garbage off-island twice per week amounting to $32,000 dollars in charges per month. Now with the Earth Flow Composter, 40 cubic yards of material can be processed per month, significantly reducing disposal costs. Necker Island expects to pay off their initial investment in the Earth Flow in under two years.  “Sustainability is not an economic pain, but an economic opportunity.”- Sir Richard Branson Providing Nutrient-Rich Compost for Landscaping Needs   After the compost runs through the automated auger system, which takes between 14-21 days, the compost can cure for another month or be added to landscaping immediately as a soil amendment. Prior to the installation of the Earth Flow, compost was imported to Necker Island from Puerto Rico with unnecessary costs for shipping and handling. Now, Richard Branson’s staff unloads the back of the Earth Flow and transfers the cascading nutrient-rich soil to their plants for optimal growth.  Hurricane Proof “I’ve been in one hurricane every 10 years. The first three were extraordinary, magnificent, beautiful–the seas were unbelievable, the skies were unbelievable, the wind was unbelievable. But the damage was not by in large too bad. The last hurricane was anything but beautiful. It was technically a category 7 hurricane, 200 mile-an-hour winds, and the damage was horrendous.” – Sir Richard Branson Head manager for Earth Flow Composter underneath sun canopy at the entrance of the Earth Flow. Photo: Michael Bryan-Brown BVI suffered catastrophically from Hurricane Irma that hit in September 2017, decimating homes and leaving piles of flammable debris in its wake. At Necker Island, staff made sure to secure the Earth Flow to concrete to keep it in place during hurricane season. The compost from the Earth Flow will facilitate continued growth of vegetables on the island and keep Necker Island self-sufficient during future natural disasters and global pandemics. CEO and Founder Michael Bryan-Brown in Action  This past March, Michael Bryan-Brown visited Necker Island and performed a training for local staff on how to operate the Earth Flow. The installation was stalled for the last couple of years due to rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma, so seeing the Earth Flow up and running was a proud moment for Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Team, and Green Mountain Technologies.  The next step is expanding these composting technologies to the neighboring island, Moskito Island to receive the same benefits and commitment to environmental sustainability.   Interested In a compost solution for your island? Send us a message here. Michael Bryan-Brown and Virgin team staff members after the Earth Flow training. Photo: Michael Bryan-Brown. #### Compost Systems Austria In-Vessel Composting Operator: Compost Systems AustriaLocation: Altenburg, AustriaFeedstock: Green Waste, Food Waste, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2021Project Components: Earth Flow IM-20 Odor Control Client’s Requirements In 2022, Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) began a partnership with Compost Systems GmbH (CS) of Austria. Our shared commitments to environmental stewardship led to the creation of a strategic alliance aimed at advancing compost facility design and proprietary "in-vessel" containerized composting systems. As a tangible outcome of this collaboration, a 20’ GMT Earth Flow in-vessel composting system, renowned for its efficiency and process control, found a new home in Austria. Positioned as a demonstration unit, this system showcases its capabilities to the European market. GMT and CS are not only expanding the reach of their composting technologies but also reinforcing their joint dedication to environmental preservation.Our Solution Positioned strategically in the heart of Europe, this 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow demonstration unit in Austria underscores the potential of international partnerships in advancing composting technologies and addressing global environmental challenges. The collaboration between CS and GMT is a testament to the power of innovation and sustainability in composting solutions, offering a compelling example of how cutting-edge technologies can be deployed to benefit both local and international communities.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“This partnership represents an alignment of core values and recognition that cooperation is our best path toward scaling our impact for environmental and economic sustainability,” said CS Founder and Managing Director Aurel Lübke. "We look forward to deep collaborations with the Green Mountain Technologies team as we bring our solutions to the next level of market adoption.”Contact Us #### Composted Manure vs Raw Manure This 12 minute video by Bio Minerals Technologies is a great explanation of why composted manure is vastly different than raw manure, in terms of soil health, nutrient retention and microbiology. #### Composting at a Retirement Community in California CLIENT CHALLENGE Masonic Homes is a continuing care retirement community in Union City, CA and Covina, CA. With a combined total of 700 full time residents, the organization handles two tons of food waste per week. Masonic Homes also maintains a farm that provides an abundance of fruit and vegetables to feed the residents. Instead of paying to throw away food waste, the organization decided to compost on-site to cut waste management costs and also provide nourishment for the farm’s soil. GMT SOLUTION Masonic Homes partnered with Tri-Ced Recycling, a nonprofit hauler/recycler to co-purchase an Earth Flow In-Vessel Composting System from Green Mountain Technologies. The composting system is fully automated and only requires one operator to manage the process. The finished compost is used on Masonic’s farm and their 267-acre site for a reforestation project. Masonic Homes saw a return on their investment in two years and is happy with the transition from landfilling food waste to composting the waste on-site. #### Composting at an Urban Park in Manhattan CLIENT CHALLENGE The Hudson River Park in Manhattan, NYC is located on a 4-mile stretch of the Hudson River shoreline. The park is the largest open space to undergo construction in Manhattan since the completion of Central Park. The Hudson River Park needed a fully enclosed composting system that required little labor to compost landscape waste and some food waste from the property. The park wanted to reduce the cost of disposal and also reduce the cost of purchasing soil amendment. Additionally, the park desired a system that would allow them to collect more waste in the future. GMT SOLUTION Green Mountain Technologies provided the park with an EF-16 In-Vessel Earth Flow system in the fall of 2015. Located right on the Hudson River, the system is adjacent to a public walking corridor where joggers and walkers frequently pass. The Earth Flow allows Hudson River Park to compost in a public space without worrying about odor. Matt Post, Director of Horticulture at Hudson River Park Trust, says, “We have the right balance of stuff going in. Product is looking great.  We’ve got some black gold. It’s a big hit.” This system is making odorless compost and is operating between 100-150 degrees. “At 150 degrees, the system is doing a great job of killing weed seeds. We’re throwing almost all our weeds in there. I haven’t had to get any dumpsters to throw weeds away. This is a big part of why we got this system,” said Matt. #### Composting at Zero Waste Facility in Canada CLIENT CHALLENGE Gibson’s Recycling Depot is one of the first resource recovery facilities in British Columbia and is based on Zero Waste principles. The recycling facility is located on the Sunshine Coast Peninsula, in the Howe Sound near Vancouver. Buddy Boyd, co-founder of Gibson’s Recycling, is committed to mining the waste stream before anything is landfilled, “waste really isn’t waste until it is wasted, so we just deal with it differently.” Buddy needed an on-site solution to divert local food waste from the landfill to attain the company’s zero landfill goal. He contacted Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) because of our experience with on-site composting for remote communities. GMT SOLUTION GMT recommended the In-Vessel Earth Flow system to accommodate the volume of food waste. In order to meet Gibson’s Recycling budget requirements, GMT retrofitted a used in-vessel system. Veggies, meat, bones scraps, and horse manure are all recycled in the Earth Flow. The finished product is then sold as nutrient-rich soil. “What we’re doing is engineering nutrition to put back into our nutrition-starved Earth on the sunshine coast. The by-product is that we’re creating jobs in our community, as well as contributing to the tax base with local, economic development opportunities here by taking something that was once in the waste stream and adding value to it as a resource,” says Buddy. #### Composting Cannabis Waste A cost-effective, efficient way to manage cannabis waste and comply with federal or state regulations. 1. Save Green to Grow More GreenCanadian and U.S. regulations require cannabis farms to shred plant waste and mix it with an inert substance (i.e. cat litter, sand, plastic waste, sawdust) until deemed “unrecognizable and irrecoverable.” This requires mix material to be purchased and immediately discarded, doubling materials and disposal costs. To avoid these costs, Flowr, a large grower in Toronto, Canada found the Earth Flow system to be a cost-effective option to meet Canadian regulations. The Earth Flow not only eliminates disposal costs with the finished compost product recycling back into the growing operation. It reduces costs for soil amendments and fertilizers. These savings allow Flowr to recover their initial investment in the Earth Flow in less than a year.   2. Save Time CompostingInstead of worrying about proper cannabis waste disposal and seeking out a supplier for nutrient-rich soil, cannabis growers can remove and re-use product on-site. The Earth Flow’s continuous flow design allows the cannabis grower to add new material every day. This automated mixing technology is a highly efficient model for composting compared to other methods. The Earth Flow creates a pathogen-free substrate by heating compost to temperatures of 55 °C (131 °F).  The Earth Flows process takes between 14-21 days to create a finished compost product. You can use the compost as a soil amendment right away! The Earth Flow’s auger slices through marijuana plants at Flowr TM 3. Creating a Sustainable ProductCannabis waste has put a huge burden on public landfills, In 2018, Washington State found that landfills accumulated 1.7 million pounds of plant waste since legalization in 2014. Marijuana growing operations have a responsibility to lessen their environmental impact. Composting is one-way growers can reduce, re-use, and recycle while creating a more sustainable product. Composting cannabis waste is a no-brainer because it saves time and money while meeting regulations, and not ruining the planet. Green Mountain Technologies helps cannabis growers of all sizes bring cost-effective composting into their operations. Reach out to us here for more information! Want to learn more? Check out our Flowr Case Study. #### Composting Cannabis Waste in Oklahoma The cannabis industry is growing fast and so is the amount of waste growers produce. While California and Colorado enjoy full legalization, other states have been patiently waiting for regulations to loosen. In 2019, the Oklahoma Marijuana Waste Management Act opened the opportunity to a particular niche of the cannabis industry: waste management, granting 10 permits to private companies to manage cannabis waste.  The permits were scooped up quickly, but Enso Solutions was one of the lucky companies to obtain a permit. After researching various composting vessels, Enso chose Green Mountain Technologies’ Earth FlowTM In Vessel System. BUSINESS REVOLVES AROUND THE EARTH FLOWAs a waste management company in a highly regulated industry, Enso Solutions reduces the hassle and wastefulness of disposing of cannabis in a landfill. With Enso’s composting process, cannabis growers are ensured that their cannabis waste transforms back into soil; an incentive for both businesses and the environment. With their business model, compost product is donated to Oklahoma City for tax breaks or sold to gardening companies in the area. “We are getting a product that is raw and trying to turn it into a useful compost after it comes out of the Earth Flow,” says Justin of Enso Solutions.  Similar to the cannabis industry, composting is still an emerging market in Oklahoma. Enso Solutions is very excited to begin working in an industry that is contributing to the sustainability of the environment.  WHY THEY CHOSE THE EARTH FLOW COMPACT DESIGN AND VISIBILITYEnso Solutions loves the Earth FlowTM for many reasons, but the two biggest advantages are its compact nature and the ability to see inside the vessel while the composting process is occurring. “This machine being so compact and producing a quality product will hopefully generate revenue for us as a company,” explained Andy. The entire Enso Solutions operation is located in a small warehouse with the exception of an outdoor biofilter that filters odors from the composter making the fully enclosed design of the Earth Flow a real advantage. Enso Solutions also loves the Earth Flow because you can visibly see the compost process while it’s occurring. Other in-vessel composting options like drum technology and cylinders don’t allow operators to observe the system in process. With visibility there is increased ability to troubleshoot any potential mixing or recipe problems. ENSO’S UNIQUE CHALLENGE: DIVERSE FEEDSTOCKSThe main challenge Enso Solutions faced during startup was the massive diversity in incoming feedstocks. The cannabis waste comprised 12 different feedstocks including THC-infused gels, liquids, powders and plant matter (leaves, roots, stems and soil). With the addition of products that had already undergone manufacturing processes, the mixture was dry and not homogenizing well. Also, stems from marijuana plants were wrapping around the Earth Flow’s auger impeding mixing.  GMT’S SOLUTION: ANALYSIS AND PRELIMINARY TREATING MEASURES To solve Enso’s unique problems, Van, Earth Flow Specialist at GMT, estimated carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous content of each of the unique feedstocks and recommended balanced recipes. He also assisted with purchasing a grinder to help break up the cannabis plants to a proper particle size prior to going into the vessel. Van was on-site at Enso Solutions in Oklahoma City for three days, troubleshooting their composting process, a routine process of educating and developing proper composting methodology for Earth Flow customers to ensure long-term success in their composting process.  Interested in how you could use the Earth Flow on your site? Reach out to us today! #### Composting Consortium Bioplastics Report Groundbreaking: Closed Loop and the Composting Consortium recently published a study examining compostable packaging products, and their viability to disrupt current conventional plastic usage. More than 23,000 units of compostable packaging were tested, across 10 diverse composting facilities. On average, compostable plastic broke down 98% by surface area, and compostable fiber products broke down by 83% (see image 2 below).But, there is still work to be done.... 78% of composters who process food waste but not compostable packaging cite confusion with conventional plastic packaging and products as the main reason. The study concluded: “To achieve widespread adoption, a collaborative effort across the entire value chain is necessary.” So, can compostable plastic really breakdown? Yes, especially with GMT's Earth Flow. Click here to see the data for yourself. #### Composting Food Waste On-Site Instead of Hauling It Off Are you curious about how institutional food waste can be composted on-site instead of paying to haul it to a landfill or composting facility? This short video shows how Rutgers University is converting campus food waste into valuable compost with an odor-controlled automatic system that pays for itself by reduced disposal costs. #### Composting Horse Manure for Bedding Reuse Waste management is a significant expense for any farm operation with costs for fees, government regulations, and fuel prices continually rising. Equestrian farms want to keep manure management low in cost, odor, and bacterial spread. Composting horse manure is an excellent solution: Horse manure and straw (bedding) are ideal materials for creating a high-quality compost product,Composting sterilizes the manure while leaving it nutrient-rich and odorless The time-efficient process results in a salable product that can be spread in stables and on agricultural lands.  Video describing the process of composting horse manure using the Earth FlowTM Composting System. Video: Green Mountain Technologies. WOOD SHAVINGS AND MANURE ARE AN IDEAL FEEDSTOCK COMBINATIONFirst, the combination of nitrogen-rich horse manure and carbon-rich straw are an ideal recipe for creating a high-value compost product. Horses, unlike cows, are not ruminants, and thus much of the nutrients from the hay remains present in the manure. This includes approximately 70-80% of the nitrogen (N), 60-85% of the phosphorus (P), and 80-90% of the potassium (K) from their feed. These nutrients mix with urea and ammonia from the urine and become excellent energy sources for bacteria. This bacteria results in a well-heated compost which is vital to adequate compost production. Alongside the bacterial process in homogenization is the mixing of materials. Using the mixing technology from Earth Flow Compost system, the mixture can fully homogenize, creating an ideal compost matrix. HIGH HEAT RESULTS IN PATHOGEN-FREE, ODORLESS YET NUTRIENT-RICH FINAL PRODUCTThe homogenized horse manure and straw easily reach temperatures between 135º and 150º F, which destroys harmful pathogens, fly larvae, and weeds making it safe to distribute in stables or on uneven grasslands. Pathogens commonly found in horse manure include Clostridium tetani,Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis, Campylobacter spp, Salmonella spp., pathogenic strains of E. coli, and Yersinia spp. However, Atwill 2001 determined that there were insignificant levels of E. coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella in adult horse guts and composted manure showed no E. coli 0157:H7 after 24 hours in pile residence. All of Green Mountain Technologies clients have tested compost after running it through the Earth Flow and found results well below pathogen EPA standards. TIME-EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICALLY BENEFICIAL  Benefits of manure composting with the Earth Flow system versus a Bin system: Reduces labor to turn compostExtremely efficient in compost productionUniform temperature and odor control Instead of loading and hauling manure off-site to local farmers which can cost up to $25 per yard, manure can be loaded into the Earth Flow on-site, and the automated auger does the turning. After the compost moves through the Earth Flow, the compost is chocolatey brown, odorless, and significantly lighter than non-composted horse manure. The complete Earth Flow process takes 10-14 days in the temperature controlled in-vessel system, while a Bin system takes 90-180 days.  Cost analysis shows  a price of $5 per cubic yard, allowing clients to reach a net income of $1 million in 5 years for compost sales. In reality, net income estimates are much greater because compost is generally priced at $20-30 per cubic yard. Return On Investment (ROI) for an Earth Flow system by   most barn owners is completed in about two years. Overall, composting horse manure is an excellent strategy for equine manure management. The combination of the nutrient properties of manure and straw creates a pathogen-free, odorless, high quality product. The Earth Flow Compost system is time-efficient and economically beneficial to any operation.  Looking to turn manure into a sellable product? Contact us today! 1  Herbert, Stephen, et al. “Plant Nutrients from Manure.” Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, UMass Extension Crops, Dairy, Livestock, Equine, 13 Apr. 2020, ag.umass.edu/crops-dairy-livestock-equine/fact-sheets/plant-nutrients-from-manure.2 Quinn, Adda. “Does Horse Manure Pose a Significant Risk to Human Health?” Bayequest.com, Oct. 2001, www.bayequest.com/static/pdf/manure.pdf.3  Quinn, Adda. “Does Horse Manure Pose a Significant Risk to Human Health?” Bayequest.com, Oct. 2001, www.bayequest.com/static/pdf/manure.pdf.4  Bogardus, Mollie. The Financial Benefits of Composting Stable Waste for the Equine Industry. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community, Green Mountain Technologies, 5 Mar. 2019, lpelc.org/the-financial-benefits-of-composting-stable-waste-for-the-equine-industry/.5 https://lpelc.org/the-financial-benefits-of-composting-stable-waste-for-the-equine-industry/6  Bogardus, Mollie. The Financial Benefits of Composting Stable Waste for the Equine Industry. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community, Green Mountain Technologies, 5 Mar. 2019, lpelc.org/the-financial-benefits-of-composting-stable-waste-for-the-equine-industry/. #### Composting in Bear Country Staff from the National Park and Delaware North dining and management with their new Earth Flow. This is from the initial installation of the system in October of 2017.   “I’m shocked at how much material we can put into the machine. That’s been a huge eye opener. We have plenty of capacity for our needs.” -Scott Stillwagon Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has the highest density of black bears in the world.  The Park wanted to advance their zero-waste goals by composting their food waste on-site. A bear can smell food from over 20 miles away, so Shenandoah needed to create a bear-proof compost system.   Challenge: Creating a Bear-Proof Compost System  Nestled along Skyline Drive’s highest elevation of 3,680 feet in the center of Shenandoah National Park is Skyland Lodge. This remote location has proven to be a challenge for waste management. It is about an hour drive to any neighboring town, so hauling food waste off-site is costly and inefficient.  National Park requirements also prohibit food-waste composting on the ground in the Park. In 2016, Delaware North approached GMT to expand their zero-waste goals by composting their food residuals from Skyland Lodge and other food concessions in the Park, along with horse manure and bedding from Skyland Stables.  With their very large black bear population, Delaware North needed a way to compost without attracting and endangering the local populations of black bears. With an impressive record in sustainability, including awards from the Green Key Eco Rating and through Delaware North’s Green Path Program, Skyland Lodge had already tremendously benefited the environment and community around the Park.  On-site composting was their next big challenge. Solution: A Custom Built Intermodal Earth Flow  In 2017, GMT installed an Intermodal Earth Flow at Skyland Lodge. The 20′ long Earth Flow composting system processes up to 0.5 tons/day.  The fully-automated in-vessel composting system provides Shenandoah with optimum conditions for hot, aerobic composting. The Intermodal Earth Flow is fabricated using a repurposed shipping container. The vessel is an excellent solution for Skyland since it complies with park laws prohibiting open-pile composting. GMT also designed heavy-duty, bear-proof load doors to meet the National Park requirements for preventing bears from accessing the compost. In addition, the Earth Flow system gets 96% of its power from solar panels at the composting site. The Earth Flow composts food scraps in about three weeks with its high performance mixing and aeration technologies. The Earth Flow incorporates multiple engineering controls to prevent pests and odors. These controls combine automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration and bio-filtration in GMT’s award winning in-vessel system. Results: Odor Free Compost Scott Stillwagon, Environmental Manager for Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park, recently gave us a progress report on the Earth Flow installation. Scott said they are “super pleased with everything” about the composting system. What really impressed Scott was the lack of odor.  “The odor control is perfect,” he said.  “You don’t notice any odors unless the doors are opened.”  With a very active bear season this spring and challenges with the bears all around the Park, it is exciting that no bears are attracted to the compost site. Scott also commented on the unexpected capacity of the Earth Flow, “I’m shocked at how much material we can put into the machine. That’s been a huge eye opener. We have plenty of capacity for our needs.” In regards to storm water runoff at the site, Scott said initially, “people were concerned about run-off from the compost system during heavy rains. Instead, they were amazed to see that the curing compost piles were actually absorbing excess rain water from the site.” Regarding the Park’s use of the finished product, Scott announced that, “we have been using some of the finished compost to mix with wood chips and make a softer, more absorbent bedding for the playground. The absorbency of the compost helps to reduce puddling on the playground during rains.” Scott also explained that, “some of the compost is used in Park Service nurseries, where they are growing endangered plants for reintroduction to the Park.” He noted that, “we also donate quite a few yards of compost to non-profit farms.” GMT’s Earth Flow System enables Shenandoah to take another big step through attaining their green goals. Thank you Delaware North and Skyland Lodge for your tremendous contribution to promoting a healthy environment and for choosing Green Mountain Technologies for your on-site composting needs! #### Composting Inside? The Earth Flow Shows You How The thought of composting indoors may sound daunting to many folks. For some, it could seem like an excellent way to invite unwanted guests and foul odors into your home or business but, for others it sounds like a great challenge to take on to create further opportunities to divert organic waste from landfills, especially in urban settings. Composting indoors has gained lots of traction to apartment dwellers by way of vermicomposting, the process of composting with organic materials with worms. Here at GMT, we’re going even further with our in-vessel Earth Flow systems to make hot composting a safe and viable option on a larger scale. The first key to composting inside a building is composting “in a box”. In-vessel composting allows the gasses produced during the compost process to be captured. Otherwise, those compost gasses could potentially accumulate in the space, creating a health and safety hazard.Here is one of our first Earth Flow installations way back in 2010 at Battery Park City Parks in New York City.  This Earth Flow custom vessel system was installed in the basement of a high rise in lower Manhattan. This system operates in a large basement warehouse which utilizes a carbon filter for odor control.  An exhaust blower negatively pressurizes the air space above the compost in the vessel and this pulls the compost through the filter. Earth Flow Installed in the Basement of a High Rise at Battery Park City Parks HQ Street View of Earth Flow Location A hot composting process produces heat, moisture, and compost gasses, particularly CO2 (carbon dioxide). In order to compost effectively inside, those compost gasses and moisture need to be effectively ventilated to the outdoors. It would not be beneficial for that CO2 and other compost gasses to accumulate inside an interior space. The way this is most typically done is with a biofilter. A biofilter is a simple odor filter that uses a biological media, such as large wood chips to filter the odors from compost. The gasses from the compost process are mechanically evacuated out of the compost vessel and routed to the appropriate location via ductwork and then inserted into the base of the biofilter, embedded in the wood chip media. When the warm, moist air containing those compost gasses encounters the colder wood chips, the moisture in the air condenses onto the wood chips. In this process, the compost gasses that create odors are captured as well. Biofilters are more than 90% effective at capturing odor compounds, especially if they are kept moist. When a composting system is installed inside a building, it is often ideal for the biofilter to be located outside so the CO2 can easily escape to the atmosphere after passing through the biofilter. Indoor Ventilated Earth Flow Intermodal System Here is an example of an indoor Earth Flow installation with an exterior biofilter. This is our client ENSO, a cannabis waste composter in Oklahoma. This is a 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow, which uses a repurposed shipping container, installed inside of a warehouse.  Exhaust Piping from Earth Flow System Exhaust Pipe leads to Outdoor Biofilter Box Pine Bark Inside Outdoor Biofilter As pictured above, the exhaust blower and biofilter piping extend horizontally from the vessel and penetrate the wall on the building. The piping then directs into the base of the biofilter housed within a wooden box on the exterior of the building. A large container of wood chip is used as the filtration media. Our next example is the Earth Flow installation at Northland College in Wisconsin. This is a 20’ x 10’ Site-Built Earth Flow built into a custom constructed wooden vessel with a stainless lining. Northland Earth Flow System with Ducting Ducting from Inside to Outdoor Biofilter Outdoor Biofilter Northland also employs an external biofilter. As shown above, the two horizontal ducts exiting the head space of the vessel. These continue to the biofilter outside. In this case, the exhaust blowers are located outside. This image outside shows the exterior of the building with the white ducting extending into the exhaust blowers and then into the wooden biofilter box. Here, students are shown loading wood chips into their biofilter. Our next example is with Camphill Soltane in Pennsylvania. This is a 20’ x 8’ Site-Built Earth Flow installed inside of a growing greenhouse.  This system employs an external biofilter as well. You can see the green ductwork exiting the building through the wall at the left of the picture. This Earth Flow is also designed to help heat the greenhouse in the winter using residual heat from the composting process. Site-Built Earth Flow at Camphill Soltane As you can see, large scale composting inside a building is an absolutely viable option. However, it is important to correctly design the system to effectively manage the gasses generated by a hot composting process and direct these gasses safely to the building exterior, ideally using a biofilter for odor filtration. If you are interested in composting, whether indoors or out, we can help you ensure safety and success. Please contact us at sales@compostingtechnology.com. Written by Van Calvez, System Designer, Engineer, Sales & Customer Service #### Composting On The Way Up In New York City High-Rises From: Composting On The Way Up In New York City High-Rises High-rise apartment buildings might not seem like fertile ground for making compost.Image creditBut officials in New York want to capture and recycle more of the city’s food waste — even in some of the nation’s most vertical neighborhoods. They’re expanding a pilot program that’s also trying to encourage composting by turning greenmarkets and libraries into drop-off sites for residents’ food waste. New York’s experiment with high-rise composting is already underway in a handful of Manhattan apartment buildings, and officials say they plan to reach 70 buildings in the coming year. Helena Durst is a vice-president at the Durst Organization, the company that owns a luxury rental building near the Hudson River. The city has given each household in the building a small brown plastic bin for organic waste that might otherwise go in the trash. Durst say there’s a reason the bin only holds a single gallon. “The reason we don’t want this to be large container is because what organic waste can be known as it putressable waste,” says Durst. “Which means it becomes putrescent if it stays in one place too long with too much of itself.” In other words: It stinks. Smell is usually the first issue that comes up when you mention compost to apartment-dwelling New Yorkers. But city officials say recycling food waste could improve the city’s aroma. “We actually expect it to reduce odor issues and actually reduce vermin issues in New York City,” says Ron Gonen is New York’s deputy commissioner for recycling and sustainability. Gonen says food waste represents 20 percent of what New Yorkers throw away. So if the city can divert that waste, it’ll create a useful byproduct while also saving taxpayers money. “Ten years from now, people will look back at the fact that we were exporting our food waste to landfills, and spending $100 million a year,” Gonen says. “And they’ll look back and wonder what were we thinking paying all this money.” New York is not the first city to turn its food waste into fertilizer. It’s already required in a number of cities, including San Francisco and Seattle. In fact, when it comes to recycling in general, New York lags far behind other big cities, with a recycling rate of just 15 percent. But Gonen says thousands of new recycling bins are about to appear on city streets. “It becomes habit-forming,” says Gonen. “People see the recycling containers on the street corners. They participate with them. They seem them, and they go home, and begin to recycle.” If the city is ever going to be a national leader on recycling, a lot of New Yorkers will also have to welcome those little brown compost bins into very small apartment kitchens. New York’s food waste recycling program is voluntary, at least for now. Mayor Bloomberg is expected to announce more details on a citywide plan in the next few months. But city officials say that if the expanding pilot program continues to succeed, they can imagine a day when the Big Apple will send all of its apple cores to a big composting facility. [NPR] #### Composting Organic Waste at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall: In-Vessel Earth Flow Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) in Arlington, Virginia was selected to host a demonstration of in-vessel composting in response to the waste management needs of Department of Defense contingency bases overseas. Currently these bases use burying and incineration as the standard means of disposal for the large amount of food waste and other biodegradable debris they generate. It is estimated that each there is 2-3 pounds of waste per soldier per day on base. Buried biodegradable debris lacks oxygen to break down efficiently and releases methane gas and acidic leachate as it decomposes, both creating environmental concern. Incinerating the waste is costly due to the fuel requirements to complete the burn of high moisture material such as food waste and other organic waste. An alternative to this operation needs to have low costs, both in money and manpower, while it also has the ability to be mobile, scalable, durable and easy to operate. JBM-HH was chosen to host this demonstration because of the overlap in the desire for in vessel composting to meet the needs unique to the base. Located at JBM-HH is the 3rdU.S. Infantry, the Old Guard, which is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and security force in the Washington metropolitan area. The horses used to pull and accompany the caisson burial processions in Arlington National Ceremony adjacent to Fort Myer, and for other national governmental ceremonies are housed in the stables on the base. The disposal of the horse manure was an escalating cost for the base with the dumpster being hauled off site to landfill every three days. The open dumpster was also an eyesore and cause for odor in an otherwise pristine stable environment. Leveraging the desire to compost stable waste and the need to find an effective solution for contingency bases, JBM-HH would compost food waste from the dining facilities and commissary food waste together with the stable waste. The In-Vessel Earth Flow was placed within the base just below high traffic areas such as the base commissary and had to meet stringent odor expectations as well as operate within a clean footprint. A second study was run at JBM-HH that would replicate the waste needs of the contingency bases, using food waste, cardboard and wood. Most supplies reach the bases on wood pallets than can be chipped to supply woody material beneficial to the composting recipe, eliminating the need for incineration and the emissions created. By removing food waste from the incineration piles it greatly improves the burn efficiency and lowers the associated fuel burden. When consideration is given to the transport of fuel for use to the remote bases, any savings is a significant one. To pursue total systems thinking and a closed loop system with zero waste, JBM-HH had the opportunity to negate the cost of disposal for the stable waste and food waste while creating a needed product for the base in soil amendment. In both case studies, the cost benefits are found in not only efficient management of the waste disposal but through the creation of a product that could be used as soil amendment and for soil erosion control. Between the landscape needs of the base and the manicured grounds of Arlington Cemetery, a grid has been created to identify sites for a rotational deposit of compost. In both studies, the Earth Flow In-Vessel composting system created a waste management system that met and exceeded the objectives set forth. The in-vessel composting allows for complete odor control with the attached custom bio-filter. It is easily moved with little break down both for truck transport and as air freight. The design of the vessel can be scalable reaching up to 40 feet in length and as small as 10 feet in length. Operation of the system is simple and time efficient with much of the work being accomplished by the automated auger system mixing the material, aiding in the loading of material and the dumping of the finished product. Power use is very efficient at 6 kilowatt hours per day and maintenance over the 15 year life span of the product is minimal. Aesthetically the vessel is clean and compact. #### Composting Stable Waste At IOS Ranch: Earth Flow Composting System SYSTEM INSTALL: 2013 CLIENT NEED IOS Ranch is a is a sustainably designed 8-acre private farm on Bainbridge Island, WA owned by Philippe and Juliet Le Dorze. With an average of 15-20 horses on site, the facility produces 2-4 cubic yards of waste per day. As Bainbridge Island loses its farmland to development, Philippe’s agreement with a local farmer to take the stable waste becomes tenuous. Philippe also realized that increased regulation of the waste disposal could end the agreement at any time and was placing restraints on what he could do to store and dispose of the waste. For these reasons, IOS Ranch decided to pursue on-site solution to deal with their waste. It was imperative that the solution would not increase staff labor. GMT SOLUTION Due to the small footprint, containment of material and odor, and end product of an In-Vessel GMT Earth Flow 22, it was an easy decision for Philippe to purchase one for IOS Ranch, which now composts all of their stable waste on site creating a zero waste scenario. Philippe uses composted material as soil amendment on his jumping field, pastures and hay fields and sells the remaining amount for a price that is higher than his per yard shavings purchase cost. The Earth Flow system also gives him the option of reclaiming and reusing bedding material. The efficiency of the loading process for the Earth Flow proved to be an excellent time management choice. Taking a small amount of time daily to move the material out of the retention bin ultimately saved considerable time when eliminating the need to load and haul off the material to local farmers, something that could take days when the bin was full and was necessary every 2-3 weeks. With the Earth Flow, the stall waste could be loaded daily and the composted material could be stored in the exit bin and be moved to the fields as needed. With the retention bin less than 50’ from the vessel the load time is less than 20 minutes. To assist the loading process, the control panel is set to “load” and runs for a set amount of time to assist in pulling the material back into the vessel. The operator then can turn the panel back to mix and the system will run on its automated schedule. Once in the Earth Flow, the material takes 10-14 days to move through the vessel. During this time the temperature of the material rises to well above the level necessary to destroy most weed seeds and to destroy any harmful pathogens. Throughout the three-month trial period, samples were taken and sent to both Udder Health and Soiltest Laboratories for testing. All tests fell well within acceptable limitations. Once Philippe saw the by-product of the composting system he was thrilled with the potential it had for use in his hay fields and grass jumping arena and as a valuable compost to sell. He is very passionate about his jumping field and has studied best practices extensively. The compost from the stable waste is just what he is looking for as a soil amendment. What he doesn’t use he will sell to the local landscaping market with landscapers asking to be on his list. The price he is able to get for the compost is more per yard than what he pays for his clean shavings. As Philippe says, “It is hard to argue with the numbers. Do the math! This process is better environmentally and it is better economically.” The GMT Earth Flow met the needs of IOS Ranch by offering an in-vessel system that confined material and controlled odor, possessed a small footprint, offered ease and efficiency of operation with low operating cost. Philippe believes that the Earth Flow “doesn’t add any extra labor and is certainly easier than finding a place for raw manure. It renders the manure non- toxic so it can be used anywhere and not be a danger to the environment, especially water run-off.”   #### Composting The Outputs of Anaerobic Digesters  How to Turn Low Value By-Products into High-Value Compost The promise of anaerobic digestion lies in its conversion of waste to biogas, but the reality is more complex. The majority of what’s produced isn’t energy—it’s wet, unstable digestate. Despite making up 90% of the outputs by weight, digestate is often overlooked and misunderstood in the economic models of anaerobic digestion.Digestate is nutrient-rich, containing high levels of unstable phosphorus and ammonia nitrogen. While holding potential, these same nutrients can also be environmentally problematic. In some jurisdictions, such as Texas, land application of digestate is prohibited without costly pre-treatment to remove nutrients, volatile compounds, and pathogens—a regulatory approach increasingly reflected across North America as standards align with European best practices. Even where land application is allowed, digestate’s high moisture content and low stability create logistical and environmental hurdles. Transporting and applying a wet, heavy material over limited seasonal windows adds substantial cost and operational complexity. Moreover, raw land-applied digestate continues to emit methane and nitrous oxide—two potent greenhouse gases—if it hasn’t been biologically stabilized. Aerobic composting is the most economical way to stabilize and create a high value by-products from the solid fraction of digestate. The controlled composting process destroys methanogenic microbes, breaks down compostable packaging, converts unstable nutrients into stable organic forms, and produces a lightweight, pathogen-free compost that holds real market value. When properly engineered, composting transforms digestate into a high-value soil amendment that farmers and landscapers actively seek (Source)“... enhanced collaboration between AD operators, composters, and packaging manufacturers, along with supportive policy changes favoring hybrid models and promoting source separation, are crucial for successful implementation.”-Anaerobic Digestion and Compostable Packaging” (2024). (Source)Common Approaches to Digestate Management Before we get into this, let us quickly define digestate as the semi-solid and liquid residual material left after the anaerobic digestion of organic feedstocks such as food waste, manure, and agricultural residues. It is often separated into a solid fibrous fraction rich in lignin and cellulose, and a liquid fraction high in ammonium and other unstable nutrients. This comparison is primarily focused on treatment of unseparated or solids fraction of digestate as it makes up the majority of the waste stream. That said, liquid fraction can undergo a variety of standalone treatments such as struvite precipitation, ammonia stripping, or membrane filtration to remove high value nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.Land Application of Digestate involves spreading raw or dewatered digestate on agricultural fields. This method recycles nutrients but has limited value because of high transport costs, fertilizer quality (unstable nutrients, pathogenic and toxicity), odors, and greenhouse-gas emissions from continued anaerobic activity in the soil (Source). In addition regulatory restrictions are increasing as concerns about nutrient runoff and pathogens grow.Wastewater Treatment of Digestateinvolves sending liquid digestate to municipal treatment plants for final processing. Although convenient, this option is expensive and shifts the nutrient burden downstream, offering no material recovery. Nitrogen and phosphorus are typically lost through effluent discharge unless they have tertiary treatment and contaminate the rivers and oceans they discharge into, making this a low-value, short-term solution. Landfilling Digestate offers a simple disposal route but is the least sustainable and most costly option. Its high moisture content increases transport and tipping costs, while anaerobic conditions in landfills promote further methane and nitrous oxide emissions, negating the climate benefits of digestion, and leading to no nutrient recovery. Nutrient-rich leachate also burdens landfill leachate systems. With organics disposal bans expanding, landfilling digestate is increasingly restricted and economically impractical. Incinerating Digestate combusts it at high temperatures to destroy pathogens and reduce volume, achieving up to 90% mass reduction. However, the material’s high moisture content makes it energy-intensive to burn. The remaining ash often contains heavy metals and must be landfilled or treated. Incineration may serve as a last-resort option for contaminated digestate streams but offers no nutrient or resource recovery. Thermal Drying and Pelletizing Digestate Thermal drying uses externally supplied heat - often from Combined Heat and Power (CHP) or biomass systems - to reduce moisture below 15%, followed by palletization. The resulting granules are stable, odor-free, and transport-efficient, serving as organic fertilizers or renewable fuels. This approach achieves up to 80% weight reduction and full pathogen destruction but demands significant energy and upfront investment. In addition, the pellets become biologically active again when rewetted, leading to issues of emissions common to land application. Bio-drying and Pelletizing Digestate Bio-drying relies on microbial heat from aerobic composting to lower the digestate’s moisture to about 30%. At this point excess heat from the digestion process or other input heat is used to further dry the material to 15 to 20%. Once dried, the digestate can be mixed to create various soil blends prior to being pelletized. Compared with thermal drying, bio-drying consumes far less energy and produces a clean, stable product. While new, this solution has been successfully piloted by our partners, creating high value digestate / biochar fertilizer blends that can be sold at a premium. Composting Digestate is an effective strategy for converting a low-value byproduct into a high-value soil amendment while improving both environmental and operational performance at an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility. Finished compost is widely recognized and easily marketed—whether sold in bulk, bagged, or pelletized formats. The composting process relies on aerobic microbial activity, which generates sufficient heat for pathogen destruction and bio-drying with minimal external energy input. In many cases, this microbial heat can even be captured and reused on-site, reducing facility energy costs. The Case for Composting: Valuable outputs, mass loss, compostable package degradation, and environmental benefits. Unlike compost, raw digestate has no established market, making it difficult to dispose of or sell. Variability in product quality, pathogen content, nutrient stability, and maturity discourages processors from accepting raw digestate. As a result, facilities often face steep trucking costs and negative or minimal revenue from disposal.“With the focus on biogas and RIN (renewable identification number) credits, little attention has been paid (in the USA) to the value of digestate, and U.S. digestate markets remain underutilized. The liquid fraction of digestate contains high nutrient value as fertilizer for agriculture crops, but most anaerobic digestion facilities do not sell their digestate. Conversely, the separated digested solids are not considered a finished product and require further maturation (e.g., via composting) to meet regulatory standards for use. As such, digestate currently has little monetary value in the U.S. and is only marginally composted.” -Anaerobic Digestion and Compostable Packaging (2024)." (Source)Studies have shown that composted digestate delivers significant agricultural benefits, producing 40% to 100% greater yields compared to raw digestate or inorganic fertilizers (source). Aerobic composting also achieves substantial mass and moisture reduction—often cutting trucking costs nearly in half. From an environmental standpoint, composting stabilizes the material and prevents fugitive emissions by converting anaerobic matter into an aerobic process. This reduces methane off-gassing and ammonia volatilization (Source). The process also eliminates pathogens, lowers runoff risk, and produces a stable humus that is not phytotoxic (Source).Operationally, aerobic composting systems are simple, robust, and low-maintenance compared to the sensitive biology of co-digestion systems, which require narrow pH and temperature control. Composting also helps AD facilities manage seasonal fluctuations in feedstock supply. Digesters must operate at roughly 80% of maximum capacity to remain economical—an ongoing challenge as organic waste volumes vary throughout the year. A co-located composting system provides flexibility, allowing the digester to be sized for average rather than peak tonnage. Not all feedstocks are equal when it comes to anaerobic digestion. Digesters favor homogenous, energy-rich materials with high volatile solids and low lignin—such as de-packaged or pre-consumer food waste, grease trap waste, and manure slurries. In contrast, materials like compostable packaging, green waste, and woody debris offer little to no biogas potential but perform exceptionally well in aerobic composting. Compostable packaging in particular presents challenges for digesters. Designed to break down under sustained thermophilic, oxygen-rich conditions, compostable packaging often passes through digesters intact, clogging equipment and ultimately ending up in a landfill. In contrast, a composting process will fully degrade these materials, creating circularity for an increasingly large part of our waste stream.“While large-scale anaerobic digestion holds promise for specific organic waste streams, research by the Composting Consortium suggests it may not be a viable solution for processing compostable packaging in the United States, at least not on its own. Several factors contribute to this limitation”- Anaerobic Digestion and Compostable Packaging” (2024). (Source)Fresh digestate remains in an anaerobic state, actively releasing methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide once removed from the digester. These fugitive emissions can be significant, fully offsetting the carbon credits the digester would otherwise generate. To mitigate these emissions, digestate should be transitioned to an aerobic state either before it leaves the digester or immediately after. The most effective way to achieve this is by introducing large volumes of oxygen into the material to establish aerobic conditions (Source). When done properly, this halts methane generation and prevents further emissions even after land application. Field application of raw digestate, by contrast, often leads to substantial methane and nitrous oxide emissions—gases that together account for roughly 88% of agricultural greenhouse gas output (source). Controlled aerobic composting offers a clear alternative, reducing both methane and nitrous oxide during storage and following application. This approach minimizes environmental impact while retaining nutrients that might otherwise be lost through volatilization or runoff (source).Economic Comparison: Composted vs Land Applied Digestate Let’s consider a hypothetical but realistic scenario comparing an AD facility that produces 100,000 tons per year of digestate. Below is a quick summary of key financial factors if they land-apply the raw digestate, or if they compost the digestate using a simple TAP process and sell it for the minimum market rate for bulk compost. Land application of digestate assumptions: The AD facility needs to cover the cost of transportation. There is no disposal cost for the raw digestate aside from trucking. The land application happens within an average of a 100 mile distance from the AD facility. (200 miles round trip). 20 tons of digestate per truck load (5,000 truckloads a year). Trucking Cost $2.50 per mile (cost of truck, fuel, driver). Annual COST of land applying digestate: $2,500,000 USD On-site composting of digestate Assumption Capital Expense to build an outdoor turned aerated pile composting facility managing 100,000 TPY: $5,000,000 USD or 430,000 USD a year on twenty year loan Annual Operating Cost to run that composting facility: $500,000 USD Finished compost volume produced annually 100,000 cubic yards or 50,000 tons. Minimum net market value for the finished compost: $15 per cubic yard Annual compost sales revenue: $1,070,000 USD. Annual PROFIT from composting digestate: $570,000 USD As illustrated in this example, provides over $3,000,000 USD per year in greater economic value. In addition, it provides greater access to other value sources (carbon credits and waste streams with compostable packaging) while future proofing the operation to regulatory changes.Designing Around the Challenges of Composting Digestate Digestate is wet, heavy, anaerobic, high in nitrogen, and low in volatile organic solids. In other words, raw digestate cannot simply be placed into a windrow or even a basic aerated static pile (ASP) and expected to compost effectively. Fortunately, best management practices have consistently shown that, with proper design and process control, excellent compost can be produced from digestate.During anaerobic digestion, roughly 55% of volatile solids are destroyed to create biogas (Source). These same volatile solids are also the fuel for composting, creating challenges with sterilization and drying during the composting process. This problem becomes more pronounced the wetter and more compact the material is. Depending on the digester technology, raw digestate moisture content can exceed 90%. Composting requires feedstocks below about 65% moisture to maintain adequate aeration and biological activity. Low volatile solids further limit the material’s ability to self-dry, while low porosity compounds these aeration challenges. Digestate is also highly nitrogen-rich and carbon-poor, typically around a 10:1 C:N ratio. To achieve the ideal microbial balance of at least 20:1, additional carbon sources—such as wood chips, green waste, or agricultural residues—must be added. These bulking agents not only provide structure and porosity but also help lower the initial moisture content to a compostable range. Bio-drying and composting can occur at lower C:N ratios, but insufficient carbon slows microbial degradation and increases nitrogen loss as ammonia gas. This leads to reduced nitrogen retention in the final compost and also higher infrastructure costs due to slower degradation - the more time something takes to compost, the more space it requires, driving up cost. Fresh digestate emits most of its ammonia during the first two weeks of composting, often overwhelming undersized or improperly designed biofiltration systems. To address this, an acid scrubber should be installed upstream of the biofilter to reduce ammonia concentrations to below 100 ppm. This not only protects the biofilter but also allows nitrogen to be captured as ammonium sulfate, phosphate, or nitrate—valuable byproducts that can be reused in composting or sold as liquid fertilizer. Most of these challenges are “recipe-based” and can be solved through careful blending and handling to ensure the compost feedstock has the proper carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, moisture, and bulk density. For this reason, AD facilities should incorporate carbonaceous materials—such as woody debris or green waste—that bypass digestion and feed directly into composting. These materials are typically high in lignin and produce little to no biogas, so no energy value is lost by diverting them, while significantly improving the composting process. Woody materials, often referred to as “bulking agents” in composting, are recovered in the oversized fraction as finished compost is screened. These “overs” can be mixed with fresh digestate, further reducing the bulking agent requirements, while creating circularity at the facility. Active process management is also critical. Regular turning and controlled aeration maintain aerobic conditions, enhance microbial heat generation, and ensure pathogen destruction and moisture reduction. Without these controls, emissions rise sharply, potentially triggering Title V permitting or jeopardizing carbon credit eligibility. They also speed up the composting process, helping operators create a higher quality compost in less time, driving down capital and operational expenses in the long run. Geomembrane-covered ASP systems (cASP) are generally discouraged for composting digestate because they trap moisture and ammonia, worsening odor and emission issues (Source 1, Source 2). If odor and emissions control is essential, the composting process should instead be put into a building or tunnel to capture and treat emissions. When properly managed, digestate compost can quickly achieve PFRP (Process to Further Reduce Pathogens), and other pathogen destruction standards. Depending on feedstock characteristics, the composting process can be completed in as little as three weeks, producing a stable, dry, high-value product.GMT's Approach to Composting Digestate At facilities that require high emissions and odor control, we start the process in CompoBox tunnels.These systems provide precise control over aeration, temperature, and moisture, ensuring that the odors and emissions associated with fresh anaerobic digestate are stripped and treated before entering the environment. When paired with an acid scrubber on the exhaust system, CompoBox systems can achieve over 99% ammonia removal. The stripped ammonia is converted into ammonium sulfate, phosphate or nitrate — a high-nitrogen fertilizer that can be captured and sold, or reintegrated into the composting process at a later stage.After two to three weeks in the the CompoBox Tunnels, the majority of the emissions have been scrubbed and the material is ready for a secondary maturation process in a Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) system. TAP combines mechanical turning with controlled aeration, offering a simple composting methods that effectively address most challenges associated with digestate composting. Regular turning enhances microbial activity and generates heat, compensating for the digestate's low residual energy. Forced aeration maintains aerobic conditions even in wet, dense material.TAP systems prevent compaction by regularly fluffing the pile, maintaining oxygen flow and porosity, allowing operators to compost more digestate with less supplemental bulking agent. They also facilitate easy integration of bulking agents and carbon sources to achieve the desired C:N ratio. Facilities that don't require stringent odor and emissions control can put digestate directly into a TAP system, lowering capital costs dramatically.Conclusion In summary, pairing advanced composting infrastructure with anaerobic digestion facilities creates a powerful synergy. Composting transforms digestate—a material that’s otherwise heavy, unstable, and low in value—into high-quality compost, soil blends, or fertilizer pellets that can command $50 to $500 per ton depending on how they’re marketed. By contrast, raw digestate often incurs disposal costs rather than generating revenue. Anaerobic digestion systems are capital-intensive—typically requiring around ten times the investment per ton of capacity compared to composting. That makes it especially important to reserve AD capacity for high-energy feedstocks like food waste, de-packaged waste, and manures. Lower-energy materials such as green waste, wood, or compostable plastics are better suited for composting, particularly when mixed with digestate to create an excellent finished product. Because digestate tends to be wet, dense, and carbon-poor, it benefits from bulking agents and controlled aeration technologies that ensure proper composting dynamics. In regions with strict air quality regulations or close neighbors, a 14-day enclosed “tunnel” composting phase can effectively manage emissions and destroy pathogens before moving material to an aerated pile for finishing. In less constrained settings, open turned-aerated systems (TAP) can efficiently produce a stable, high-value compost. Ultimately, composting digestate is not just a smart waste management solution—it’s a way to unlock greater economic and environmental value from anaerobic digestion. For too long, the AD and composting industries have operated as competitors in North America. But when these two systems work together, their combined impact is far greater than what either can achieve alone. #### Composting Underway in Phoenix The City of Phoenix’s new composting facility is up and running and successfully producing high-quality compost. The facility was designed by Green Mountain Technologies and a team of architects and engineers. The ribbon was cut on the facility back in April of this year. We wrote an article about the event: https://compostingtechnology.com/city-of-phoenix-cuts-ribbon-on-new-composting-facility/ The facility’s first day of composting was on June 19th. Green Mountain Technologies’ President Michael Bryan-Brown has since visited Phoenix and is happy to report that despite outdoor temperatures topping out at more than 120℉, their composting system is performing well. The system is able to maintain moisture levels and keep the compost process at a stable, cooler temperature despite the heat. Phoenix’s geography and climate offers challenges for municipal-scale composting. The climate is exceedingly hot and dry and expected to get even hotter and drier in the coming years as a result of climate change. The City of Phoenix has ambitious goals to become a truly sustainable desert city. According to Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, as quoted in the City of Phoenix’s press release (https://www.phoenix.gov/news/publicworks/1702), “opening this facility will help us reach our ambitious waste reduction goals while building our circular economy”. Phoenix needs composting infrastructure that is resilient to extreme heat and monsoon storms, and provides excellent odor control. Green Mountain Technologies built a custom Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) system that uses an aerated composting pad to keep the composting piles cool and aerobic. The Phoenix TAP is a positive/negative reversing aeration system. Below-grade piping is used to push or pull air into or out of the compost piles. In negative aeration mode, the TAP system pulls warm, moist air down through the compost piles and into the below-grade aeration piping. From there, the air is directed into a biofilter pad which removes over 90% of the odors. In positive aeration mode, the air is drawn up through the compost piles. A biocover is placed on top of the compost piles to remove the odor from the air pushed into the piles by the blower. In this way, the odors emitted from the compost process are absorbed in both positive and negative aeration modes. The biofilter and biocover employ screened large wood chips and/or finished compost to filter odors. The biofilter media essentially acts like the ground cover on a forest floor. Microbes on the dry material eat the organic acids and other compounds that cause odors. The facility has received no odor complaints thus far.   A drainage system collects condensate and leachate for treatment and reuse. Wireless temperature probes send temperature readings from each compost pile to the control building. The TAP program automatically responds to the temperature data input by adjusting the direction and volume of airflow in the pile. The monsoon season has started in Phoenix and Green Mountain Technologies’ stormwater design will soon be tested by flash floods. The system is designed to capture any runoff rainwater from the compost site, store it in the stormwater pond, and divert the water back into the system. Once the stormwater collection system is proven to work in monsoon storms, the facility will begin to accept food waste from Phoenix’s residents. The compost facility is currently capable of processing up to 110,000 tons of green and food waste per year and will divert more than 10% of Phoenix’s total waste from the landfill. Green Mountain Technologies’ design earned the Envision® Silver Rating from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. The system will enable the city to expand its operations in the future to process up to 220,000 tons per year. Composting is an important step for Phoenix to become a truly sustainable desert city. Linked is the City of Phoenix’s compost facility brochure which contains information about the Resource Innovation Campus on 27th Avenue in Phoenix and displays a map of the TAP composting system located there: https://www.phoenix.gov/publicworkssite/Documents/Compost%20Facility%20brochure%20041217.pdf #### CompTainer Composting System Overview URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/comptainer-composting-system-overview/ #### COVID-19 Drives GMT to the IOT (Internet of Things) When Michael Bryan-Brown, President of Green Mountain Technologies (GMT), first heard Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order on March 23, his first reaction was, “Oh sh*t.” The good news is that composting was designated as an “essential business” for most of the US and Canada. With multiple Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting systems scheduled for installation in April and May, he wondered how GMT would keep these projects on track, while also keeping staff safe.  Fear quickly transformed into action. The electronics technician, Jake Saavedra proposed a unique solution. He suggested a remote installation and startup via the internet. Because GMT’s web-based composting technologies, they were well-equipped for the travel bans and worker risks from COV-19. GMT’s WebMACS system brings composting to the new IOT (Internet of Things) standard. Simply defined as “A network of internet-connected objects able to collect and exchange data.” THE COMPOST SOFTWARE GMT’s WebMACS (web-based composting technologies) has been a signature feature of GMT’s ASP systems for years. The web-based app can be accessed from any device and automates the composting process without the need to have a technician on-site. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this technology has become critically useful to achieve remote installation. Every 10 seconds, WebMACS performs routine checks on compost piles and generates tables and graphs (see images above) that can be monitored by the client or GMT. If WebMACS finds temperature, pressure, oxygen, etc. that are out of optimal ranges, the app automatically adjusts the aeration system to maintain ideal microbial decomposition. This system improves energy efficiency by 30% or more and accelerates composting by delivering only the amount of aeration required by the compost at any given time. FIRST SUCCESSFUL REMOTE INSTALL: BOOST ORGANICS The Boost Organics project is the first successful remote installation during COVID-19. Located 50 miles outside of Vancouver, British Columbia at Cedarwal Farms, a family-owned dairy farm, the Boost Organics project plans to mix food waste from the Vancouver metro area and cow manure in their Aerated Static Pile facility to generate marketable nutrient-rich compost. Many farmers enjoy the benefits of composting: Higher value product than raw manure  Additional income from tip fees Controlled nutrient run-off due to mineralized nutrients  Instead of risking traveling across the border during a global pandemic, GMT used web-based composting technologies to install and perform necessary debugging and calibration of its system. This process was made easier because of WebMACS and CompDACS. Jake worked with local electricians, construction teams, and welders to set up the GMT ASP aeration hardware installation in the new building. Remote installation reduced travel costs and reduced the chance of transmitting coronavirus. ESSENTIAL WORKFORCE AND DEDICATION TO REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT In addition to the success of cloud-based technologies, GMT works with clients that provide waste management, an “essential workforce” during COVID-19. Even better, GMT clients are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint, investing in new streams of income, and not wasting valuable resources that could be put to good use.  SHEER ABILITY TO PIVOT AND RESPOND TO CHANGING CLIENT NEEDS Overall, GMT has shown high business resiliency during COVID-19 and hopes to continue to serve clients with their IOT technologies and web-based communications. Looking to start composting? Get in touch with us here. Written by Theo Fehsenfeld, Environmental Scientist and Sustainability Entrepreneur  #### Cowlitz Valley Compost ASP Composting Operator: Cowlitz Valley CompostLocation: Longview, WAFeedstock: Food and Green WasteCapacity: 50,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2016Project Components: Facility Design Odor Control Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Cowlitz Valley Compost, based in Longview, Washington, set out to convert a former wood-waste transfer site into a full-scale green waste composting operation. The owners recognized growing regional demand for high-quality compost and aimed to repurpose their facility to meet that need. However, the transformation from a basic reload yard to a fully operational composting site posed significant technical and regulatory challenges. To realize this transition, the client needed a composting system that could: Process large volumes of material on a small footprint that minimized runoff due to the very high rainfall. Fit within the physical constraints of the existing site without major earthwork or new construction, minimizing delays in compost permitting. Comply with Washington State solid waste regulations and Southwest Clean Air Agency air-quality standards. Support reliable, low-labor daily operations with automated temperature control and real-time monitoring. Be scalable and supported by professional compost consulting to ensure best practices in facility operation and feedstock management. Ultimately, the client required a well-integrated, cost-effective compost facility design that could handle the throughput of a commercial operation while remaining compliant and easy to operate.Our Solution Green Mountain Technologies provided a complete compost facility design solution centered around a high-efficiency aerated static pile (ASP) system, tailored specifically for Cowlitz Valley Compost’s operational goals and site limitations. Drawing on decades of compost consulting experience, GMT engineered and delivered a modular, scalable system designed to meet both immediate needs and long-term expansion. Key system components included: A pipe-on-grade aeration system using above-grade HDPE laterals and headers. This layout maximized usable surface area for loaders and eliminated the need for trenching, keeping the facility footprint compact, minimizing stormwater generation and construction costs. Ten independently controlled ASP zones with two centralized blowers. This modular structure allows operators to fine-tune airflow for varying feedstocks and composting phases, optimizing microbial activity and compost quality. Hardwired temperature probes in each zone connected to GMT’s WebMACS™ control platform, enabling remote monitoring, automated blower operation, and data logging for compliance and operational decisions. A positive-pressure aeration system with a biocover, ensuring effective odor control and regulatory compliance with local air-quality standards. As showcased in the video, the system’s layout, automation, and airflow controls create a clean, user-friendly operating environment. With GMT’s ongoing compost consulting support, Cowlitz Valley Compost now processes over 50,000 tons of green waste annually and produces STA-certified compost for the surrounding region.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Crain’s Article on GMT An article recently published in Crain’s Seattle highlights Green Mountain Technologies’ work in remote locations such as Denali National Park and Molokai, HI. http://seattle.crains.com/article/news/local-composting-technology-firm-helps-national-parks-cut-waste #### Creekside Soils ASP Composting Operator: City of Hutchinson, MNLocation: Hutchinson, MNFeedstock: Food Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 1,500 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Facility Design ASP Components Aeration Controls Data Probes Client’s Requirements Creekside Soils is a municipal composting facility operated by the the City of Hutchinson, MN. The City has operated a city-wide curbside Source-Separated Organics Materials (SSOM) diversion program since 2001, making it one of the oldest SSOM diversion programs in Minnesota. It is a standard offering program, meaning that all 4,000+ single family households can put their SSOM (both food and yard wastes) into their organics bin for year-round weekly curbside collection. Between 2001 and 2024 these collected materials were composted in 16 “Containerized Composting Systems” from GMT. Creekside also composts yard wastes in turned windrows and produces landscape mulches from received wood wastes, producing widely popular bagged soil and mulch products that are sold over a 14 state area.The main goal for the new composting system was to update the 23 year old in-vessel composting system with increased capacity and efficiency. The in-vessel system was effective, but after 23 years it would have required significant investment to replace worn out components. When exploring their options they concluded that the best path was an efficient new Covered Aerated Static Pile (CASP) composting system, with increased capacity and better operational efficiency. Our Solution GMT designed and commissioned a 6 zone below grade CASP composting system, sized to Creekside’s volume and operating needs. Each zone has an individual blower that is directly controlled by temperature feedback from a data probe inserted into each pile. The system substantially reduces operational costs while providing a model to be replicated for future expansion. The CASP system enables Creekside Soils to produce high quality compost with minimal operating costs by utilizing state of the art temperature control feedback to keep pile temperatures at the ideal levels and maintain optimal composting conditions at all times. The aeration control system also minimizes odors and volatile organic compounds like methane, which are problematic when oxygen levels are too low in composting material. Additionally, the below-grade aeration floor requires minimal operational interference between batches, allowing the operators to quickly load and unload batches without any adjustment to equipment. The facility was designed and positioned in a manner to allow the system to be expanded to 3,000 tons per year at a later date.Learn More About ASP Systems“Once our project finally came to fruition and construction started, GMT staff were very responsive and accommodating to our needs. From the initial design, to system component delivery and ultimately system commissioning, everything went as smoothly as one could expect. After a couple days of the project manager/engineer, Peter Haun, being on site for commissioning, only very minor changes were needed to be made to the control settings, it was like the system was “out of the box” ready. Not that I ever doubted the system’s performance, but I am very pleased with how the system controls are set and able to hold temps.” - Andy Kosek, Creekside Soils General Manager, City of Hutchinson MNContact Us #### Crop Circle In-Vessel Composting Operator: Crop CircleLocation: Sacramento, CAFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 200 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Crop Circle LLC, a new Sacramento-based composting company, planned a new business model in 2024 around a unique approach to composting the waste by-products of the cannabis industry. Crop Circle needed a composting technology solution to rapidly and reliably convert cannabis waste and agricultural waste into nutrient-rich, high value compost.  The production of premium quality compost was a top priority, because the business plan is focused on selling premium potting soil products back to the cannabis industry and local organic farms. Other primary goals were to make a significant impact on California state waste diversion efforts, converting cannabis industry waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill impact and methane emissions, specifically within the cannabis industry.  Spent potting soil, root balls, stem and leaf residuals and other waste products from the cannabis industry are highly regulated waste materials that have limited and costly disposal options. Similarly, the cost of buying new potting soil for every grow cycle in a cannabis operation is another significant expense.  Crop Circle saw an opportunity to close the waste to value loop in this industry, and was awarded a CalRecycle grant in 2024 specifically focused on waste diversion from the cannabis industry. Our Solution Crop Circle chose an Earth Flow IM20 in vessel composting system as the hub of their new enterprise, because it has been proven effective at processing cannabis industry waste at other facilities in Oklahoma and other locations. Crop Circle financed the purchase price of the Earth Flow system with a loan from Ascentium Capital, enabling the operation to get into production with minimal cash outlay. A CalRecycle grant also supported the setup of the composting facility.  Cannabis industry waste materials are loaded on a continuous basis into an in-vessel Earth Flow composting system. The Earth Flow composting system is fully contained with automated mixing and aeration that optimizes the composting process and captures all odors with a biofilter on the aeration exhaust system. The Earth Flow is a modified intermodal shipping container with stainless steel lining, an aeration system built into the floor & an automatic mixing auger that converts raw compost feedstocks into ready to cure compost in just two to three weeks, compared to conventional composting processes that take 2 to 4 months.  The in vessel composting system has capacity to process up to 200 tons of material per year. A biofilter system is used to capture all odors from within the Earth Flow. The compost and potting soil products produced are sold back to cannabis industry growers and community gardens, closing the loop on the cannabis waste stream.  Other unique aspects include a commitment for compost and potting soil products that do not use any plastic packaging. The facility does not accept biodegradable plastics as a feedstock, to prevent any chance of contamination of the finished compost product.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“The organic waste stream of the cannabis industry, including used potting soil and root balls, has long been an un-sustainable aspect of this industry. We aim to change that with a unique approach to composting that recovers the value of these waste materials while supporting the cannabis industry and local sustainable agriculture. The Earth Flow system is an ideal tool for us, and we’ve had tremendous support from the team at Green Mountain Technologies.” - Will Pierce, CEO and Founder of Crop Circle LLC.Contact Us #### Dayton Foodbank is Repurposing Food Waste This article describes a recent composting event at the Dayton Food Bank in Ohio, featuring GMT’s Earth Flow composting system: “In honor of September being “Hunger Action Month,” the Dayton Foodbank hosted a special event on Sept. 21 to show people how to re-purpose their food waste. Composting is easier than ever at the Foodbank’s composting facility in Dayton. When you drop off a full bucket, the contents inside are turned into nutrient-dense soil that fuels the Foodbank’s urban garden that produces more than 4 million pounds of fresh produce annually. …” Read the full article. Learn more about the Ohio Organics Council. VIDEO OF THE EVENT: #### Dayton Ohio Foodbank Earth Flow Containerized URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/dayton-ohio-foodbank-earth-flow-containerized/ #### Deeper Green: Closed-Loop Composting on Campus Each year, US colleges throw away an estimated 22 million pounds of food. That’s millions of pounds of useful resources being thrown in the trash, and millions of dollars spent to haul that food waste away. While many schools and universities have some form of off-site composting program, that’s not the limit of what’s possible. There are even more exciting opportunities for schools to demonstrate their environmental leadership. More and more campuses are choosing to close their ecological loop by bringing composting on campus. Not only does it help deepen their green, but it can help the bottom line. Here are just some of the ways that closed loop composting can improve your campus. Closing the Ecological Loop Today, many schools and universities do off-site composting. In this system, organics (food waste, soiled paper, landscape waste, etc.) are collected and taken off campus. A commercial composter company then composts this organic waste off-site and sells the finished product. This is clearly better than throwing those valuable resources away. So, while off-site composting is a big step forward, there are still some major inefficiencies. Schools pay to have the compostables taken away, and then pay again to have compost brought back on campus as fertilizer for the landscape. And transporting the compost back and forth wastes natural resources and creates pollution. With closed-loop composting, that waste is eliminated. The food scraps generated on campus never leave the campus. Instead, food scraps and other organics are turned into compost on-site. That compost can then be used to grow food on campus, which is eaten on campus, generating more food scraps, which gets turns back into compost again, creating a full circle. Here are just some of the benefits of bringing compost on campus: On-Campus Gardening On-campus gardens, farms and greenhouses are wonderful additions to any campus. Not only is gardening a proven stress reliever, but it’s also a great way to use your finished compost product.  A college community garden or farm gives students access to fresh, nutrient-rich food that was grown on campus by students.  For instance, the University of Maine has been able to get much of their dining hall salad greens from their very own garden. And when you actively involve students in the food cycle, composting, and gardening, you’re fostering a lifelong love of learning and sustainable living. Lowering Your Composting Cost While helping the environment should be reward enough, it’s great if you can save money as well.  Many schools are discovering the efficiencies of closed-loop composting. When The University of Maine first came to Green Mountain Technologies, the school were generating over 450 tons of food waste each year. For many years, UMaine paid to have these food scraps hauled off campus, then paying again to have high-quality soil amendments brought on campus for landscaping and gardening. By installing one of Green Mountain Technologies 40-foot Earth Flow systems, they saved $32k a year, recouping their investment cost within five years. Growing a “Greener” Image Generation Z might just be the most environmental generation yet. As they make up the majority of undergraduate students, it’s no wonder that more colleges are looking for ways to demonstrate their environmental leadership. In fact, schools are even ranked now by their environmental performance. Adding a closed loop compost system to your college or university is a great way to show potential students that your school is a leader in ecological sustainability.  It also gives students an easy and practical way to experience sustainable living. How to Bring Composting on Campus If you’re interested in closing the loop, contact Green Mountain Technologies today. We’ve worked with universities all over the country to design custom composting solutions. Send us a message or give us a call at 802-368-7291 to learn more. Icons made by Vectors Market, Freepik,and Smashicons from www.flaticon.com #### Designing & Operating ASP Facilities This educational video uses 3D computer animation to show various ways that GMT’s indoor and outdoor aerated static pile facilities can be designed and operated with aeration pipes above ground or below ground. #### Designing a Compost System into a Greenhouse at Gustavus Adolphus College CLIENT CHALLENGE Gustavus Adolphus College is a small, liberal arts college in St. Peter, Minnesota that envisioned an integrated compost and green house operation on campus. This unique project uses the heat from the aerobic composting to heat a green house and extend the growing season. In turn, the green house will generate plant waste that can be made into compost. After researching multiple technologies and consulting companies, Gustavus selected Green Mountain Technologies to design and engineering a solution that fit their needs. GMT SOLUTION GMT advised Gustavus that the easiest way to recover heat from a compost operation is to install the composting system directly inside the green house. In this way, any residual heat from the compost process travels into the green house. GMT worked with Gustavus to custom design this innovative system design. There are multiple synergistic effects resulting from this combination. This design allows excess heat from composting to passively transfer into the greenhouse, thereby reducing the cost of heating the greenhouse with conventional energy from fossil fuels. Additionally, the process air from the composter moves into a biofilter that is built into the greenhouse. The process air passes through a heat storage bed in the floor of the green house, allowing more heat energy to transfer into the green house. Growing occurs directly on top of the biofilter, and the filtered air is then vented to the exterior. The In-Vessel EF-24 has a footrprint of approximately 24’x8’ and can receive up to about 1 ton of total feedstocks per day. The feedstocks in this system include: food waste, paper waste, biodegradable cutlery, wood chip mix and landscape waste. This system has allowed Gustavus to lower their waste management costs, provide an educational experience for their students and extend their greenhouse growing season, even in harsh Minnesota winters. Gustavus has been very pleased with the Earth Flow’s performance,“Consistently composting 140-155 degrees F even in sub-zero Minnesota temperatures.” #### Dirt Hugger TAP Composting Operator: Dirt HuggerLocation: Dallesport, WAFeedstock: Green/Food WasteCapacity: 60,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2015Project Components: Facility Design Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Dirt Hugger was looking to upgrade their existing pipe on grade operation to a below grade aeration system capable of handling a diversity of feedstocks, on a small footprint, and “bootstrap budget.”Our Solution GMT provided the design expertise and controls equipment while Dirt Hugger performed the CAD work, construction management, and general contracting. The result was a Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) mass bed pad handling 60,000 tons of Source Separated Organics and countless gallons of liquid waste at an extremely affordable price.Learn More About TAP Systems“Green Mountain Technologies offers simple, cost effective solutions that are practical to implement. They’re really there to work with you and make a solution that fits with your site and your process and your feedstocks. They bring a ton of experience to the table, and that balance of cost versus technology…really finding the sweet spot that worked for us and our site.” Pierce Lewis, Co-Founder of Dirt Hugger TAP Composting FacilityContact Us #### Dirt Hugger Turned Aerated Pile Facility URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/dirt-hugger-turned-aerated-pile-facility/ #### Dirt Hugger’s Commercial Compost Facility – Aerated Static Pile System WATCH OUR VIDEO ON DIRT HUGGER: HERE! CLIENT NEED Dirt Hugger, a regional composting company in Hood River, Oregon,  was started in 2013 by two men, Tyler Miller and Pierce Louis. The small facility lost their lease and needed to expand their capacity and become more efficient in their processing. They located a 10 acre site across the river in Dallesport, Washington to setup a permanent facility. GMT was hired to provide expertise for all facets of their expansion. The primary challenge was delivering a system that was ‘bootstrap’ affordable and created cost effective composting for the start-up company. Early in the design process, Dirt Hugger decided that they wanted a below grade aeration pad to process 20,000 tons per year. They saw that below grade systems could save money on labor and pipe and payback in less than two years. GMT provided design for the below grade ducting and blower system for a Turned Aerated Pad (TAP) system. The pad was designed for mass bed processing to maximize throughput and minimize footprint. GMT also provided consulting for process flows and stormwater collection with sediment traps and aerated retention ponds. GMT specified and help to procure used aeration blowers and other process equipment. Dirt Hugger selected GMT’s WebMAC’s control system to reduce labor cost for temperature monitoring and allow off-site monitoring of the compost process. #### Don’t Just Dump It: The Profit and Pasture Benefits of Composting Horse Manure If you manage a large stable, you know the "Manure Paradox": your horses are your greatest asset, but their waste is often your greatest financial and environmental liability. In equestrian hubs across the country, manure management has shifted from a simple chore to a massive operational drain.  But what if we stopped looking at manure as a disposal problem and started seeing it as a value-added resource?The "Hauling Trap": Reclaiming Your Margins  In many regions, the cost of off-site manure disposal has reached a breaking point. Between rising diesel surcharges, tightening environmental regulations, and the scarcity of local disposal sites, hauling fees can easily reach thousands of dollars per month. When you pay to haul manure away, you are paying for the "privilege" of losing your organic matter. You pay for the fuel to move it and the tipping fees to dump it. Ironically, many managers then pay a second time for commercial fertilizer to keep their pastures green.The Equestrian Composting Advantage: The "Perfect Recipe" Horse manure isn’t just waste; it’s a high-performance agricultural feedstock for composting. Unlike other livestock waste, equine manure typically comes pre-mixed with carbon-rich bedding like wood shavings, pellets, or straw. This creates a natural Carbon-to-Nitrogen (C:N) ratio that sits right in the "Goldilocks zone" for compost microbial activity. Composting can be done at equestrian facilities in a variety of proven effective ways. Because horse manure is naturally fibrous and well-structured, it maintains the internal "porosity" needed for oxygen to flow through the pile. This means that with the right management of the biological composting process, horse manure doesn't just rot—it transforms into a stable, nutrient-dense soil amendment faster and more efficiently than almost any other organic material. image: Composted Waste and Bedding Material after 6 days // credit: Steve TalbottWhy "The Pile" is Failing Your Farm: Many managers rely on a "stockpile and spread" method to avoid hauling costs. While it feels low-maintenance, it is actually costing you in three hidden ways: The Parasite and Pathogen Loop: Passive piles rarely reach the sustained internal temperatures (131°F+) needed to kill internal parasite’s and pathogens. In addition, this manure is odorous, attracting pests that often carry diseases. Spreading "aged" manure that hasn't been properly thermophilically composted runs the risk of re-infecting your horses. The "Turd Nugget" Problem: Unlike other livestock waste, horse manure is incredibly fibrous. In a passive pile, these "nuggets" stay physically intact for years. When you spread them, they don't "melt" or incorporate into the soil; they sit on top of the grass, getting caught in mower blades and creating a mess that refuses to break down. The Nutrient Management Risk: Protecting our Watersheds: In coastal or high-rainfall areas, unmanaged manure heaps pose a significant threat to water quality. When manure is left in a sprawling, unmanaged pile, rain carries soluble nitrogen and phosphorus directly into the local watershed. This "leaching" doesn't just waste valuable nutrients; it fuels toxic algae blooms and degrades the health of nearby ponds, streams, and marshes. Managed biological compost processing solves this by stabilizing these nutrients. The composting process sequesters nitrogen into a stable, organic form. Instead of being water-soluble (ready to wash away with the first storm), the nutrients become plant-available, staying in your soil to feed your grass rather than the local algae population. Learn more about manure management and risks via Alaska Division of Environmental Health. 10 Reasons to Shift to Managed Composting Eliminate Hauling Fees: Dramatically reduce or entirely eliminate third-party disposal costs. Make money selling high value compost. Many equestrian facilities have flipped the script on manure disposal costs and are now making income from the sale of high value compost.  Guaranteed Pathogen Kill: Sanitize your manure for safe pasture application. Odor Control: Eliminate anaerobic “hotspots,” keeping your piles neighbor friendly. Fly Pressure Reduction: Through proper process control, you can eliminate 99% of the vectors within a few days. Accelerated Recovery: Advanced composting processes can turn raw manure and other organic waste streams into stable compost in weeks, not years. Herbicide Defense: Hot microbial compost processing in concert with small additions of high carbon wood-ash optimizes the breakdown of persistent herbicides. (BioCycle) Labor Optimization: Replace "pile pushing" with an efficient, structured bay-management system. Regulatory Peace of Mind: Contain the process to meet environmental standards. Tax & Grant Benefits: Qualify for USDA/NRCS regenerative agriculture subsidies. Land Recovery: Reclaim the acres of your farm currently buried under sprawling heaps. Infrastructure: Use What You Have One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need a brand-new facility. In reality, the most efficient systems thrive in existing agricultural infrastructure like high-ceiling sheds, open-walled barns, or concrete packing bays. By designating as few as three to four bays for processing, you can handle the output of 200+ horses while leaving the rest of your building free for curing and storage.The Bottom Line An active composting program is the only solution that addresses equine health, operational efficiency, and environmental stewardship in one move. It’s time to stop paying to throw away your farm’s most valuable byproduct. Ready to see the ROI for your facility? Contact us today for a custom volume analysis and see how quickly a managed composting system pays for itself #### Earth Flow Business Case White Paper GMT’s Van Calvez has just released a compelling financial white paper on how the Earth Flow Can Save You Money. #### Earth Flow Composting for Manure & Bedding IOS Ranch is a 8-acre private farm on Bainbridge Island, WA utilizing an Earth Flow Custom Steel In-Vessel composting system. With an average of 15-20 horses on site, the facility produces 2-4 cubic yards of Manure and Bedding waste per day. IOS Ranch composts all of their stable waste onsite using the Earth Flow, creating a zero waste scenario. Composted material is used as a soil amendment on their jumping field, pastures, and hay fields. Any remaining material is sold. The Earth Flow system also gives IOS the option of reclaiming and reusing bedding material and is great for composting agriculture wastes, manures, food waste, green waste, and more! #### Earth Flow Composts Biodegradable Plastics in 3 Weeks In 2014, Green Mountain Technologies conducted a collaborative research project with Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and World Centric, a manufacturer of compostable serviceware, to test the compostability of World Centric serviceware items in an Earth Flow composting system installed at Gustavus Adolphus. The goal was to provide a real life practical evaluation of how readily serviceware items would compost inside of the Earth Flow composting system. The Earth Flow is an in-vessel composting system with an automated mixing technology integrated into the vessel. The Earth Flow system provides optimal conditions for hot, aerobic composting. The particular model installed at Gustavus Adolphus was a 24-foot custom vessel Earth Flow (EF-24-CV) with a compost capacity of about 24 cubic yards. The Earth flow is a continuous-flow composting system. This means that new feedstocks can be added at any time on the load-end of the vessel. Similarly, finished product can be removed from the discharge end of the vessel at any time. James Dontje, head of the Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation at Gustavus Adolphus, directed and conducted the tests.  James Dontje manages the Earth Flow composting system for the College. World Centric provided about 38 compostable serviceware sample items from their line for the test.  These included cups, plates, clamshells and cutlery.   Some samples we’re made out of PLA-based compostable plastics.  This included a thick PLA plastic plate designed for reuse.  PLA (polylactic acid) is a thermoplastic resin made from fermented plant starches such as corn or sugar cane.  Other samples were made out of paper or other plant-based fibers. All samples received both plastic and aluminum identification tags, which were attached to each sample using a hole-punch and a zip-tie. Compostable Serviceware Samples Gustavus Earth Flow System The idea with this test was to place all of the samples at the same time into the active compost process inside of the earth flow and track their progress through the vessel to obtain a sense of how rapidly and completely the items break down and compost inside the vessel.  In other words, the samples were added to a compost mass that was already in progress. Samples being added to the Earth Flow compost system on Day 1 The tests were conducted over a period of about one month. Compost samples werecollected on six different dates throughout a four-week period: day 1, 10, 16, 20, 23 and29. Pile of Compost Discharged on Day 23 Recovered tags at end of test on Day 23 Remaining fragments of reusable PLA plastic plate found The findings of the tests included: Both the PLA-based plastics and the fiber-based products were completely degraded in the Earth Flow system within about 3 weeks. Only small pieces of the durable PLA plastic plate were found in the compost pile searches. The vast majority of legible labels were found in the pile discharged on Day 23.  This provides evidence that the majority of samples had been transported to the discharge end of the system in about 3 weeks. Of the 50 test samples added to the system with labels, only 14 legible labels were recovered.  This indicates that even the non-biodedgradable plastic tags were significantly degraded in the system. The aluminum tags were also completely dissolved by the compost conditions (low pH was a likely factor). This evaluation has given us evidence and confidence that compostable serviceware will compost effectively inside of an Earth Flow composting system in about three weeks.  This result assumes that the recipe of inputs overall meets our compost best practices for thermophilic composting.   We should also emphasize that this test involves a smaller number of compostable plastic items in a relatively large compost mass.  Therefore, there may be a limit on the proportion of compostable plastics that can be added to a recipe and still achieve these rates of decomposition.  We hope to conduct another test soon with a larger proportion of compostable plastics in the mix.  This next test will likely be with our system installed in Hawaii at Full Circle Farm [Information coming soon!].  Stay tuned for the results of that test! In the meantime, if you would like assistance with your composting project or would like help testing your own compostable products, please contact us at sales@compostingtechnology.com. Written by Van Calvez, System Designer, Engineer, Sales & Customer Service #### Earth Flow Financing Now Available We have new financing options available for our Earth Flow(TM) automatic composting system, in partnership with multiple equipment finance banks. Earth Flow financing is available for qualified US and Canadian organizations, including NGOs, educational institutions, municipalities and private businesses. This enables qualified Green Mountain Technologies customers to get an Earth Flow system with $0 cash down, financed with monthly payments over 3 to 7 years. Learn more about the unique Earth Flow automatic compost system: https://compostingtechnology.com/in-vessel-composting-systems/earth-flow/ #### Earth Flow In-Vessel Composting at IslandWood URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/earth-flow-in-vessel-composting-at-islandwood/ #### Elwoz Eco Poland MBT Compobox Tunnels Operator: Elwoz EcoLocation: Chlewnica, PolandFeedstock: Food Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 18,500 T/yearYear Installed: 2014Project Components: Compobox Tunnels Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Control Systems Client’s Requirements Elwoz Eco was founded in 1978 in Poland and offers a wide range of services to clients in the municipal, industrial, and business sectors. The company's most important services include: Collection and disposal of municipal and industrial waste Operation of Selective Municipal Waste Collection Points (PSZOK) Transportation of hazardous waste Repair and construction of municipal infrastructure facilities Consulting services in the field of waste management Elwoz Eco needed a solution to processing the organic fraction of municipal household waste (MSW) to keep these materials out of the landfill, along with the composting of separated food waste and green waste. GMT’s partner, Compost Systems GmbH of Austria was retained to design a Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) composting facility which was commissioned in 2014.Our Solution Elwoz Eco focuses on modern technologies and solutions in waste management. In the initial phase of its activity, the company dealt with drying alternative fuels. In 2014, the RDF (refuse derived fuel, aka “waste to energy”) installation was modernized, and a facility for Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) of mixed waste was launched with the COMBObox system from Compost Systems GmbH. Subsequently, in 2023, this installation was expanded with a BIO waste composting plant, where organic waste is processed into high-quality compost. The enclosed CompoBox system ensures complete process control and eliminates all greenhouse gas emissions while capturing all odors with a biofilter. MSW or biowaste is loaded into the CompoBox tunnels and automatically aerated for three to four weeks before the material is mechanically sorted into recyclable materials, RDF materials and composted material. The composted organics fraction is then moved to the curing area. The covered curing area accelerates the final stage of the composting process, including use of a TracTurn side discharge turner. Today this facility processes more than 18,000 metric tons per year of MSW and green waste.Learn More About Tunnel Systems #### ENSO Solutions In-Vessel Composting Operator: ENSO SolutionsLocation: Oklahoma City, OKFeedstock: Green Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 208 T/yearYear Installed: 2021Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Automatic Mixing & Aeration Biofilter Odor Control Moisture Addition System Floor Insulation Client’s Requirements In 2019, ENSO Solutions, a leading Medical Marijuana Waste Management Provider in Oklahoma, obtained one of the state's earliest operational permits. Waste regulation is of utmost importance within the medical marijuana industry, driving ENSO's focus. Composting, chosen due to the substantial organic waste from the cannabis sector and aligned with Oklahoma's disposal regulations, became central to their eco-friendly waste management mission. Amid evolving legal and public perceptions of the cannabis industry, ENSO seeks to both align with state regulations and exemplify responsible waste management practices. By meticulously managing the containment, secure handling, and eco-friendly disposal of significant volumes of organic and potentially hazardous waste originating from cultivation processes, they are helping to cast the industry in a positive light. To compost effectively, ENSO needed an enclosed in-vessel system capable of operating efficiently within limited spaces while accommodating substantial material volumes. Easy accessibility and complete visibility during the composting processes was essential for allowing a close watch over the degradation of diverse, often dry-consistency materials. ENSO envisioned an automated and streamlined composting process as a key driver of operational efficiency, enabling their team to allocate more time to core business activities, including nurturing client relations and fostering company growth.Our Solution Enso Solutions opted for GMT's 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow system, capable of processing approximately 1,500 pounds of green waste daily. Housed in a compact warehouse, the system's innovative design includes an outdoor biofilter to effectively neutralize odors arising from the composting process. Enso highly values the compact form and small footprint of the Earth Flow, as it allows them to closely monitor each stage of the composting process. A thorough analysis of each unique feedstock's nutrient profiles was conducted by GMT specialists, the results of which led to tailored recommendations for material adjustments and processing refinements. Since the installation in 2021, Enso's operations have thrived, prompting exploration of a boutique bagged finished compost product to further boost company revenue. Enso Solutions' adoption of composting reflects a proactive and sustainable approach to waste regulation and community engagement in the medical marijuana industryLearn More About In-Vessel Systems“The in-vessel/Earth Flow method gives the operator control over almost everything. This lets you create and maintain the best conditions for composting. producing and premium compost/product in a fraction of the time.” - Colten BurrisContact Us #### Enso Solutions Cannabis Waste Composting with Earth Flow In 2019, ENSO Solutions, a leading Medical Marijuana Waste Management Provider in Oklahoma, obtained one of the state's earliest operational permits. Waste regulation is in general highly regulated within the medical marijuana industry, which drove ENSO's focus toward on-site composting opportunities. Composting became central to their eco-friendly waste management mission. Amid evolving legal and public perceptions of the cannabis industry, ENSO seeks to both align with state regulations and exemplify responsible waste management practices. By meticulously managing the containment, secure handling, and eco-friendly disposal of significant volumes of organic and potentially hazardous waste originating from cultivation processes, they are helping to cast the industry in a positive light. To compost effectively, ENSO selected an enclosed in-vessel system capable of operating efficiently within limited spaces while accommodating substantial material volumes. Easy accessibility and complete visibility during the composting processes was essential for allowing a close watch over the degradation of diverse, often dry-consistency materials. ENSO envisioned an automated and streamlined composting process as a key driver of operational efficiency, enabling their team to allocate more time to core business activities, including nurturing client relations and fostering company growth. Enso Solutions invested in Earth Flow IM20 in-vessel composting system from Green Mountain Technologies (GMT), capable of processing approximately 1,500 pounds of green waste daily.  Housed in a compact warehouse, the system's innovative design includes an outdoor biofilter to effectively neutralize odors arising from the composting process. Enso highly values the compact form and small footprint of the Earth Flow, as it allows them to closely monitor each stage of the composting process. A thorough analysis of each unique feedstock's nutrient profiles was conducted by GMT specialists, the results of which led to tailored recommendations for material adjustments and processing refinements. Since the installation in 2021, Enso's operations have thrived, prompting exploration of a boutique bagged finished compost product to further boost company revenue.  In the spring of 2023 Gaelan Brown of GMT conducted an interview with Colten Burris of Enso Solutions to check in about their composting program. Gaelan: Can you give us a brief overview of the Enso Solutions composting process with the Earth Flow in-vessel system?  Colten: “We are using the Earth Flow to compost all residuals of the Cannabis plant (flower, leaves, stalks, root balls), along with wood chips/mulch & water. The material is processed in the Earth Flow for two to three weeks, then cured before it is ready to use in soils.” Gaelan: Can you tell us a little about how composting is important to the legal cannabis industry in Oklahoma, and why you see composting as the best solution to cannabis waste management? Colten: “Waste regulation is the important part. Composting provides an environmentally friendly way to process the organic matter produced by the industry. Oklahoma outlines the approved means of destruction for the cannabis plant, with options like incineration/burning. But composting was a no brainer.” “Both the rule of law and public opinion remain divided regarding cannabis. We want to show that the industry can be a positive force in the community by keeping the large amount of organic (potentially hazardous) waste contained, secured, and destroying it in an environmentally friendly way.” Gaelan: Approximately how many cubic yards or tons of cannabis waste can your system process per month?  Colten: We produce roughly 40 cubic yards of compost a month from our two Earth Flow systems, including about 40% shrinkage during the composting process. The average monthly output of the 20ft Earth Flow is between 5-15 cubic yards, and with our 40ft Earth Flow we produce between 15 to 30 cubic yards of compost per month.” Gaelan: How would you describe the “return on investment” of your Earth Flow systems?  Colten: Without the Earth Flow in-vessel composting system our business would look much different because the Earth Flow allows us to operate indoors. Our facility is located only 4 miles from downtown Oklahoma City. This would not be possible using a Windrow or outdoor aerated static pile system for permitting, cost, and environmental reasons. The Earth Flow also allows us to prevent and control potential hazards such as odors, gasses and leachate/water runoff.” Gaelan: Many people think it takes 4 to 6 months to make high quality compost. How would you describe the quality of the compost produced from the short two to three week process of the Earth Flow?  Colten: The Earth Flow method gives the operator control over almost everything. This lets you create and maintain the best conditions for composting. producing and premium compost/product in a fraction of the time.” Gaelan: How important is your composting system to your potential for growth and expansion? Colten: Our process for destroying and recycling cannabis waste is built around our Earth Flow systems! So, it is VERY IMPORTANT!” Gaelan: What would you recommend people do if they want to get involved with cannabis composting for their own facility or as a service offered to producers?  Colten: “First of all, check the local regulations and permitting requirements to gauge if it is something worth taking on. Secondly, gain a general understanding of composting and what it takes to operate on a commercial scale. It is not the same as the backyard box for food scraps and grass clippings. And third, make sure you have a plan in place for keeping the machine running. Sophisticated machines and processes require a decent understanding of mechanical theory to maintain and repair. Finding someone to fix it isn’t easy or cheap and without proper maintenance it is going to break. Decide if that is something you can handle. And finally, if you decide it is not worth the headache….CALL ENSO!! We’ll do it for you!” To learn more about Enso Solutions visit https://ensosolutionsllc.com/about/  #### Enviro-Smart Compost Facility in Delta, B.C. – Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) System EnviroSmart composts 100,000 tons per year of food and yard waste from the Metro Vancouver area. GMT provided the design and aeration equipment for a new 200’ x 200’ turned aeration building to expand their capacity to 150,000 tons per year. The system uses two 100 hp high pressure blowers with biofilters for odor control. All aeration piping is installed beneath the concrete pad and delivered into the composting mass through high pressure nozzles. The CompDACS control system monitors and records temperatures and automatically reverses air flow to maintain even temperature and moisture gradients. Compost turning is accomplished with a Vermeer side discharge turner which moves material across the aeration floor as it mixes and rewets the compost. The new building has reduced the processing time by 50% and substantially reduced their odors. Related Article: Getting the most out of your compost facility #### Enviro-Smart composting facility first of its kind in B.C. “Green Mountain Technologies’ high-pressure reversing aeration and control technology is taking composter’s production to the next level.” – Keith Barker, Recycling Product News, October 2015 Issue #### Envirosmart TAP Composting Operator: EnvirosmartLocation: Delta, BCFeedstock: Green & Food WasteCapacity: 150,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2014Project Components: Turned Aerated Pile Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements In the spring of 2014 Green Mountain Technologies was contracted to design a 150,000 ton per year Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) within an enclosed building for composting green waste and food waste from metropolitan Vancouver, BC. The client needed a solution that created high quality compost and managed food waste with minimal odor all on a small footprint.Our Solution GMT provided feedstock evaluations and lab analyses to determine optimal aeration rates for composting. Based on the testing GMT designed an ASP pad using sparger nozzles to deliver high pressure air to a 10’ deep turned aerated mass bed. The system provides reversing aeration based on temperature feedback with a biofilter for odor control. GMT supplied 2 stainless steel 100 hp blowers and an aeration control system with computer-controlled dampers. The system uses a side discharge turner to agitate and rewet material as it moves across the compost floor. The entire system is within an open sided building for protection from the rainy winter weather.Learn More About TAP Systems“Our compost quality is much better and we are producing it quicker.” - Daryl Goodwin, Envirosmart Composting Facility, Delta, BC CanadaContact Us #### EnviroSmart Compost Facility Upgrade From ASP To TAP Client Need: EnviroSmart Composting Facility in Delta, BC had been composting for 15 years using ASP and static pile composting systems. They needed to expand their capacity and increase the rate of composting to handle the increasing food waste stream from the Metro Vancouver area. EnviroSmart receives a variety of other feedstocks from stables, ag processors, landscapers and wood by products. Daryl Goodwin, owner of EnviroSmart was looking for a company that could both design and provide aeration equipment for the facility upgrade. Solution: Green Mountain Technologies was hired to do a preliminary facility evaluation and make recommendations based the existing equipment and land area available. GMT recommended a Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) system with reversing aeration to reduce their processing time and produce a higher quality compost. The 200×200 aerated concrete pad was housed inside a roof structure to keep out the winter weather. The piles are mass bed design which eliminates access lanes and maximizes the footprint of the building. Two 100 hp blowers connect to stainless steel manifolds which distribute the air to sixteen 25’x100’ zones on the air floor. The new building started operation in January of 2015. #### Equestrian Earth Flow Testimonials, 2017 to 2024 2017 letter from Bill Weaver, owner of Archway Land, LLCThanks for your inquiry regarding our experience with the earth flow system.  You can get a good idea of what our farm operation is about by going to www.archwayequestrian.com  My wife and I own the farm while an LLC owned by three very professional ladies run the horse care and training program here. In respect to the earth flow system, we installed it in April of this year as part of our commitment to be good stewards of the environment and qualified for a grant from our local conservation district for about $22,000 to offset part of the costs.  For over three years we as the owners and the trainers as the operators had intensely studied all the composting systems that might possibly meet our needs and finally selected the earth flow as the most suitable. Its creator, manufacturer and installer Green Mountain Technologies is coincidentally also like us located in the Seattle area.Our goal was to install a system that would enable us to compost the horse stall waste and then reuse it in its composted form as clean bedding thereby reducing and even eliminating the need and expense of both hauling off the used bedding and bringing in new traditional bedding which in the case of a show barn like ours consists of quite expensive, course sawdust from lumber mills.  Our composter has been up and running for over three months and so far we are meeting our goals.  As you are no doubt aware, the composting process reduces the volume of the material being composted by about 30% so it still is necessary to bring in some new, coarse sawdust to mix with the compost before putting the mixture back in the stalls.  This supplementation has the benefit of both producing the necessary volume of new stall bedding for us as well as keeping the mixture from becoming too fine or dusty as the same material is recycled for the fourth time or more. As far as long term reliability and maintenance are concerned our installation is too recent for us to speak very meaningly on that subject.  What I can say from my experience in the first several months of operation is that all indications so far are positive.  We had no more than what I would say were normal bugs following start up. Chain adjustment and some bad shaft bearings were the only problems we encountered and they were promptly remedied by the CEO and founder of the company himself who came to our facility and worked with us, which as farmers is exactly the kind of hands on education we crave about our equipment so that we have the knowledge and skills to keep our production going ourselves if no one is around to help us.Regarding the quality of the end product, we are very pleased as it exceeds our expectations. For re-use in the stalls we require the end product be of a certain consistency and moisture content and be free of pathogens, while hopefully retaining healthy minerals since the horses necessarily ingest some of it from their stall floors.  Our latest laboratory test results on the product show those requirements are being met and our barn farrier and vet are pleased with the resulting impact on our horses' health and hooves. Our neighbor to the east of us runs a successful large landscaping company and we have been fortunate that he likes the laboratory analysis of the product (close to neutral ph and lots of nitrogen and organic material) so we have been giving him some of our excess production to use but in the longer term hope to sell the excess (spot wholesale price of compost meeting EPA standards has been over $30 a cubic yard in our region last time I checked).To sum up, our experience has been so far so good.  I am glad to see Green Mountain strongly interested in the equine area as I believe their auger system produces the right result for stall material re-use. Michael Bryan-Brown their founder and CEO has been fully responsive to us and is a pleasure to work with from putting together a purchase order to handing Crescent wrenches back and forth as we tuned up the installation together.Which brings me to my last point which I believe you will appreciate as a properly proud member of our armed forces. These machines are not toys and they are required to reprocess tons of material on a continuous basis with little tolerance by their owners for unexpected outages or extended downtime. Buying and operating one requires a degree of mechanical and electrical skill and attention well beyond that of a normal homeowner who just got, for example, a new washing machine to run and maintain.  They need to be carefully monitored and checked on a daily basis and subjected to a rigorously enforced maintenance schedule just like the long haul driver/owner of a big rig does if you expect to get performance out of them.  They are not an install and forget item! - Bill Weaver  Owner of Archway Land, LLCTo Michael Bryan-Brown from Bill Weaver | June 30, 2024 Re: Using Composted Stall Waste to Re-bed Stalls You have asked me to summarize our farm's experience with composting horse stall waste using our EarthFlow GMT composter and then re-using it as supplemental new bedding. Before doing so, it is appropriate to put our experience in proper context as our farm's objectives and operations differ appreciably from others. Of course there are many different types of horse stall bedding - straw, sawdust, paper, wood chips, synthetic products and so forth. Our experience in composting stall waste with our EarthFlow composter has only been with large flake, wood chip stall waste.Our geographical location is in the soggy Puget Sound region of Washington which means that it is necessary for us to control the moisture content of the compost to be put back in stalls to keep it dry enough to be absorptive but damp enough to avoid it becoming dusty. To accomplish that balance, our Earthflow composter is supplemented at the backend with a gas heated drying house where we can modulate the moisture content of what goes back into stalls. Finally, we have never done a cost/benefit analysis of re-using stall waste as bedding in its composted form because we would be composting in spite of the benefits of such re-use.Our farm is only ten years old and was built to our local conservation district standards that require that no waste product can be spread on our pastures or other grounds unless it it is first composted and pathogen free. With that background, here is what we have learned: Composted wood chips can only be used as "supplemental" bedding. New wood chip bedding still needs to be purchased because the composting process reduces the volume and absorptive capacity of the original wood chip bedding by at least 50%. Wood chip bedding can only be composted and re-used once. It becomes too fine and dusty to be used in stalls if the recycling process is tried a second time. Moisture correct, composted bedding which has been recycled only one time makes good bedding and works from a practical standpoint. But in a high end barn like ours it does not easily meet with horse professionals' or our clients' acceptance simply because of its color and their mistaken belief that compost is just another form of dirt. The barn owner has to decide whether being practical or yielding to horse peoples' misperceptions is more important to achieving an overall successful operation. Bill Weaver  Owner of Archway Land, LLC June 30, 2024 #### Equestrian Manure-Bedding Composting Makes Sense Did you know one horse produces about 31 pounds of manure and over two gallons of urine per day?Manure management on equestrian farms can be a challenge; keeping neighbors happy, horses healthy, and meeting zoning and health standards. Transporting manure off-site can be costly with frequent hauling and on-site disposal leading to permitting violations or odor complaints if not managed properly. COMPOST HORSE MANURE AND REUSE IT AS BEDDING MATERIAL Composting horse manure is a viable alternative to disposal.  It is cost-effective, provides horses health benefits, and increases eligibility for local sustainability grants for your on-site composter. Green Mountain Technologies customer, Archway Equestrian, a 40-horse hunter jumper equestrian facility in Western Washington composts 40 cubic yards of horse manure with the Intermodal-40 Earth Flow. COST-EFFECTIVE Bill Weaver, owner of Archway Equestrian, found the Intermodal-40 Earth Flow eliminates and reduces costs for hauling and bringing new bedding on-site. The course sawdust can be quite expensive for show barns like Archway and composting horse manure reduces the need for these shavings by 50% because they are able to mix composted horse manure with the shavings as bedding. Although the Intermodal-40 Earth Flow is a significant upfront investment, Archway Equestrian paid off their investment in under two years.  GMT’s Michael Bryan-Brown and Archway’s Bill Weaver Interior of an Earth Flow with Compost After 14 days of composting, Bill mixes the final product, a chocolatey brown substance rich in beneficial bacteria, with new shavings and spreads it along his stable floors. The product can be re-composted four times and used as bedding.Even Bill’s next-door neighbor, owner of a local landscaping company, approves of the product. After proper nutrient testing, he has started to use the compost product for his landscaping needs. Bill hopes to sell the excess product wholesale in the future for $30 a cubic yard.  POSITIVELY CONTRIBUTES TO HEALTH OF THE HORSES AND CLEANLINESS OF THE STABLES Unforeseen benefits to the health of the horses and stable cleanliness resulted from Bill’s implementation of the Intermodal-40 Earth Flow. Confirmed through laboratory results, Bill found the compost free of pathogens but retained its nutrient rich composition and moisture. His barn farrier and vet also noticed positive changes in the horses’ health and hooves. Caitlin Youngquist, PhD, at University of Wyoming conducted a study on the effect of compost on horse health and found that using composted horse manure as stable bedding resulted in reduction in skin disease such as rain rot and pastern demititus, and reduced dust in stables that can cause respiratory problems in horses and people.  INCREASING ELIGIBILITY FOR LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS  With a long-term goal of sustainability, Bill and his wife researched options for composting at their facility for three years until they settled on the Intermodal-40 Earth Flow. With help from King Conservation District, Archway Equestrian was able to fund almost ¼ of the investment in the Intermodal-40 Earth Flow using $22,000 grant funded by the Landowner Incentive Program. Bill remarked in his testimonial that he appreciated Michael Bryan-Brown’s ongoing presence throughout the process of purchase and installation. He also enjoyed that Bryan-Brown was available to help with any tweaks that needed be done to make sure the Intermodal-40 Earth Flow ran smoothly.  Green Mountain Technologies has made working with the equine community a priority because we understand this particular client’s unique needs and we recognize the value in composting and reusing the nutrient rich properties of horse manure.  Interested to learn how you could make this possible on your farm? Reach out to us here to learn more! 1  “Effective Horse Waste Management: Equimed – Horse Health Matters.” EquiMed, 27 Apr. 2017, equimed.com/health-centers/healthy-barn/articles/effective-horse-waste-management2 “Effective Horse Waste Management: Equimed – Horse Health Matters.” EquiMed, 27 Apr. 2017, equimed.com/health-centers/healthy-barn/articles/effective-horse-waste-management #### Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Composting Toilets At Green Mountain Technologies, we love composting and we’re always looking for ways to practice what we preach. So we are excited to be installing a composting toilet at our Headquarters here on Bainbridge Island. By using a composting toilet, we’re able to conserve water, recycle our waste,  and lower our overall environmental impact. Lots of folks are interested in the idea of composting toilets. However, the reality of relieving themselves in anything other than a traditional commode can seem downright intimidating. And we get it! Change can be scary. Especially when it comes to how we “do our business”. But once you learn a little bit more about how composting toilets work, you might even be ready to try one yourself. What Is a Composting Toilet? Simply put, a composting toilet is a toilet that composts human “waste”. What we call “waste” is actually nutrient that other living beings use to live and grow.  Rather than flushing these “nutrients” down the drain, a composting toilet collects these “deposits” so that they can be composted into a useful soil amendment. From there, the composting toilet works the same as any other composting system. It recycles human waste by using the natural processes of decomposition and evaporation. Waste entering the toilet is over 90% water. Composting systems evaporate that moisture and convert the remaining amount of natural material into useful fertilizer. Why Use a Composting Toilet? So, why should we use a composting toilet anyway? After all, water flushing toilets work just fine.  Well, according to the EPA, the average US household uses 300 gallons of water per day. And a whopping 24% of that water goes toward the toilet, more than any other category! Composting toilets use little to no water at all, meaning the average US household could save over 26,000 gallons of water each year by switching to a composting toilet. Aren’t Composting Toilets Smelly? We all have that one person in our household that makes us afraid of entering the restroom after they’ve done their business. So, with a composting toilet, isn’t that stench even worse? Not at all! When done properly, a composting toilet shouldn’t be smelly at all. The key is to keep those deposits covered with adequate amounts of sawdust. The sawdust itself has a pleasant odor. It is amazing how quickly the sawdust eliminates the odors from the human waste. Microbes live in the sawdust and literally eat the odor compounds. This is the same process that has been working on forest floors for millions of years. DIY Your Own Composting Toilet There are many different types of composting toilets, varying in complexity and price. But you don’t need a fancy, expensive set up to get started. In fact, we made our own toilet using only a few items.  The type of composting toilet we use is called a sawdust toilet. This is an incredibly simple technology. All you need to get started is: 5-gallon buckets a toilet seat a toilet box sawdust In-between deposits, sprinkle a layer of sawdust. Once the bucket is full, simply transfer the contents to your composting system or pile. Once properly composted, the finished product can be used for fertilizing the landscape. For human waste, we recommend composting the material for two years prior to use. The Earth Cube in-vessel composting system is a great tool for composting challenging feedstocks like human manure, especially in urban and suburban environments.  The Earth Cube provides excellent control of odors, liquids and keeps the critters away during the composting process. If you would like to learn more about sawdust toilets as a technology, we recommend checking out the Humanure Handbook by Joseph Jenkins. Want to learn more about compost and sustainability? Follow us on Twitter!  And if you have any questions about your company’s commercial composting needs, shoot us a message. Will work with your business to find the right composting solution for your company’s needs. #### Farewell Earth Tub Saying Goodbye to the Earth Tub After over 20 years of bringing composting to local communities around the globe, we are sad to announce the discontinuation of the Earth Tub. The manufacturer who created the molded tub and lid was unable to continue production. Sadly, we were unsuccessful in finding alternative manufacturers. So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our beloved Earth Tub.  We know that our pre-existing tubs will continue to bring high-quality compost product to many communities.  As of summer 2018, we are no longer taking orders for new Earth Tubs. However, we will continue to provide customer support for our existing Earth Tub customers. Moving Forward – Other In-Vessel Systems  While we’re sad to see the Earth Tub go, Green Mountain Technologies still offers a number of in-vessel composting systems. The Earth Flow is ideal for any organization seeking to compost 500 lbs to 10 tons of material per day. This automated in-vessel system is the perfect investment for larger organizations seeking to improve their environmental impact and reduce disposal costs. The Earth Flow comes in three primary vessel designs: custom vessel, intermodal, and site-built. For those composting on a smaller scale, there is the Earth Cube. This simple and low-cost system is great for composting food waste while preventing odors. Earth Cubes are most popular with community gardens and grade schools. It’s an amazing educational tool that has helped foster a love and understanding of sustainable living in communities. While the Earth Tub will always hold a near and dear place in our hearts, Green Mountain Technologies is excited to move forward. We are continuing to help organizations and communities reduce their environmental footprint, save money, and produce high-quality compost through our one-of-a-kind systems. If you’re interested in any of our in-vessel composting systems, send us a message today, or give us a call at 802-368-7291. We’ll be more than happy to work with you to find your perfect composting solution. #### Filthy Organics In-Vessel Composting Operator: City of Deerfield Beach Location: Broward County, FLFeedstock: Food WasteCapacity: 600 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements Filthy Organics partnered with the City of Deerfield Beach as part of a USDA-funded public-private partnership to expand the City’s successful community composting program. The City launched the program to encourage residents to divert food scraps from the landfill and transform them into nutrient-rich compost.Through this cooperative model, the City and Filthy Organics were able to combine municipal resources with private composting expertise to create a sustainable, community-based composting operation. The City provided Filthy Organics with land, zoning assistance, and local wood chip carbon feedstocks. Filthy Organics managed daily composting operations, including feedstock blending, moisture control, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) compliance reporting. To support the continued success and expansion of the program, the City and Filthy Organics needed a composting solution that could increase processing capacity with minimal adverse environmental or odor impacts. Our Solution To support the City of Deerfield Beach and Filthy Organics’ growing composting program, GMT worked with the project partners to install an Earth Flow IM-40 in-vessel composting system designed to process municipal food waste while maintaining consistent composting conditions. The system’s capacity, aeration, process control, and modular design allowed Filthy Organics to expand composting operations while using the City’s existing site and resources. The Earth Flow IM-40 serves as the primary active composting stage, processing incoming food waste for approximately 7–10 days under controlled aeration and temperature conditions. Following the active composting phase, material is transferred into custom curing bins built from modified shipping containers equipped with forced aeration. This additional curing stage allows the material to continue stabilizing and supports the conditions needed to achieve Process to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP) requirements. By combining GMT’s in-vessel composting technology with Filthy Organics’ innovative curing approach, the project partners established a scalable composting system that supports reliable processing of municipal food waste while maximizing available resources and advancing local organics diversion efforts.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### First In-Vessel Composter at Food Bank As we treat our loved ones on Valentine’s Day, let’s also remember to give our soil a treat with compost. ❤️ In celebration of the love of food and the love of compost, we are sharing a video about an inspiring Food Bank composting system in Dayton, Ohio. #### Flying Change Farms In-Vessel Composting Operator: Flying Change FarmsLocation: Loomis, CAFeedstock: Green Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 400 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow Site Built 4012 Facility Design & Consulting Client’s Requirements Flying Change Farms is a new equestrian facility in Loomis, CA that is committed to environmental stewardship as part of its core mission. The boarding and training facility has two barns with 39 stalls and 10 paddocks with shelters. They wanted a manure management process that would improve the local environment and reduce costs compared to typical disposal methods. After learning about the Earth Flow in vessel composting system they concluded that on-site composting is the best solution. They realized that composting is the perfect match to pair with the innovative pre-consumer cardboard product that they use for bedding, Airlite, which reduces waste. They also wanted a solution that could serve as an educational and inspirational model for the local community and the wider equestrian community, promoting sustainable practices that also make economic sense. Excellence as compost material is Airlite’s second sustainability selling point. The pieces of pre-consumer cardboard maintain their structural stability in the stall for a long time. When they’ve served that purpose, they get a second life as soil sustaining compost.Our Solution GMT provided a Site Built Earth Flow in-vessel composting system for Flying Change Farms, which serves as a sustainable waste management solution for the horse manure and bedding produced at their equestrian facility. The Earth Flow system automatically mixes and aerates compostable materials producing “ready to cure” compost in two weeks. The facility owner is excited about the combination one-two punch of Airlite pre-consumer cardboard bedding and the Earth Flow composting system. This will to capture carbon and return it to the soil while preserving the local watershed. Airlite bedding is an ideal compost bulking agent to be processed with the horse manure, due to its super absorbency – up to 5X more than wood shavings. Airlite also has a positive effect to neutralize ammonia odors that can be harmful to the respiratory health of horses and their people.Flying Change Farms expects to use the compost throughout the property and sell it through local landscaping companies and garden centers.The customization of the in-vessel composting system was tailored to match the aesthetics of Flying Change Farms' new state-of-the-art facility, providing both functionality and visual appeal. GMT also provided expert engineering guidance and planning to ensure excellence in on-site installation, training, and ongoing support to optimize the use of the system.The implementation of GMT’s composting solution will result in significant cost savings by eliminating the expenses associated with manure hauling and disposal, while protecting the local watershed and providing a more sustainable and economically viable waste management method.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“I’m thrilled with the Earth Flow composting system as it effectively resolves the manure management challenges of my equestrian training facility. I’m excited about how Airlite cardboard bedding and the Earth Flow will help us to capture carbon and return it to the soil, while also doing our part to be good neighbors and stewards of this land and the local watershed.” - Grace Kamphefner, Owner of Flying Change Farms, LLCContact Us #### Flying Change Farms Installs Innovative On-Site Composting System to Enhance Sustainability May 5, 2025 Loomis, CA– Flying Change Farms, a recently completed equestrian boarding and training facility in Loomis, CA, has recently commissioned an Earth Flow composting system that processes a significant portion of the farm’s manure and stable waste, eliminating the environmental and economic costs of hauling manure offsite. The horse boarding and training facility has two barns with 39 stalls and 10 paddocks with shelters. Owner Grace Kamphefner wanted a manure management process that would improve the local environment and reduce costs compared to typical disposal methods.Kamphefner is well aware of the many challenges faced by equestrian operations. “Equestrian facilities face rising disposal costs and increasing regulations,” she said.  “Many properties are addressing similar issues with manure management and watershed pollution. I wanted to find a better way, and composting is the obvious answer.”After learning about the Earth Flow in-vessel composting system, Grace concluded that on-site composting would be the best solution. She also realized that this composting system pairs perfectly with the Airlite bedding that is used in the stalls, which is made from pre-consumer cardboard. “I researched different composting methods trying to find a process that would be easy to operate with minimal odors and disturbance,” said Kamphefner. “Once I learned about the Earth Flow and saw one in operation, I realized this would be the ideal solution for Flying Change Farms.” The Site-Built Earth Flow 4012 composting system from Green Mountain Technologies is an automated enclosed system that minimizes odors and rapidly transforms the horse manure and bedding into valuable compost that will be used on the farm and sold to local farms and gardeners.  The Earth Flow consists of a fully enclosed 40ft by 12ft bunker with a mechanical auger that continuously mixes the composting material. This innovative design keeps oxygen levels balanced, helping to minimize odors and accelerate the composting process to just two to three weeks.This composting project not only supports the farm’s sustainability goals but also contributes positively to the local community by providing nutrient-rich compost for nearby farms and gardens. The Earth Flow system processes waste into compost in just 2 to 3 weeks, demonstrating superior efficiency compared to conventional methods, which can take 8 to 12 weeks. “I really enjoyed working with Grace and her team on this project,” said Betsy LaForce from Green Mountain Technologies. “From our first call, I was impressed with her determination and eagerness to learn, and very soon after that we began working on her Earth Flow system. I love working with people like Grace who know how to make things happen.”  Annual processing capacity for the Flying Change Farms Earth Flow is planned at more than 400 tons per year. Manure and bedding waste is transformed into “ready to cure compost” in the Earth Flow in two to three weeks. After 6+ weeks of curing, the compost is ready for use in soils. By comparison, conventional “turned windrow composting” of horse manure usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. “I’m excited about how Airlite cardboard bedding and the Earth Flow composter will help us to capture carbon and return it to the soil,” said Kamphefner. “But perhaps most importantly we are doing our part to show that equestrian properties can be good neighbors and stewards of the land and the local watershed.” With the Earth Flow composting system, Flying Change Farms is addressing its waste management challenges while actively contributing to environmental stewardship in the community, showcasing that equestrian facilities can be a sustainable and responsible part of the landscape.About Flying Change Farms: Flying Change Farms is a new equestrian facility in Loomis, CA that is committed to environmental stewardship as part of its core mission. The boarding and training facility has two barns with 39 stalls and 10 paddocks with shelters. To learn more about their composting system, click here for a case study. Learn more about Flying Change Farms www.flyingchangefarms.com/composting-barn. About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com. #### Fort Leavenworth In-Vessel Composting Operator: US ArmyLocation: Fort Leavenworth, MOFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2012/2016Project Components: Earth Flow Custom Vessel 22 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Greenhouse Roof Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Ft. Leavenworth, a military base in Missouri, boasts a unique blend of responsibilities. Not only does it provide boarding facilities for horses, but it also manages the food waste generated by its bustling campus cafeteria. In 2016, Fort Leavenworth embarked on a groundbreaking research project to showcase how composting can be a viable solution to replace the conventional practice of burning waste generated on more remote military bases. Ft. Leavenworth's commitment to sustainability and pioneering spirit are forging a path toward safer, eco-friendly, waste management practices that save money and conserve energy for military operations, setting new standards for a healthier future.Our Solution Our partnership extended beyond conceptualization. GMT worked closely with a dedicated military consulting group to craft a comprehensive test plan tailored to the unique needs of managing waste in military operations. This plan served as the blueprint for evaluating the system's performance under real-world conditions, and the result was that the GMT Earth Flow In-Vessel Composting System was the ideal solution. This partnership between experts paved the way for Fort Leavenworth’s adoption of sustainable waste management practices, solidifying the Earth Flow's reputation as the top choice for an on site composting solution in uniquely challenging environments. Fort Leavenworth has incorporated a horticulture program that is using the finished compost in their greenhouse. The base is successfully processing horse manure, dewatered food scraps, and landscape waste in the 22’x8’ GMT Earth Flow.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### From Odor Complaints to Community Trust: Grimm’s Fuel’s Composting Turnaround Media Contact: Gaelan Brown gaelanb@compostingtechnology.com In 2017, Grimm’s Fuel’s outlook was just that - Grimm. With over a thousand odor complaints a year, the facility was faced with a choice; Either shutdown composting operations or get rid of the odor issue and rebuild community trust. As composting pioneers and committed members of the community, the choice was obvious, It was time to modernize their operation and win back the support of their now very proximal neighbors.“We’re really proud that we’ve been good neighbors with our composting facility over the past five years,” said Jake Grimm, fourth generation owner of the business. “We did have some issues back before our facility upgrade was made, but as a family business it’s very important to treat our neighbors like family.”As the company name implies, Grimm’s Fuel is not just a commercial composting facility. The company has been a leading provider of heating oil and firewood to the Portland Oregon region for decades. In the 1990’s the company began commercially composting yard waste and manure from the region, using a static pile composting method. They used heavy equipment to periodically tumble the material to provide oxygen for the aerobic microbes that convert organic waste into compost.“We tried experimenting with an air slab in the 90s,” said Jake Grimm. “ But with the technology of the time and the wet climate, large static piles proved to be more effective for our volume.”As the facility grew so did regional development, a bad combination for compost odors. They were also facing challenges with compost production efficiency and product consistency. In 2018 Grimm’s contracted with Seattle-based Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) to Design an aerated static pile (ASP) composting system, which uses an automatic aeration system connected to ductwork under the composting pad to automatically optimize the oxygen and temperature levels in the material, without the need for frequent mechanical tumbling. The first phase of ASP infrastructure was installed in 2019, and then expanded to Phase 2 in 2020.GMT designed a 16-zone, WebMACS controlled, Covered Aerated Static Pile (cASP) composting system equipped with reversing aeration and biofiltration to optimize odor control. Current annual composting volumes are close to 50,000 tons per year, making this one of the largest commercial composting facilities in Oregon, although the facility’s could handle up to 100,000 tons per year. The ASP composting system keeps the composting microbes happy, which accelerates the composting process and eliminates the buildup of the “anaerobic” microbes. “To my knowledge in the last 6 years we’ve only had one legitimate odor complaint. A few of the complaints were erroneous, like one from a woman 8 miles away, which couldn’t have been about us. Our only serious odor issue during this time was due to a stuck temperature probe, which made the zone get too hot. As soon as we fixed that probe the aeration system adjusted itself and the odors went away.” Anaerobic conditions are a primary cause of odor issues and methane emissions in general. The ASP composting system not only keeps the material in aerobic oxygen-rich conditions, it also speeds up the composting process while reducing material handling costs because there is less need to mechanically tumble the material. “Obviously somethin had to change,” Grimm said. “In 2018 Green Mountain Technologies came in and analyzed our system and helped us design an ASP system and a much better overall approach.” "Everyone I talk to is impressed with the changes we’ve made over the years. My grandfather was kind of a pioneer in composting back in the late 80s and 90s,” said Grimm. “He played around with some air floors back then but ended up doing static pile composting with excavators for turning. At that time we were out in the middle of nowhere and it was a pretty good solution. It worked but it was stinky. Odors became a real problem with the volume that we grew to after 2010. We also had fire issues on a regular basis, we’d have to flip the whole pile to put the fires out. We got really good at dealing with fires" Grimm’s installed their own aeration system in 2019 with design assistance from GMT, but the aeration floor had some operational challenges. In 2020 GMT installed their patented “sparger” aeration floor system with advanced automated control systems, which brought dramatic improvements to the facility’s efficiency. “Our first ASP design that we installed on our own was with aeration pipes set at grade and holes drilled into the exposed top side of the pipes,” explained Grimm. “Now that we have our GMT sparger aeration system the process works way better. The aeration holes never need to be cleaned out." Jake says the materials they receive on site have significant odors as they arrive, but the odors go away as soon as the material is put into an aeration process. "Our feedstocks coming in have way more odor issues than our in-process materials. The aeration system really solved our odor issues, even with neighbors directly across the street,” said Grimm. “It’s night and day compared to how things were before GMT’s aeration system. Our neighbors are surprised there’s no odors. Yeah it smells like dirt and wood chips and grass but not composting odors.” Grimm’s manages most of their own maintenance on the overall ASP composting system, with occasional support from GMT. The company also has 6 blower trucks for field application of compost, several semis for commercial delivery of compost, and a fleet of dump trucks for home delivery. They build their own dump truck boxes, blower boxes, trommel screens, and conveyors. "We’re a do-it-yourself type of operation in general, but I don’t think we’d be able to operate at the scale we do today without the support we get from GMT,” said Grimm. “As far as the aeration system goes, GMT’s technology and support has been great. My wife Haley takes care of the software and programming, Jasmine Kamdar at GMT has been a huge help for her. It’s been really awesome." Grimm’s Fuel sells a variety of finished compost products including garden mulch, several compost blends, lawn and turf blends, potting mix, blended soil, 50/50 aged fir/compost mix, bark dust, hemlock and fir mulch. About Grimm's Fuel:Grimm’s Fuel, Tualatin, Oregon-based company, is a 4th generation family business that started originally as a heating fuel supplier. The company has successfully diversified beyond fuel supply services into large-scale compost production while becoming known for solving odor issues with advanced composting technology. The company processes yard waste and other organic waste streams into valuable compost, serving the greater Portland area, and are a notable case study for successful environmental management in Oregon. About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com #### Full Circle Farm & Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii Earth Flow This 5 minute video shows the Earth Flow system we provided for Full Circle Farm and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii. #### Full Circle Farm Earth Flow Containerized URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/full-circle-farm-earth-flow-containerized/ #### Full Circle Solutions In-Vessel Composting Operator: Full Circle SolutionsLocation: Waimānalo, HawaiiFeedstock: Food Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2021Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Automatic mixing & aeration Biofilter Odor Control Moisture addition system Solar powered Client’s Requirements In 2020, Sean Anderson and Gregory Williams established Full Circle Solutions Hawaii (FCSH) in Waimanalo, Hawaii. They aimed to create premium living soil from the local tree trimmers' mulch and residential food scraps, steering away from waste incineration that is common practice in Hawaii. FCSH aspired to be the first permitted in-vessel food waste composting business in Hawaii, pioneering sustainable waste management solutions for the island chain. To achieve this goal, FCSH sought an adaptable, enclosed on-site composting system to efficiently convert various waste streams like farm, coffee, and food waste into nutrient-rich compost. Key priorities included environmental sustainability with robust odor and leachate control. The system needed off-grid capability and real-time compost recipe adjustments to manage diverse input materials. FCSH also intended to use the composting system for community education and improved local waste management practices while ensuring transportability for their island location, offering a flexible waste management solution.Our Solution GMT supported Full Circle Solutions Hawaii & Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii (SCH) in their selection of the 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow system. The in-vessel composter expedites the hot composting process down to a three-week period by creating the optimal conditions for aerobic decomposition. Its state of the art engineering controls combine automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration, and bio-filtration to ensure an environmentally responsible and efficient composting process. Additionally, repurposing an intermodal shipping container enhanced the system's transportability to the island location. As a forward-looking initiative, the system is also designed to operate on solar power. This groundbreaking installation marked the first-ever permitted compost system in Hawaii, setting a significant milestone for sustainable waste management in the region. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems"It’s odorless, it’s quiet, it doesn’t allow for runoff coming from the leachate of the compost. And even contains the gasses through a biofilter. It really takes care of so many things our department of health and other regulatory bodies are worried about with composting.” - Rafael Bergstrom, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii Executive Director Contact Us #### Full Cycle Bioplastics In-Vessel Composting Operator: Full Cycle BioplasticsLocation: Mountain View, CAFeedstock: Agricultural & Food WasteCapacity: 427 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Earth Flow Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Full Cycle Bioplastics tackles plastic pollution and climate change by transforming organic matter into a compostable alternative to oil-based plastics. This biotechnology research group was determined to introduce a composting solution into their scientific process for manufacturing biodegradable PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) biopolymers. Shifting away from petroleum-derived polymers, their goal was to harness naturally occurring polymers using food waste. They needed an enclosed, lab-friendly solution that offered flexibility for monitoring and modifying the composting process. It was essential for the system to seamlessly integrate with their scientific operations and streamline materials handling for their technicians.Our Solution GMT partnered with Full Cycle Bioplastics to deliver a tailored in-vessel composter solution. They opted for GMT's 40' Custom Steel Earth Flow system, strategically placed within their lab. This custom stainless steel enclosure seamlessly integrated a discharge conveyor system, enhancing their composting process. The Earth Flow system's advanced mixing and aeration technologies enabled Full Cycle to transform food scraps into nutrient-rich compost within just three weeks. To further ensure the success of their composting operation, GMT's solution incorporated a range of engineering controls, including automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration, automated loading with a tote tipper, and bio-filtration. This comprehensive approach effectively prevented pests and minimized odors, underscoring the quality and efficiency of GMT's in-vessel system.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Get Free Heat From Compost In the midst of a global pandemic, everyone is looking for ways to become more self-sufficient and decrease monthly expenses. But what if you could do this by sequestering heat from your compost pile? Dirt Hugger, a long-time client of Green Mountain Technologies has successfully done just that. Located on the border of Oregon and Washington, this commercial composting facility uses excess heat from their Turned Aerated Pad (TAP) system to heat their office buildings reducing their monthly utility bills by 25% and aiding in the cooling of their piles.¹ Green Mountain Technologies has helped Dirt Hugger expand their operations from processing 20,000 tons of feedstock per year in 2016 to 64,000 tons per year in 2019. With typical compost pile temperatures running between 130-160°F, they have harnessed a natural process as a renewable energy resource and simultaneously increased the rate of decomposition and heat generation through negative aeration.² Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) system emitting un-utilized heat HOW IT WORKS: The Dirt Hugger compost operation sits on GMT’s signature concrete aeration pad. Below is a maze of pipes that blow air in or out of the compost, thus coining the term positive or negative aeration. Optimal aeration rates are essential to fuel the microbial activity of the composting process and are controlled automatically using the WebMAC’s control system. To heat their office building, hot air is pulled into the underground pipes, captured by water circulating in 5,000 feet of PEX tubing and carried to Dirt Huggers’ adjacent 2,900 square ft shop and office. This results in 80% of Dirt Hugger’s heating and cooling demands being met through this renewable energy source. The last 20% is delivered by a propane heater to obtain ambient air temperatures up to 70°F during the colder winter months. Birdseye view of Dirt Hugger’s compost site BENEFITS: This is a very low-cost, low-tech solution that is simple to install and simple to implement for anyone who has a composting facility and a building. The cost to install the tubing and related equipment — when we built the pad and then the building — was between $10,000 and $15,000. – Pierce Louis, Co-Founder of Dirt Hugger in an article posted by Biocycle in December 2018.² With global energy demands projected to increase by 55% between 2005 and 2030 from 11.4 billion tons of oil to 17.7 billion tons, using compost as a renewable energy source has become increasingly popular in the last 10 years.³ Tyler Miller, Co-Founder of Dirt Hugger, concluded that he has always loved his experience working with GMT. “We have found that they keep things simplistic, affordable, and are flexible to changes that may arise in our projects.” Along with your newly bedded vegetable garden and backyard chicken flock, think about how you can use your compost pile as a heat source. Want any help figuring out the logistics? Get in touch with us here. ¹Mitchell, Richard. “Turning Compost by Temperature.” Rodale Institute, 26 Aug. 2019, rodaleinstitute.org/science/articles/turning-compost-by-temperature/. ²Goldstein, Nora. “The Warm Hug Of Compost.” BioCycle, 22 Apr. 2020, www.biocycle.net/2018/11/14/warm-hug-compost/. ³ “The Rising Demand for Energy – Reasons for Increase in Demand for Energy – Higher Geography Revision – BBC Bitesize.” BBC News, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpmmmp3/revision/1. Lamont, E.R., et al. “Energy from Waste: Reuse of Compost Heat as a Source of Renewable Energy.” International Journal of Chemical Engineering, Hindawi, 22 June 2010, www.hindawi.com/journals/ijce/2010/627930/. Written by Theo Fehsenfeld, GMT project and business development assistant #### Glenorchy Community Composter Opening: A Step Towards a Zero Waste Future Press Release: Glenorchy Community Composter Opening: A Step Towards a Zero Waste Future GLENORCHY, NEW ZEALAND, April 2023 – Zero Waste Glenorchy (ZWGY), a community-based waste minimisation organisation, is excited to announce the formal opening of the Glenorchy community composting facility at 3pm on Thursday, April 27th. The new facility is located at Mrs Woolly’s General Store Carpark, 64 Oban Street, Glenorchy. Stakeholders and the community are invited to attend. The community composter will provide an opportunity for the community to divert significant volumes of organic waste from traveling 80km back to Victoria Flats Landfill, putting local food waste to work locally. The facility will convert food waste and test small volumes of compostable food packaging from hospitality businesses, residents, and tourists, into compost for reuse in local gardens. It will also process some of the cardboard packaging that is used by local businesses. The composting system, housed in a converted shipping container, is fully enclosed and operates 365 days a year. The composter is designed to maintain optimal temperature, moisture, and ventilation levels to promote the rapid breakdown of organic matter based on successful systems used in places such as the US, Norway, and Canada. The idea of a community composting system was first discussed with the Glenorchy community in 2017 during a meeting with the Glenorchy Community Association. After a feasibility study confirmed the availability of sufficient organic waste and cardboard, partial funding was secured from The Ministry for the Environment Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) Te Pūtea Whakamauru Para and Community Trust South. With the balance from The Headwaters, the parent organisation behind The Headwaters Eco Lodge and Mrs Woolly’s General Store. The initial project will run as a 12-month pilot in partnership with Queenstown Lake District Council, Hewland Projects, Zero Waste Glenorchy and The Headwaters Ltd. Funding support for the pilot period is provided by Queenstown Lake District Council and the Ministry for the Environment WMF. The purpose of the pilot operation is to: ● Divert organic waste (food scraps, cardboard, and limited green waste) from the landfill ● Build composting skills and awareness of organic waste impacts ● Improve data and research to help inform Queenstown Lake District Council’s future organic waste planning ● Provide educational opportunities for visitors and the community, including workshops on composting and sustainable waste management, and other sustainability topics This project supports the Glenorchy township’s Shaping our Futures vision of becoming a community recognised for conservation, environmental, and sustainability leadership. It has a goal of zero waste and 100% capture and recycling of nutrients and materials. The collection of organic waste from hospitality businesses will commence on April 27th, and kerbside collection from residents will start in late October, utilising a “cargo” style e-bike with a custom-built trailer. During the opening day event, the composting operations and system will be showcased, providing an opportunity for the community to learn about this initiative. For further information about the Glenorchy Community Composting Project, please contact the project manager Steve Hewland at +64 (0)21 942 099 or via email at steve@hewland.co.nz.For more information, visit Zero Waste Glenorchy’s website. #### GMT and NYC Composting Go Way Back Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) has a long history of supporting composting efforts in New York City. Prior to starting GMT, founder and CEO Michael Bryan-Brown worked for several years as a consultant in NYC, supporting the City’s efforts to compost their biosolids. Michael then founded GMT in 1992, nearly 30 years ago. GMT’s first project was a prototype of the Earth Tub in-vessel composting system at Queens Flushing medical center.   This system featured a powered mixing system integrated into the vessel.  Then GMT received an EPA grant to develop a production model of the Earth Tub. Early Version of the Earth Tub Composting System The Earth Tub composting system was installed at multiple sites around NYC, including Battery Park City Parks on the southern end of Manhattan Island. In 2008, GMT developed the Earth Flow composting system, a larger and more automated version based on the Earth Tub concept of an agitated, in-vessel system.  One of the first installations of the Earth Flow was at Battery Park. In 2010, Battery Park chose to expand and replace their tubs with the larger Earth Flow composting system. The Earth Flow system was installed in the basement on a high rise in lower Manhattan. Initially, Battery Park started by composting only green waste from the parks, then added food residuals gradually over time from the community. Earth Flow installed in the basement of a high rise at Battery Park City Parks HQ Then in 2015, a neighboring park in Manhattan, Hudson River Parks, also purchased an Earth Flow system.  Like Battery Park, Hudson River also started by composting green waste from their park and slowly began to incorporate food scraps from community drop-off stations over time. The Composting Center at Hudson River opened in November of 2015 and as a result the park is now a closed system recycling all their organic waste. The Earth Flow system enables them to compost 365 days per year in all types of weather. GMT completes Earth Flow training for staff at Hudson River Park Hudson River Park generates over a ½ ton of landscape organic waste daily along with nitrogen-rich food waste from both seven community drop-off sites and five employee kitchens. Hudson River composts coffee grinds, food waste and landscape waste inside the Earthflow Vessel. The Earth Flow Composter heats up the compost to the temperatures above 140 degrees F. This ensures that the weed seeds are killed in the compost. Black gold inside of the Earth Flow Composting System at Hudson River Curing compost at Hudson River Park with Dial Temperature Probe Dog waste collection system at Battery Park Once discharged from the Earth Flow, the compost cures in a pile to prepare for use a soil amendment for the park. More recently, in 2020, Battery Park City Parks began a dog waste demonstration project.  Battery Park wanted to evaluate the viability of composting dog waste from one of their dog runs at the park.  Users of the park are instructed to pick up the dog waste using provided newspapers (no bio bags) and placed in their designated storage cans.  Battery Park selected GMT’s Naked Earth Cube composting system for the project.  The park is composting the dog waste with newspaper and saw dust. Lab results of the finished compost demonstrate that the levels of fecal coliforms, salmonella, helminth ova and enteric viruses are within established standards for Class A compost. GMT continues to support composting efforts in NYC, throughout the US and around the world.  Please contact us if you would like help with composting in your big city. Written by Van Calvez, System Designer, Engineer, Sales & Customer Service #### GMT at the World’s Largest Composting Conference, Feb 5-9 2024 Green Mountain Technologies is gearing up for USCC’s annual conference in Daytona, Florida, February 5-9. Take a look at the overall conference schedule.  Our team is leading an intensive all day food waste composting workshop, presenting on commercial facility design and permitting, presenting at the Community Composting half-day workshop, and will be at booth #213 in the trade show area. On Tuesday February 6th, GMT will lead an intensive all day workshop covering all aspects of food waste composting at commercial scale facilities. View the Food Waste Composting Workshop Agenda. The Food Waste workshop at Compost 2024 requires pre-registration. This deep dive workshop is being led by Michael Bryan-Brown, GMT’s Founder; Rik Langendoen, GMT’s Director of Environmental Services; and Aurel Lubke, Founder of GMT’s partner Compost System GmbH of Austria.Michael Bryan-BrownRik LangendoenAurel LubkeBetsy LaForceAlso on Tuesday, February 6, GMT’s Betsy LaForce is presenting at a half-day workshop from 1-4:30 pm, sponsored by the Institute for Local Self Reliance. Community Composting Systems: New Projects and Scaling Up Existing Projects. This workshop will feature community composting leaders from across the US along with a focus on composting technologies for farm and community settings. Small scale technologies featured will include DIY solar-powered ASP systems and in-vessel composters such as GMT’s Earth Flow. Learn more about the presenters and panelists or register for the Community Composting Workshop.On Wednesday, February 7, GMT’s Rik Langendoen will be presenting at the 8AM Concurrent Session 1B, “Composting Infrastructure.” Rik’s presentation focuses on the “strategic collaboration to streamline the permitting process,” with a case study about the new Brady Trucking food waste composting facility. Rik will be joined on this panel by Greg McCarron of SCS Engineers and Kristine Ellsworth of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.We look forward to a week full of conversations, learning and sharing with everyone at the conference. Don’t forget to stop by and see us at booth #213 during trade show hours. #### GMT at U.S. Composting Council Conference and Tradeshow The GMT team rocked the 21st USCC Conference this week in Orlando, Florida! Michael gave a presentation on “Composting in a Big Apple Highrise” and Jeff gave talks on “Odor Control and Process Management” as well as “Tools of the Trade.” #### GMT At USCC Tradeshow GMT President Michael Bryan-Brown will be presenting “Positive, Negative and Reversing ASP Systems and the Effect on Odor Control” at the US Composting Council’s 22nd Annual Conference and Tradeshow at the Oakland Marriott City Center in Oakland, CA January 26-29, 2014. We are also exhibiting at this show so please stop by our booth and say “hello.” For more information, please check out the USCC website. #### GMT Completes UL Certification Training This week Michael and John spent time down in Camas, Washington to go through United Laboratories training so that we can become a UL Listed panel shop. #### GMT Designs a Large Scale Composting System for Cowlitz Valley Compost CLIENT CHALLENGE Swanson Bark and Wood Products is a leading manufacturer of bagged mulch products for the landscape industry. They were interested in adding compost to their product line and saw an opportunity to install a composting plant and increase their revenues with green waste tipping fees. Swanson wanted complete control over the compost process because they pride themselves on the quality of their bagged products. They formed a new company, Cowlitz Valley Compost (CVC), in alliance with Clackamas Compost who was shutting down their facility in the Portland area. In order to achieve quality compost at a large scale, they contacted Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) to design a composting system that met their needs. GMT SOLUTION Cowlitz Valley Compost (CVC) began composting operations early in 2016 using an Aerated Static Pile (ASP) compost system designed by GMT. CVC considered both windrow and ASP technologies, and selected ASP because of the compact footprint that reduced the size of their impermeable surfaces and storm water catchment pond. CVC Manager Steve Sheet provided clear operational and handling goals, and Terre-Source Owner Tamara Thomas provided permitting and operations plan documents. GMT translated these documents into 3-D modeling and construction drawings. The ten-zone mass bed ASP system uses above ground HDPE pipes to aerate the piles that measure 80’ long by 30’ foot wide. Two large blowers pressurize two manifolds mounted off the poured concrete back wall and zone dampers are used to control the volume of air needed to regulate the piles to temperature set points. Hard wired temperature probes send the current zone status to the GMT Web-MACS controller which decides how wide to open the damper, and how fast to run the blower to keep the correct system pressure. This simple system allows the compost curing to be done without further aeration directly across from the active compost piles. #### GMT Exhibits At CompostCon GMT will be exhibiting at CompostCon at the Oakland Convention Center in Oakland, CA on January 25, 2014. For more information, please check out the California Organic Recycling Council’s website. #### GMT in the News Composting is getting more media attention as more organizations are realizing the environmental and economic gains of well designed composting systems. In 2023, many of our clients' success stories were featured in leading media outlets including BioCycle, Waste Advantage Magazine, and many regional media outlets. From a GMT-designed facility winning the 2023 Composting Facility of the Year award, to community scale events featuring GMT's solutions, we are grateful for the media coverage of our team and our customers. Take a look at the summary of media coverage of GMT and our clients. #### GMT Kicks-Off Green Technology for the Super Bowl Phoenix, Arizona – January 27, 2015 – Seattle is contributing more than a great football team to the Super Bowl coming up this weekend in Arizona. Bainbridge-based Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) has been contracted by the City of Phoenix to provide composting for the food waste and compostable service ware for the pre-Super Bowl events. The goal is to make these festivities zero waste events, where everything is either composted or recycled. Says GMT CEO Michael Bryan-Brown, “Seattle has been setting the standard for food waste composting at events such as the Mariners’ and Seahawks’ games. The City of Phoenix is interested in emulating Seattle’s event composting success. By promoting composting for these Super Bowl festivities, the City of Phoenix is setting the standard for all Super Bowls to come.” This program is part of a larger effort to bring Seattle-style curbside collection of food and yard waste to Phoenix. GMT is working with the City of Phoenix to design a state-of-the-art composting facility for processing all of the City’s food waste and yard waste. Say Bryan-Brown, “We’re bringing that same Seahawks determination to help the City of Phoenix establish a top-notch composting program.” #### GMT Presents at ReMaDe Conference in Pennsylvania On January 19 GMT's Betsy LaForce presented at the ReMaDe Conference 2024 : Advancing Circularity in Bethlehem, PA. Betsy's presentation focus was lessons learned and best practices in composting commercial cannabis residuals, featuring GMT clients who have successful cannabis composting facilities. Her presentation featured a case study about Enso Solutions, an Oklahoma based cannabis services company, which uses multiple Earth Flow composting systems to process cannabis residuals from various sources. Betsy also gave a broad overview of the spectrum of various commercial composting processes and technologies including facility design and planning considerations.Learn more about the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center and the PA ReMaDe Conference. #### GMT Wins Award For Innovative Manure Management Technologies. The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued a Request for Proposals for demonstration projects with proven and innovative technologies that manage agricultural manure and on-farm generated waste in a manner that improves its utility as a fertilizer, changes its form or function for alternative uses, or produces energy or other marketable products. The overall outcome of the technology will result in reduction of nitrogen and/or phosphorus movement to surface waters associated with animal manure produced on farms in Maryland. GMT proposed two individual projects for in-vessel composting: The first is an In-Vessel Earth Flow System at a horse rescue facility in Howard County where nutrients and by-products will be reduced by 50 percent. The second project is a larger Site-Built Earth Flow System that will be implemented on a dairy farm in Frederick County that also will process the offal from its turkey production and processing facility. The funding comes from the Animal Waste Technology Fund that was revitalized by Gov. Martin O’Malley to provide incentives to companies that demonstrate new farm technologies and develop alternative strategies for managing manure. #### GMT’s Jeff Gage – Panelist On Cultivating Community Composting Forum At COMPOST2016 We’re happy to announce that GMT’s own Jeff Gage has been invited to be a panelist on the “Cultivating Community Composting Forum” at COMPOST2016 on January 26th. During the forum, Jeff will offer his take on community composting and will be part of a facilitated discussion on how equipment manufacturers can support community composting and assist in the development of operating standards/guidelines for community scale composting. Be sure to register for COMPOST2016. #### GMT’s Containerized Compost System Creates Class a Compost at Sun Peaks Ski Resort June 11, 2012 – (from Recycling News) Sun Peaks Resort is an all-season getaway 31 miles from Kamloops, BC. Formerly known as Tod Mountain, it has grown to nearly 4,000 skiable acres of terrain as well as a world class golf course, lift-access hiking and mountain biking. Several years ago, Sun Peaks had come to realize that simple outdoor composting of its biosolids didn’t work at 4,000 feet, during B.C.’s very cold winters. Sun Peaks Utilities then contracted with Urban Systems, an engineering firm to evaluate a number of different technologies. After the review of a wide variety of systems, including simple composting, co-generation options, and more, Sun Peaks Utilities selected Green Mountain Technologies’ In-Vessel Composting System (Earth Tainer) as the best option. One of the factors that Sun Peaks found to be a particularly good fit for their site is the fact that Green Mountain’s Containerized Composting System , Earth Tainer, can be expanded to include other compostable materials in the future. “This creative system is used to take the exhausted biosolids from the wastewater treatment plant and combine them with locally available wood chips to create a Class A compost for use throughout the resort,” said Pat Miller, manager of Utility Services for Sun Peaks Utilities Co., Ltd. “In the future, we would like to also be able to divert food waste from our restaurants and other waste compostable materials as well. We save more fuel costs by utilizing the Thompson Nicola Regional District’s roll-off trucks to empty our containers, in between their trips from the local waste transfer site to the landfill. “By keeping as many of these materials onsite and processing them in an environmentally responsible manner, we save fuel costs while enriching the landscape around us,” said Miller. Using Green Mountain’s Earth Tainer System, composting first takes place in controlled batches with three airtight vessels which are loaded by conveyor from inside a processing building. The Earth Tainers are super-insulated to allow composting in the extreme cold environment, like in the mountains of British Columbia. The Earth Bins can be moved and emptied by roll-off trucks which regularly come to the mountain to pick up recycling containers. Each Earth Tainers is then closely controlled to optimize decomposition, meet regulatory requirements and minimize odours. According to Green Mountain, their unique aeration process integrates up to 50 Earth Tainers into a single system through centralized blowers and computer controllers. “We’re thrilled to be partnered with Sun Peaks Resort to help them with their waste management initiatives,” said Michael Bryan-Brown, Founder and CEO of Green Mountain Technologies, Inc. “Given their location and altitude, our CCS system is an affordable and scalable solution for them.”     #### GMT’s Earth Flow Composter Wins BuildingGreen’s 2014 Top 10 Award BuildingGreen, a national independent organization, has named Green Mountain Technologies In-Vessel Earth Flow Composting System one of its Top Ten Products for 2014. BuildingGreen is committed to providing accurate, unbiased, and timely information designed to help building-industry professionals and policy makers improve the environmental performance, and reduce the adverse impacts of buildings. Cited for its unique control of odors, small footprint, vector management and leachate handling, the Earth Flow is the choice for on-site composting. The advantages to composting at the source of waste generation include the decrease and/or elimination of disposal costs and creation of a product that would otherwise be imported to the site. The by- product of the composting process is a stable and useable mulch for surrounding landscape or growing sites. It is also a value added product that can be sold to the surrounding wholesale/retail market.The initial announcement was made today on GreenBuilding’s webcast with an explanation of the unique problem solving attributes of each award winner. More announcement details and description of the products will be made at the GreenBuild conference in Philadelphia on November 21. The Top 10 Products are chosen from a wide variety of green building products added in 2012-13 to the GreenSpec database, published by BuildingGreen, Inc. GreenSpec, along with Environmental Building News (EBN), are well respected by industry professionals for providing authoritative information on sustainable design and construction. The products are selected from one common theme – the ability to solve a problem. As stated on the BuildingGreen.com website, the Top 10 awards go to those products who “move the needle: solving environmental problems while offering viable commercial appeal for real-world projects”. The GMT Earth Flow composting system is an in-vessel system that can process up to six tons of organic waste per day. Due to the containment of the vessel, odors, vectors and leachate run off are no longer a concern. Elimination of these nuisances and concerns allow the Earth Flow to be placed much closer to the source of the waste generation. Financial analysis show avoided costs for processing waste on site to be substantial. The Earth Flow has also found value in the significant reduction of volume achieved through the process. If aggressively agitated the organic material can reach a 50% reduction offering a tremendous savings if the material is being trucked long distances to large commercial composting yards. The Earth Flow has also been cited as an excellent advanced mixing process to ready organic waste for windrows, allowing for a much shorter processing time in the row. GMT is thrilled to be honored by such a prestigious entity in the green building industry. [BuildingGreen] #### GMT’s Jeff Gage Speaks On ASP And Windrow Compost Production In Egypt GMT will be at the BioCycle West Coast Conference April 8-11 in San Diego and Jeff Gage will speak on Wednesday, April 10th at 8:30 AM on ASP And Windrow Compost Production In Egypt. Egypt has developed markets for composting that support the purchasing of manure feedstocks with the proceeds from sales of the finished compost. The main driver for such an ideal business model is that the cost of composting these feedstocks is very low, and the marketing is done to bio-dynamic organic farms, which only use manure composts for their fertilization requirements. The main consequence is the loss of a significant amount of nitrogen. Jeff Gage worked with the United States Agency for International Development to investigate and provide models for using Aerated Static Piles and improved windrow process management to increase the finished products % Nitrogen and capture volatilized Nitrogen. #### GMT’s Top Nine Tips For Conducting A Food Waste Assessment So you want to determine exactly how much food waste you are generating. Good idea – but how? Completing a food waste assessment can seem like a daunting task. The EPA just released “A Guide to Conducting and Assessing a Food Waste Assessment” to help you figure it out. After reviewing the EPA report, we wanted to share our favorite tips as wells. Here are our 9 Tips for Conducting a Food Waste Assessment: Do your sorting AS the waste is generated – Rather than dumpster diving (i.e., sorting after the fact, yuck!), set up bins to source separate each type of waste you want to measure. Staff your stations and make sure everything gets in the correct container in the first place! No need for a separate sorting phase! Much easier! Grab some grabbers (and disposable gloves) – Grabbers are so darn, uh,..handy! Much nicer than reaching down with your bare hand into that trash can filled with muck. Keep measuring until the trend is clear – How long to collect data? It depends on how much variation you have. Start by collecting data for one day. Then collect data for a second day, then a third. Already, you will be begin to see how much variability there is from day to day. If it becomes clear that you are measuring essentially the same amount of waste everyday, your confidence builds that your numbers are accurate. Otherwise, it may take more days of data collection to capture the higher amounts of variability. Watch out for seasonal variations – The food waste you generate in July can be totally different than the food waste you generate in September. Be sure to measure each of these separately or, at least, note that you need to watch out for these seasonal variations. Account for peak flow – What ever resource recovery strategy you choose, you will need to be able to manage those occasional events and parties and seasonal peaks and valleys. Make sure your food waste assessment takes this into account these unusual flows. Separate out food service paper from your food waste – It is nice to separate these two. Napkins and paper towels are predominantly carbon-based, take a lot of space and don’t weigh very much. Food waste is the opposite, nitrogen-rich, heavy and dense. Ideally, it is best to track these two separately, even if they will both be composted in the end. Track weight AND volume – When you are doing your food waste assessment, measure the weight and the volume of each sample. Composting systems are limited primarily by volume not weight. You can only fit so much stuff in a given vessel. Also, tracking both volume and weight allow you to assess the all important BULK DENSITY. Bulk Density tells you how much air space is in a given volume of material. This is super critical for assessing its compostability. Assess moisture content – Take note of the moisture content in your food waste. Is your food waste dominated by wet materials such as salads, soups and fruits. Or is it dominated by dry items such as breads and pastas. This is important information if you plan to compost this waste in-house. Document, document, document – Keep meticulous records of all your measurements. This allows you to know what you measured, when and how. This documentation can be super helpful later on, especially if there are any questions about the results, it is important to be able to back up your work and explain your conclusions. #### Grand Portage Trust In-Vessel Composting Operator: Grand Portage TrustLocation: Grand Portage, MNFeedstock: Agricultural & Green WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Grand Portage is the reservation land of the Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, a federally recognized tribe in Minnesota. This reservation is wholly owned by the tribe. In 2019, the community set out to revolutionize their waste management practices by maintaining ownership over their organic waste stream and transforming it into a beneficial soil amendment that could be used for community gardening. Under the expert guidance of their dedicated environmental specialist, the community successfully diverted recyclable and organic materials from households and at the Casino. A comprehensive feasibility studies & waste stream analysis was conducted to determine that a composting program could be operated at the transfer station using an in-vessel composting system capable of enduring harsh winter conditions and mitigating odors and environmental concerns associated with organic waste management. Their specific requirements included a composting system capable of handling diverse waste streams while addressing the guidance of their environmental specialist and MPCA funding.Our Solution Grand Portage secured funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to acquire a 20’ Earth Flow In-Vessel composter from GMT. The tribe's unique challenge was to integrate this composting solution into their waste management processes, ensuring compliance with waste disposal regulations, and simultaneously promoting sustainability in alignment with their tribal ownership and management of the transfer facility. Embracing the composter, Grand Portage not only fulfilled their waste management goals but also ignited a thriving community composting initiative. This newfound endeavor further exemplified their commitment to sustainable waste solutions, harnessing the Earth Flow composter to transform waste into a valuable resource for the tribe and its community.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Green Mountain CEO To Speak At CCAC Conference GMT Founder and CEO, Michael Bryan-Brown, has been invited as a featured speaker at the 21st annual United States Composting Council Annual Conference and TradeshowJanuary 28-31, 2013 in Orlando, FL. Michael’s presentation, “Composting in a Big Apple Highrise” will showcase our project located in lower Manhattan in association with the Battery City Parks Conservancy. The presentation will present the unique challenges associated with implementing an in-vessel composting system within the confines of a mixed use office building in New York City. The project serves as a model for developers and sustainability advocates alike as they strive to divert organics from landfills. #### Green Mountain Technologies Granted Composting Patent Bainbridge Island, WA: Green Mountain Technologies is excited to announce that US Patent number 10414696 has been issued for both radial and circular composting systems. The primary benefit of the new designs is to improve handling efficiency and reduce the footprint for large aerated composting systems. This patent is part of Green Mountain Technologies ongoing effort to design the most efficient and cost-effective composting systems for our customers. The idea of the circular design is to make the longest continuous row that you can on a small site, which is a circle. The longer row means that your turner can keep working instead of repositioning on the next windrow.  The turner circles directly to the beginning of the next row, reducing reset time to zero between passes. By placing your receiving and grinding in the outer circle, you now have a huge area to stockpile and manage your incoming waste. Jeff Gage, the co-inventor says: This patent allows Green Mountain Technologies to bring to the composting industry the most compact and cost effective, large scale composting system ever developed. The compact site footprint minimizes concrete and run-off while using biofiltration and biocovers for odor control. The system allows for significant automation opportunities including turning and watering just like circular field irrigation systems do for agricultural crops. Features and benefits of cTAP include. • Reduced turning frequency • Increased production capacity • Reduced labor costs The circular (cTAP) and radial (rASP) systems are now available on our website at compostingtechnology.com or email sales@compostingtechnology.com About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) was founded in 1992 to design and manufacture commercial composting systems for the world market. We are dedicated to helping forward-thinking organizations reduce their environmental footprint, save money and produce high quality compost. With this in mind, GMT has developed a comprehensive product line that includes sophisticated technologies for municipal composting systems and cutting-edge software and equipment. #### Green Mountain Technologies Joins 1% for the Planet Compost technology leader donates equipment to community composters April 9, 2026- Bainbridge Island, WA. Green Mountain Technologies, a leading composting technology and consulting firm, has joined 1% for the Planet, a global network of thousands of companies committed to donating at least 1% of annual revenue to environmental causes.  1% for the Planet was founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Craig Mathews (founder of Blue Ribbon Flies). It was established to encourage businesses to pledge at least 1% of their annual revenue to environmental organizations. Since 2002 1% for the Planet has grown into a global network of more than 5,000 businesses and more than 7,000 non-profit organizations, with more than $690 million in combined giving.“Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members are doing vital work to increase giving and support on-the-ground action. We're excited to welcome Green Mountain Technologies to our global movement,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) has a long history of supporting local community organizations in the Seattle area, along with support to compost-focused organizations all over the US. In 2024 GMT committed to giving at least 10% of annual profits to communities and organizations who are focused on composting.  By joining 1% for the Planet as a corporate member, GMT has solidified its commitment to giving back to environmental causes, as the first commercial composting technology company to become part of the 1% for the Planet network. “Our company mission since 1992 has always been focused on improving the environment and reducing waste, while also giving back to community organizations focused on sustainability and composting,” said Orion Black-Brown, President of Green Mountain Technologies. “In 2026 we are thrilled to join One Percent for the Planet, a network of companies committed to financially supporting environmentally-focused organizations.”GMT’s 2026 donations include an Earth Flow in-vessel composting system donated to a food waste recovery & composting organization to be announced later in 2026, along with a complete aerated static pile (ASP) aeration and control system donated to Full Sun Compost in Albuquerque. The combined value of these donations exceeds $150,000.  The ASP system for Full Sun Compost enables Albuquerque’s only city-wide food waste collection and composting organization to expand annual capacity to up to 7,000 cubic yards of material. The compost processing system will save Full Sun Compost more than $1,000 per month in operations cost while also enabling them to grow revenue from sales of high quality compost.The two composting systems donated by GMT have capacity to keep up to 4,000 tons of organic waste out of landfills annually, with a greenhouse gas reduction equivalent to saving more than 175,000 gallons of gasoline every year. "Composting at scale on a small urban property is a huge logistical challenge,” said Full Sun Founder & CEO Brad Weikel. “I’m grateful to Green Mountain Technologies for this ASP system as this allows us to produce higher quality finished compost, in less time, while diverting more of our local community's food waste from the landfill."About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations and are a member of 1% for the Planet, a global network of companies committed to giving back to environmental causes. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com #### Green Mountain Technologies Leadership at the World’s Largest Compost Conference, Compost 2023 The Green Mountain Technologies team is leading an all day Food Waste Composting workshop at the upcoming USCC Compost 2023 Conference on Jan 24 in Ontario, California.  GMT team-members are also presenting at several other workshops during the conference.  We are honored to be co-teaching the Food Waste Workshop with Aurel Lübke, Founder of Compost Systems of Austria, as part of our new partnership.  Tuesday Jan 24: 9am-4:30pm: Adding Food Waste to your Compost Facility Operational and structural strategies to upgrade windrows and static piles to handle high energy feedstocks with mixes, pile shape, turning frequency and passive or forced aeration.  GMT Instructors: Jeff Gage, Orion Bryan Brown, Jake Saavedra, and Aurel Lubke of Austria-based Compost Systems.  During this workshop the instructors will breakdown the process of making decisions on how best to use the tools and resources a facility already has or may want and transitioning the operation to handle the contaminants and the much more aggressive biological process that food wastes present.  Topics include: Feedstock energy/nutrient calculations and free air space, Contaminant removal, establishing pile height and widths along with turning frequency, Facility layout and capacity sizing, Passive aeration and forced aeration, Pipe and blower sizing, Air distribution design, Odor control and Biofiltration, Control System options, Pavement options, Understanding engineering tradeoffs.  The goal is to help composters understand the tradeoffs of different facility operation and design configurations by emphasizing their associated capital costs as well as permitting and odor implications.  Fee: $352 for USCC members, $435 for nonmembers  Duration: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with one hour for lunch (not included)  Agenda Opening, How is food waste composting different than green waste, manure or biosolids composting?  General considerations for adding food waste  Overview of technologies Static Pile (SP), enhanced SP, Turned Windrow (TW), Aerated Static Pile (ASP) extended ASP (eASP), covered ASP (cASP), Aerated Turned Windrow (ATW) Slide Show  Pile Odor and Vector Control Systems using fleece, micropore covers or biocover, biofilters, indoor vs outdoor operations.  Detailed Discussion of facility Design Composting Recipes with Food waste  Facility layout and Site Design  Methods for maintaining adequate O2 and temperature levels  Stormwater design  Controlling the composting process  Q&A  #### Green Mountain Technologies New Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) System Our 2012 TAP design allows each module’s 4 zones to be managed independently for temperature control targets, by one blower. Each 4 zone module can hold 5,400 cubic yards over 16 days providing a capacity of over 300 cubic yards to be placed into a module per day. Usually 2 modules are placed side by side for a total of 36 days of active aerated composting. Additional sets of modules can be laid end to end for unlimited expansion capability. The conceptual layout shows 2 sets of 2 modules linked end to end to provide a complete facility with the capacity to process over 800 cubic yards per day or over 300 tons per day (110,000 tones per year), for up to 70 days total holding time, needing only 12 turns until ready for screening, storage or bagging. This can be done on less than 6 acres. Turning takes less than 4 hours a day Screening takes less than 4 hours a day including loading out large trucks Grinding and loading the incoming feedstocks takes less than 4 hours per day Site cleanup, daily equipment maintenance and fueling takes less than 3 hours per day This operation can be run easily by two full time operators, costing less than $3/ton in labor costs. Interaction by compost turning operators is simple as the blower control automatically goes to positive aeration as soon as the radio telemetry zone temperature probe is removed. The improved layout of underground pipes eliminates unneeded approach alleys and reduces required floor space by 40% over our 1999 design. Pipe friction losses have been reduce by over 30% and water handling and piping complexities have been simplified while improving the waste air cooling capacity before bio-filtration. The single direction material flow layout allows an efficient side discharge turner like the Vermeer CT1010TX to be used to move the piles at 2,000 cubic yards per hour with one operator. This equipment allows the compost to be turned and re-watered every 4 to 5 days for a total of 7 to 8 turns in 3 hours of operator time. Active composting and aerated curing is completed over a 40 day period. This is all that is needed to get a stable product that is ready for marketing directly for next day use or for placement in un-aerated storage for spring markets. The TAP provides composters with complete flexibility of operations, running with positive and/or negative air, temperature control using the CompDACS process controller, water collection and pretreatment to reduce BOD and odors. A no-leak aeration ducting system fully contains all collected odors until they get to the bio-filtration bed for treatment. A unique condensate and leachate collection and pretreatment system that removes gross solids, aerates and reduces the waters biological oxygen demand and odors. We also added a water storage and reuse system to conserve and reuse the collected water reducing the amount of fresh water and sewage disposal needed by the process. The system is designed to be run mostly negative under active hot composting materials, except during turning events. This approach significantly reduces odor emissions overall by over 90% and allows all night time aeration to pass through the bio-filter for treatment when the air is calm and temperature inversions can send un-diluted odors from your facility directly into your neighborhood. This floor design can be used on receiving floors, ground material stockpiles, biofilters, and product drying areas as well however these uses are usually just run in positive direction due to frequent material handling activities on these pads. Just keeping material stockpiles fully aerobic and cool significantly reduces odors. #### Green Mountain Technologies Strategic Alliance with Compost Systems of Austria FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE: January 4, 2023  Contact: Gaelan Brown, Green Mountain Technologies 575.223.8970 gaelanb@compostingtechnology.com Bainbridge Island, WA: Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) announced today an international alliance with Compost Systems (CS) of Austria. Both companies are global leaders in commercial compost technologies including design and development of advanced large-scale compost facilities, and proprietary “in vessel” containerized composting systems. The companies will jointly lead an all-day Food Waste Workshop at the US Compost Council’s Annual Conference Jan 24-27 in Ontario, California.  “Compost Systems and Green Mountain Technologies share similar philosophies toward innovation and commitment to solving environmental issues,” said GMT Founder Michael Bryan Brown. “This partnership will help each of us leverage our complimentary and unique technologies, enabling us to each offer a broader range of cutting edge systems and services to our growing global client-base.” GMT will now offer CS systems, equipment and technologies to new customers in North America as well as to GMT’s existing customer base of over 400 sites and facilities globally.  “The unique “Composting Box Tunnel System” developed by Compost Systems is a great solution for facilities that have strict environmental and air quality goals while also needing an economical and efficient composting process,” said GMT Operations Director Orion Black-Brown. “We’re also excited to introduce the TracTurn and other compost turning equipment built by Compost Systems to the North American market. The side discharge TracTurn is a great material handling solution for our clients, particularly for large cTAP aerated compost processing facilities.” CS will likewise offer GMT’s proprietary systems and technologies, in particular GMT’s Earth Flow in-vessel system, to its growing customer list in Europe and the Far East. “This partnership represents an alignment of core values and recognition that cooperation is our best path toward scaling our impact for environmental and economic sustainability,” said CS Founder and Managing Director Aurel Lübke. “We look forward to deep collaborations with the Green Mountain Technologies team as we bring our solutions to the next level of market adoption.” About Compost Systems GmbH: Austria-based Compost Systems (CS) is a global leader in compost technology, fertility science and engineering. Since 2002 CS has designed and built large sophisticated commercial compost facilities in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, S. America and Asia, while also manufacturing a unique line of compost processing equipment. In order to industrialize a unique compost production method developed by his parents Uta and Siegfried Lübke, known as the CMC Method (Controlled Microbial Composting) in the 1970s and 80s, Aurel Lübke founded Compost Systems GmbH in 2002 as an engineering company designing tailor made composting plants. Since then, more than 140 plants have been planned and realized, and countless plants worldwide have been equipped with their machines and know-how. For more information visit www.compost-systems.com  About Green Mountain Technologies: Based in Washington State, USA, Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) was founded in 1992 to design, build and manufacture commercial composting systems for the world market. GMT is dedicated to helping forward-thinking organizations reduce their environmental footprint, save money and produce high quality compost as efficiently as possible. GMT has designed and built advanced composting systems for over 400 customers and facilities across N. America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The company’s comprehensive product line and proprietary technologies offer unique solutions for institutional, commercial and municipal composting facilities of all types and sizes. For more information visit compostingtechnology.com  #### Green Mountain Technologies Wins Bid for New ASP Composting Facility for Gallatin County, Montana September 8, 2025 Bozeman, Montana – Gallatin County Montana is moving forward with the design and planning of a new composting facility at the Gallatin County Landfill, with annual capacity to process up to 25,000 tons of biosolids, food waste, yard waste and other organic waste streams. The Gallatin County composting project is being led by Great West Engineering and recently went through a competitive tendering process to identify the best composting technology for Montana’s unique climate challenges. The county sought a 6 zone reversing aerated static pile (ASP) system with advanced aeration & recirculation technology to maintain reliable composting operations during Montana’s harsh winters.After reviewing multiple proposals, Green Mountain Technologies (GMT), with a regional engineering team in Bozeman, was selected as the designer and aeration equipment supplier for the new facility.Seattle-based GMT brings decades of experience designing and equipping aerated static pile systems across North America, with a proven track record of delivering robust aeration and control systems for municipalities and large-scale composting operations in a wide variety of climate conditions. The project aligns with statewide momentum of investments in Montana composting infrastructure to alleviate landfill cost pressures and meet environmental goals. Billings, Montana recently began operating a new ASP composting facility (pictured to the left), also designed & equipped by GMT in collaboration with Great West Engineering.“Our team is honored to support Gallatin County in building a state-of-the-art composting facility in Montana,” said Peter Haun, Bozeman-based Engineer for GMT. “We’re committed to ensuring this project is successful for the community and serves as a model for sustainable organics recycling across the state.”The new facility will process a mix of food waste, green waste, and biosolids, turning materials that would otherwise be landfilled into compost. Once operational, the facility will reduce landfill dependency, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create valuable compost products for various uses. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, with operations commencing in late 2026. About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com. Contact Gaelan Brown for media inquiries at gaelanb@compostingtechnology.com. #### Greenacres Commissions their New Earth Flow Composting System Greenacres Foundation is an educational non-profit and biodynamic farm located on nearly 600 acres north of Cincinnati, Ohio.  The mission of the Greenacres Foundation is to encourage conservation and appreciation of nature by providing the public, particularly children, with opportunities to learn about agriculture and wildlife.  Greenacres operates a variety of educational programs for young people as well as hosting events and operating a farm store.  Greenacres has a substantial equine/riding program and generates about 4 yards of manure and bedding on a daily basis.  Greenacres also generates chicken manure and bedding, plant trimmings from their greenhouse operations, lawn clippings and food scraps from visitors and staff.  Greenacres needed a better way to quickly turn these farm-generated wastes into a valuable compost product. SolutionGreen Mountain Technologies (GMT) recommended a Site-Built Earth Flow system for Green Acres. The Earth Flow system provides optimum conditions for hot, aerobic composting.  This dramatically reduces the time required for horse manure composting from 6-12 months to 10-14 days (additional curing time of 1-2 months is recommended after the primary in-vessel composting phase is complete).  A Site-Built system means that the composter is built inside of a locally-built vessel instead of a prefabricated steel vessel container.  GMT recommended the Site-Built Earth Flow for several reasons: Greenacres generates a larger amount of waste per day than can fit in a steel vessel system.  This Site-Built Earth Flow provides about twice the capacity as can be processed with GMT’s largest steel vessel Earth Flow.A locally built vessel provides more design flexibility and aesthetic options and an ability to modify the vessel overtime.A Site-Built Earth Flow makes it easy to drive into the compost bay with a skid steer/bucket loader and directly manage the compost/feedstocks.   This provides a lot of operational flexibility and control. Greenacres selected a 40’ x 12’ Site-Built Earth Flow composting system for their composting program.  This system has a total capacity of about 71 yards and a daily input capacity of about 6 yards per day with a planned retention time of 14 days. Green Acres is planning on operating the Earth Flow in “batch mode”.  This means that they will plan to fill the system up with feedstocks once every 2 weeks and then process a single batch of compost over a 14-day period.  Greenacres’ plan is to use the compost they create to provide soil amendments for the entire farm. GMT provided the design guidance to the client, architect and contractor. GMT installed the Earth Flow automated mixing and aeration technologies in January 2021.  Greenacres designed covered storage areas for feedstocks and curing compost. Nathan Bundy is the Greenhouse Horticulturalist and the Compost Manager for Greenacres Farm.  Van Calvez from GMT spoke recently with Nathan as Greenacres prepares to begin Earth Flow composting operations in February 2021. Nathan provided context for why composting is so important at Greenacres: “Two things that are core to our mission here at Greenacres are education and sustainable agriculture.  And compost really is one of the biggest keys to both of these goals.  Because we farm here with relatively few external inputs, quality compost is super important to our success. Compost is one of the biggest keys to sustainable agriculture. Compost does so much to promote the growth of plants, build soil structure, soil health and retain water.  “One of our core values is being green and so we want to do composting right.  We don’t want our composting piles to be detrimental to the environment.  The longer a pile of animal manure and bedding sits, the more it can be a source of water and air pollution.  So by speeding up and better managing our composting process, we can quickly get that material stabilized so that it can be beneficial to the environment.” Nathan explained how he expects the Earth Flow will help them make a better compost product:  “One of our major goals with this system is to be able to create a consistent and reliable compost product, free of pathogens and weed seeds.  If you are composting on a pile on a ground, it is challenging and time consuming to get that type of quality and have confidence in your product.” Nathan also explained how the Earth Flow benefits them from a process standpoint.  “The Earth Flow will help us take a lot of the labor out of the composting process. This helps me spend less time on a skid steer and more time in the fields and in the greenhouse, focused on growing food.  The Earth Flow helps us keep up with the waste we generate and quickly turn that waste into a usable soil amendment.” Earth Flow will be an important part of their tours and educational offerings:  “We want to involve students in learning about composting.  We want the kids that come through here to see how their food scraps can become a high-quality compost that feeds people.”  The Earth Flow vessel will feature an elevated walkway and viewports to allow kids to be able to observe the composting process firsthand.   The Earth Flow is a major accomplishment for Greenacres that will help them meet their goals for community education and sustainability.   Written by Van Calvez #### Greenacres Farm Site Built Earth Flow URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/greenacres-farm-site-built-earth-flow/ #### Greenacres Foundation In-Vessel Composting Operator: Greenacres FoundationLocation: Cincinnati, OHFeedstock: Agriculture, Food, & Green WasteCapacity: 654 T/yearYear Installed: 2021Project Components: Site Built Earth Flow Moisture Addition System In-Floor Positive Aeration Client’s Requirements Greenacres Foundation is an educational non-profit and biodynamic farm located on nearly 600 acres north of Cincinnati. Their mission is to encourage conservation and appreciation of nature by providing the public, particularly children, with opportunities to learn about agriculture and wildlife. Onsite is a farm, a farm store, as well as a substantial equine/riding program that generates about 4 yards of manure and bedding on a daily basis. Greenacres also generates chicken manure and bedding, plant trimmings from their greenhouse operations, lawn clippings and food scraps from visitors and staff. Greenacres needed a better way to quickly turn these farm-generated wastes into a valuable compost product.Our Solution GMT recommended a 40’x12’ Site-Built Earth Flow system for Green Acres, which can compost around 6 yards of material per day. The Earth Flow system provides optimum conditions for hot, aerobic composting. This dramatically reduces the time required for horse manure composting from 6-12 months to 10-14 days (additional curing time of 1-2 months is recommended after).  GMT provided the design guidance to the client, architect and contractor. GMT installed the Earth Flow automated mixing and aeration technologies inside their vessel. Greenacres also designed covered storage areas for feedstocks and curing compost.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“The Earth Flow will help us take a lot of the labor out of the composting process. This helps me spend less time on a skid steer and more time in the fields and in the greenhouse, focused on growing food. The Earth Flow helps us keep up with the waste we generate and quickly turn that waste into a usable soil amendment.” - Nathan Bundy, Greenhouse Horticulturist and Compost Manager for GreenacresContact Us #### Grimm’s Fuel ASP Composting Operator: Grimms FuelLocation: Tualatin, ORFeedstock: Green WasteCapacity: 100,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2020Project Components: Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Grimm’s Fuel has been composting green waste from the Portland metropolitan area for over 30 years. The facility was using a static pile method, but as volumes grew and neighbors encroached upon the site, odor complaints became a serious operational issue. GMT was hired by Portland Metro in 2018 to perform an odor study and make recommendations on how to upgrade the facility to reduce odor emissions. After proposing the changes to the city, GMT was hired by Grimm’s Fuel to further assist with these modifications.Our Solution GMT designed a 16-zone, WebMACS controlled, Covered Aerated Static Pile (cASP) composting system equipped with reversing aeration and biofiltration to optimize odor control. Since completing the system in 2020, Grimm’s has increased throughput to 100,000 T/year, noticing significant improvement in product quality. Odor complaints have fallen by 99.9% and the facility is operating happily within Portland Metro’s heightened regulatory stance.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Grounds for Composting Why Compost Coffee Grounds? What is the impact of composting coffee grounds? When building a composting recipe, do coffee grounds count as food scraps or bulking agent?  These are questions we sometimes hear about coffee grounds in a compost pile.  Here are some answers: Coffee Grounds Help With Decomposition Coffee grounds have a relatively high nitrogen content, similar to vegetable scraps, so they are generally categorized like food scraps for compost recipe building. They help generate heat to speed up the decomposition process. A recent lab test of Starbucks coffee grounds found that the carbon/nitrogen ratio was about 24:1. The results of that test explained that, “there is more than sufficient nitrogen present in the coffee grounds to provide for the nitrogen demand of the soil microorganisms as they degrade the organic fraction”. Typically, we recommend to our clients that they start their composting process with a 25:1 carbon/nitrogen ratio.  So coffee grounds bring a close to ideal carbon-nitrogen ratio right up at the beginning. They Make Your Compost Safer Studies from Oregon State’s Composting Program have shown that composting coffee grounds reduces the number of dangerous pathogens and seeds from vegetables and weeds in the compost. This is because the coffee grounds help to maintain a high temperature in the composting process. Coffee grounds also improve the nutritional profile of the compost by improving availabilities of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and copper. Obviously, Composting Coffee Grounds Smell Amazing Even though coffee grounds have a significant nitrogen, grounds also have a significant ability to absorb moisture and control odors.  Coffee grounds have had a lot of liquid pressed out of them.  The small particle size and texture of coffee grounds is similar to saw dust.  Like saw dust, the grounds are capable of absorbing large amounts of water.  This makes coffee grounds helpful at absorbing excess moisture and, therefore, preventing odors. Plus, the pleasant smell of the grounds helps to overpower unpleasant odors. Coffee Grounds Won’t Mess with Your Compost’s pH Balance We also sometimes hear concerns about the acidity of coffee grounds.  Coffee grounds have a pH usually between 6.5 – 6.8, which is slightly acidic but close to neutral.  A slightly acidic compost is often actually preferred at the beginning of the compost process.  Therefore, we don’t typically expect coffee grounds to throw off the pH of the compost pile. Coffee Grounds Are Often Free Since coffee producers typically see coffee grounds as a waste product, coffee grounds are often available for free and make a helpful and versatile amendment to your composting operation. http://today.oregonstate.edu/archives/2008/jul/coffee-grounds-perk-compost-pile-nitrogen https://www.sunset.com/garden/earth-friendly/starbucks-coffee-compost-test #### Grupo Puntacana ASP & In-Vessel Composting Operator: Grupo PuntacanaLocation: Dominican RepublicFeedstock: Agricultural Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 1,400 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Earth Flow Site Built 7012 ASP Secondary Process Biofilter Odor Control Custom Facility Design Client’s Requirements The Puntacana Resort and Club is a resort community of 2000+ homes, 3 hotels, the largest international airport in the Dominican Republic, along with the related kitchens, restaurants and hotels. They were searching for a reliable and efficient means of processing food waste into compost on site, instead of hauling these materials to a landfill. GMT’s Earth Flow system was selected as the solution after several years of research on various options. Grupo Puntacana Foundation has a long history of investing in innovative sustainability strategies to improve the natural environment in the Dominican Republic. They identified an on-site composting system as the best solution to reduce environmental and economic costs of hauling this material to an offsite location for processing or disposal. Reducing landfill volumes through composting and other recycling efforts is a top priority. Our Solution The Earth Flow 7012 will handle food waste and yard waste from the Puntacana Resort & Club community, initially processing up to 1400 tons of material per year. The unique value of the Earth Flow for this client is the ability to compost food scraps on-site quickly and effectively and help them divert food scraps from the landfill, which is a major sustainability goal for the client. Another key benefit is the automated mixing, aeration and great odor control.GMT also designed two secondary ASP bays adjacent to the Earth Flow enclosure, which can be used for passive curing or as a secondary ASP process to double the capacity of the overall system. Learn More About ASP SystemsLearn More About In-Vessel Systems“We hope to achieve a total diversion rate of 70-80% between the Earth Flow, our waste valorization facility (CENVAREE), and efforts throughout the resort to reduce waste. The Earthflow is part of a large, more holistic program.” - Jake Kheel, Vice PresidentGrupo Puntacana FoundationContact Us #### Grupo Puntacana Expands Zero Waste Program to Include Large-Scale Composting of the Resort’s Food Waste May 28 2025, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Grupo Puntacana recently began operations of a new on-site, large-scale composting system that will process food waste from the community’s 2000+ residences, multiple hotels, golf courses, restaurants and the country’s largest international airport. The Earth Flow composting system is automated & enclosed to capture odors and rapidly transform food waste and other feedstocks like yard waste into valuable compost products that will be used on the resort grounds and gardens. Annual processing capacity for the Earth Flow composting system is planned to range between 1400 to 3000 metric tons per year, significantly reducing the environmental and economic costs of hauling food waste to a landfill. “Grupo Puntacana has a long history of investing in environmental sustainability for our resort, but this new Earth Flow composting system is a major evolution in our commitment to becoming a Zero Waste community,” said Jake Kheel, Vice President of Sustainability for Grupo Puntacana. “This is the first major resort in the Dominican Republic to be fully committed to composting our food waste and yard waste on site, eliminating all the environmental and financial costs of transporting this waste to the landfill.”On-site composting of food waste on a resort property is challenging with conventional methods, because of odors, space requirements and operational concerns. The Earth Flow composting system is unique in that the composting process is fully enclosed and automated. The composting material is aerated through special channels in the floor, while an industrial stainless-steel auger continually mixes the material. Proper oxygen levels are maintained at all times to speed up the composting process and minimize odors. Exhaust air from the system is vented into a simple biofilter to capture any remaining odors. “We hope to achieve a total landfill diversion rate of 70-80% between the Earth Flow, our waste valorization facility (CENVAREE), and efforts throughout the resort to reduce waste,’ said Kheel. “The Earth Flow is part of a larger, more holistic program. We can now operate compost at the scale of our resort, while allowing us to potentially offer waste valorization as a service to other resorts.”Food waste and shredded yard waste are simply loaded into one end of the system, and “ready to cure” compost is periodically unloaded out of the other end. Material is typically processed in the Earth Flow for two to three weeks, followed by a 6-week curing period before it is ready to be used in agriculture and landscaping.“This has been one of the most interesting projects I’ve ever worked on,” said Van Calvez, Project Manager and Engineer from Green Mountain Technologies. “Grupo Puntacana’s commitment to sustainability has been inspiring to me, and I think this will inspire many others as well.”The Site Built Earth Flow 7012 composting facility was custom designed to enable growth over time. Secondary bays next to the primary Earth Flow bay can be used for storage of finished compost & wood chips, or these bays can be used as secondary aeration for the composting process. Aeration infrastructure is built into the floors of the Earth Flow bay and the secondary bays. Aeration systems and Earth Flow mixing programs are adjustable through the control system. About Grupo Puntacana: Grupo Puntacana (GPC) is a pioneer in sustainable tourism development in the Dominican Republic. Since its beginnings in 1969, GPC has maintained a firm commitment to environmental conservation, economic growth, and supporting the well-being of the local community. Over the years, GPC has built a reputation as leaders in responsible tourism, becoming a global benchmark. About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to not-for-profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com. #### Gustavus Adolphus College In-Vessel Composting Operator: Gustavus Adolphus College Location: St. Peter, MNFeedstock: Food and Agricultural WasteCapacity: 250 T/yearYear Installed: 2013Project Components: Earth Flow Custom Vessel 24 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Greenhouse Integration Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Gustavus Adolphus College is a small, liberal arts college located in St. Peter, Minnesota. The college envisioned an on-campus, integrated compost and greenhouse program to support diverting food scraps away from the landfill and growing healthy food on site into the cold season. This unique project required using the heat generated from the composting process to heat a greenhouse and thereby extend the growing season into the cold Minnesota winters. The plant waste generated from the greenhouse is then turned into compost, creating a fully circular operation.Our Solution After researching multiple technologies and consulting companies, Gustavus selected GMT to design a custom 24’ Steel Earth Flow vessel. The composting vessel was installed directly inside the greenhouse, allowing for residual heat from the composting process to travel into the greenhouse, thereby reducing the cost of heating. The biofilter is also inside the greenhouse, providing C02 from compost which enhances plant growth. The 24’ Custom Steel Earth Flow can receive up to about 1 ton of total feedstocks per day and has allowed Gustavus to lower their waste management costs, provide an educational experience for their students and extend their greenhouse growing season, even in harsh Minnesota winters.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“Gustavus has been very pleased with the Earth Flow’s performance,“Consistently composting 140-155 degrees F even in sub-zero Minnesota temperatures.”Contact Us #### Gustavus Adolphus College Install Photos Here are some great photos of the In-Vessel Earth Flow installation at Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, MN last month! #### Headwaters Resort In-Vessel Composting Operator: Headwaters ResortLocation: Glenorchy, NZFeedstock: Food Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2023Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Automatic Mixing & Aeration Biofilter Odor Control Tote Tipper Cold Climate Package Client’s Requirements In a collaborative effort, Zero Waste Glenorchy (ZWGY), a community-focused waste minimization organization, joined forces with Queenstown Lake District Council, Hewland Projects, and The Headwaters Ltd. Their collective vision was to initiate a community composting system as a 12-month pilot project. This endeavor originated from a pivotal 2017 community meeting convened by the Glenorchy Community Association, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable waste management solutions within the Glenorchy community.Our Solution Zero Waste Glenorchy (ZWGY) was in search of an efficient, fully enclosed composting system able to withstand the extreme cold while successfully diverting and processing pre & post-consumer food and organic waste from the community. Their choice, the Earth Flow 20' Intermodal system, excelled in retaining heat in sub-freezing conditions, offered superior odor control, and deterred pests effectively. This selection aligned perfectly with ZWGY's commitment to sustainable waste management and the unique demands of their locale.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Heiltsuk Nation In-Vessel Composting Operator: Heiltsuk NationLocation: Bella Bella, B.C. CanadaFeedstock: Green WasteCapacity: 360 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow Automatic Mixing & Aeration Moisture Addition System Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements This case study highlights the successful composting program of the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella, an island village located on the central coast of British Columbia. Being located on an island, Bella Bella faces financial and logistical challenges with waste disposal. Bella Bella previously had a history of outdoor community composting efforts, although on a limited scope with many challenges during winter months. The cold & wet climate required adjustments to the open air composting process and the cold winters hindered previous composting efforts. To create a comprehensive and effective composting program, the system needed to be enclosed to prevent frequent rains from saturating the material, while also protecting the process from extremely cold winters and minimizing risk of wild animals such as bears from becoming a problem. Our Solution The Earth Flow system enabled a more efficient and impactful composting program while saving the community money from avoided trash disposal costs. The system doubled their composting capacity compared to previous methods, with year-round operation and increased community participation. Composting on-site reduces reliance on landfills and promotes a circular economy, supporting local agriculture and building community resilience and connection. GMT consultants and engineers helped to identify and recommend a unique recipe of 1:1:1 food scraps, dry wood shavings, and wet wood chips effectively managing moisture in the wet climate. The Earth Flow system maintains ideal temperatures (45°C at the load end and 67°C in the middle) for efficient composting. Community involvement has also increased, plans are underway for a curbside collection program using rolling toters, enhancing community participation. The finished compost will be used in local community gardens, such as “Granny's Garden,” further bolstering local agricultural activities, food security, and food sovereignty.Learn More About In-Vessel SystemsGene Larsen, the Earth Flow operator at Bella Bella, reports a streamlined and efficient process compared to the previous system. When asked about the Earth Flow composter, Gene said he was “very happy with it” - it is more streamlined and efficient.”Contact Us #### Heyday Farm In-Vessel Composting Operator: Heyday FarmLocation: Bainbridge, WAFeedstock: Green Waste, Food Waste, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 500 T/yearYear Installed: 2013Project Components: Site Built Earth Flow 34’ by 10’ Automatic Mixing and Aeration Hoop House Integration Stainless Covered Wooden Walls Client’s Requirements Heyday Farm is a 25-acre high intensity regenerative farm located in a rural/residential area of Bainbridge Island, Washington. With the costs of organic fertilizers on the rise and waste hauling fees continuing to climb, finding an onsite composting solution was an integral part of the environmental & financial success of Hey day Farm. Heyday needed a composting solution with excellent odor & noise control that would allow for efficient processing of diverse feedstocks with full environmental compliance to satisfy regulations in place to protect residences in close proximity to agricultural operations.Our Solution In 2013, Heyday Farm worked with the experts at GMT to select a Site Built In-Vessel Earth Flow composting system. Constructing the composting system inside an existing on-farm 30’x50’ hoop house lowered the overall project costs and timeline. At 34’ long and 10’ wide with a capacity of 40 cubic yards, this custom composting solution allows for easy processing of manure & bedding from the farm animals, offal from the pigs & chickens, and green waste from the produce. Feedstocks are loaded into the front end of the vessel for the automated auger to shred & move towards the discharge end over a period of 10-21 days, depending on the recipe. Feedstocks are easily loaded & unloaded into the vessel with a tractor, dumped directly into the composting bay, or stored in an adjoining bay until ready to process. The end result? Beautiful, homogenous compost that is free of odors, pathogens, weed seeds and doesn’t attract flies. The entire process is highly visible and interactive, making for an excellent stop on the HeyDay farm tour, allowing visitors to understand the farm to table, table to farm approach being applied on the farm. The nutrient rich compost is used in regenerative agriculture practices of rotational grazing on the pastures and in gardens of HeyDay farm, creating a decentralized, fully circular waste stream. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“We worked for more than a year with Green Mountain Technologies to custom design a system that will work with our unique mix of land, crops and animals to turn waste into rich compost that is added back to the soil in our pasture and croplands. Because of our careful care of the land and nutrient management, Stewardship Partners has certified Hey Day Farm as a SalmonSafe farm.” - Ty Cramer and Steve RomainContact Us #### HeyDay Farm – 10 Years Later In 2013, Hey Day Farm became one of the first diversified farms to use the Earth Flow composting system, as part of an integrated farm-fertility strategy. Ten years later, their system is still running strong and helping them build regenerative soils. CLIENT CHALLENGE HeyDay Farm is a 25-acre high intensity farm dedicated to growing locally sourced organic produce, eggs, cheeses and meats. With the high cost of organic fertilizers and disposing animal manures offsite, finding an onsite composting solution made financial and environmental sense. Additionally, the local government mandates odor control and nutrient management for farms. Understanding these concerns and addressing them is key to the success of the farm. GMT SOLUTION HeyDay Farm chose the Site-Built Earth Flow from Green Mountain Technologies. The Earth Flow was built inside an existing 30’x50’ hoop house building to lower the capital cost. The vessel is 34’ long and 10’ wide with a capacity of 40 cubic yards. The feedstocks include pig, cow, chicken and horse manure and bedding, the entrails from the slaughtering of pigs and chickens, and green waste. These feedstocks are added to the front end of the vessel. The auger shreds and moves the composting waste towards the discharge end of the vessel. The manure can be loaded by tractor or dumped directly into the composting bay or stored in an adjoining bay until needed. The compost is rich in organic material and is used on the pastures and gardens of the farm. This technological advancement in composting creates a financial and operational success for the farm and allows the desired closed loop waste stream for environmental compliance. Farm Manager, John J. McGarrity, gives his opinion on the system and compost: “I’ve seen a lot of compost in my day. The labor (with this system) is minimal. It (the composter) does most of the work for you. The product is what really sells me on it.” Former Farm Manager, Craig Skipton, adds, “here at the farm, 2013 has been an important year for implementing some critical systems to help us conserve, reclaim and regenerate resources. This reflects the farm’s deep commitment to the environment and our belief that there is no such thing as waste. Our state of the art composting system is one good example. We worked for more than a year with Green Mountain Technologies to custom design a system that will work with our unique mix of land, crops and animals to turn waste into rich compost that is added back to the soil in our pasture and croplands.  Because of our careful care of the land and nutrient management, Stewardship Partners has certified HeyDay Farm as a SalmonSafe farm.” #### Heyday Farm Site Built Earth Flow URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/heyday-farm-site-built-earth-flow/ #### How a Public Garden Began Affordable On-Site Composting The Bloedel Reserve is one of the most highly acclaimed public gardens in the United States. Two miles of trails wind through 150 acres of wild landscapes and curated gardens on Bainbridge Island, Washington.  15-20 years ago, Bloedel Reserve was a “weed-and-feed operation, using so many pesticides and fungicides that it could fill up a New York City phone book,” Ed Moydell, Executive Director of Bloedel Reserve explained. These chemical-intensive methods were keeping weeds at bay but were not helping to improve the vitality and longevity of the gardens. It wasn’t until they were introduced to compost by a resident plant pathologist, Olaf Ribeiro, that they started to shift their course in a more sustainable direction. The addition of compost also allowed them to stop using many of the pesticides and fungicides, ultimately leading to pest management strategies today that are 98% organically derived. Tree in Bloom along Bloedel Reserve path, Courtesy of Bloedel Reserve. Residence on Bloedel Reserve, Courtesy of Bloedel Reserve. With aging infrastructure and a renewed sense of focus on stewardship and conservation, Bloedel Reserve plans to construct the Environmental Resource Center (ERC), a series of buildings to further Bloedel’s work as leaders in plant pathogen and disease research, conservation, and sustainability. The new infrastructure will include a new shade house, new greenhouse, a remodeled and expanded maintenance building for tools and equipment, horticultural training center and a new composting facility designed by Green Mountain Technologies.  GMT HELPS BLOEDEL SAVE $500,000 ON THEIR NEW COMPOST FACILITY  Bloedel’s New ASP Compost Facility Bloedel‘s first iteration of their new compost facility used windrows and was comprised of a giant concrete pad and stormwater pond. When Michael Bryan-Brown was asked to review the design, he explained that there are better, faster ways to make the same amount of compost on a reduced footprint. He introduced Bloedel to Aerated Static Pile (ASP) technology that forces air through compost piles increasing microbial decomposition resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness of compost production. For the Bloedel Reserve, he recommended the Green Mountain Technologies Standard ASP three-bin system and WebMACS control system to provide temperature and aeration control. The GMT design resulted in Bloedel saving about $500,000 In construction costs and will deliver compost in less time for use in their gardens. Inside view of Bloedels Compost Facility Aerated and concrete storage bays to hold materials for composting STORMWATER MANAGEMENTThe new design also includes a covered structure, which allows Bloedel to easily manage stormwater in the Pacific Northwest winter months and keep the compost from becoming too wet. When piles are not covered, water that touches the piles has to be properly managed, but with a roof, rainwater avoids the piles, keeping them dry and hot during the rainy Pacific Northwest winter months.BOLSTERING THEIR PRESENCE AS PLANT PATHOGEN AND SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS Moss Garden Trail, Courtesy of Bloedel Reserve. After starting to use compost regularly, the benefits were observed immediately including increased “vigor and health of the plants while simultaneously reducing presence of pests, disease, and pathogen responses on plants,” Moydell explained. “We have the distinction of being the first public garden in the United States to detect Phytophthora ramorum, a harmful pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death (SOD) in tree species.” Because of this detection, they have become the resident experts in how to test and prevent outbreaks of SOD, which they haven’t experienced in 4 years now. GMT is proud to be a part of the design of the first Aerated Static Composting system on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The facility will efficiently make compost for Bloedel’s gardens using a cost-effective design, properly manage stormwater from Northwest winters, and become an integral part of the Environmental Horticultural Resource Center for generations to come.  Written by Theo Fehsenfeld, GMT Project and Business Development Assistant #### How Composting Can Make A Difference This article is an example one of many beginning to “connect the dots” between our global challenges and solutions. What does the loss of soil fertility and soil biodiversity have to do with the climate?  How does composting save water?  How does composting help stabilize the climate? #### How Do You Keep Compost from Stinking? URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/how-do-you-keep-compost-from-stinking/ #### How Earth Flow Works Short Video URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/how-earth-flow-works-short-video/ #### How Salinas Valley Compost Facility Operates This short video explains how the compost facility at Salinas Valley Waste Authority in California operates. This is one of the largest food waste composting facilities in N. America, designed by Green Mountain Technologies. #### How the Earth Flow Works Here’s a quick introduction to the Earth Flow In-Vessel automatic composting system! #### How the Site-Built Earth Flow Works with Aerated Static Pile (ASP) Composting URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/how-the-site-built-earth-flow-works-with-aerated-static-pile-asp-composting/ #### How To Calibrate an Oxygen Temperature Probe URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/how-to-calibrate-an-oxygen-temperature-probe/ #### How to Control Compost Odors The first and last concern everyone has about composting is the smell. Compost odors that offend (malodors) can make life very difficult, and coexistence with neighbors sometimes impossible. In other words; all your investment is at risk when you generate malodors.  The good news is that with care in design and diligence in operation odors can be controlled to levels that are acceptable to the neighboring airshed. The best defense against malodors is a great facility design. At Green Mountain Technologies, we design facilities that produce great compost with minimal malodors. With over 400 systems around the globe, none of our clients’ facilities have ever been shut down due to malodors. We’ve been able to accomplish this through our standard design practices.  Managing Your Compost Pile’s Oxygen Levels  When designing a facility, it’s vital that you manage air flow. Oxygen levels within the pile should be above 13% at all times. The composting process is very hungry for oxygen in the first 1 to 2 weeks. The aeration system must be designed to meet this need, or malodors are formed. We target designs that provide up to 5 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per cubic yard of biologically fresh and degradable feedstocks like grass and food waste. This provides enough airflow to cool a pile 7 feet deep or less. Since most loader operators over stack the initial piles to save time and effort, the piles may overheat. But they do not run out of oxygen, simply because it takes about 9 times more airflow to cool a pile than to provide adequate oxygen.  While more odors will be driven off by higher heat (think heat of vaporization of different compounds) the ability to manage pile temperatures allows the operator to improve odors by lowering pile heights back to the design level.  GMT uses our temperature probes and reversing air flow dampers to keep a pile’s temperature in control.  Adding Bulking Materials However, it is also more than just the interstitial spaces between globs of goo that need oxygen, the insides of the globs do too. This is why bulking material can be so important to the composting process, and management of odor. Composting is a surface edge biological function. It is very important to add lightweight fine granular material like sawdust or ground coconut husk (coir) to both absorb excess water and to be a surface to coat the goo onto so that the aerobic bacteria can eat and breathe in comfort.  Otherwise, their evil cousins, anaerobic bacteria, start going crazy inside the goo generating reduced sulfur compounds that smell quite foul. We find that a rule of thumb to start with is 1 part goo to material to 3 parts bulking material can keep you out of trouble, and you can experiment on either side of that amount to find. We strongly suggest mixers for gooey feedstocks.  Using Biofilters and Biocovers Once you have your oxygen levels under control and bulking materials added, you have optimized the composting process. All that is left is polishing the emissions from your piles. This will make odors acceptable to even the most discerning noses in your air shed.  In the first week to 10 days, you can use biofilters and biocovers to contain and treat the odor compounds biologically. Old composted woody material doesn’t contain much food for bacteria and it has a significantly large surface area that can hold a thin film of water. The perfect home for hungry bacteria. Did you know that odor compounds are food for bacteria? They are easy to absorb and provide energy for the bacteria to thrive on. Did you also know that most odor compounds are hydrophilic, meaning they love to attach themselves to water molecules? The rest is done by nature to reduce odors by over 80% before they leave the biocover or biofilter. The trick is to keep the odor controlling media moist by watering overhead twice a day during dry warm weather, and just allowing condensation to form in cool moist weather. Designing biofilters is more complex and requires its own post, but biocovers are pretty simple; cover a freshly built pile with 6 inches to 12 inches of screened composted overs, and water overhead. When you turn the pile (more on this later) the cover materials continue to help adsorb odors within the pile as well. Having Odor Issues? Give Us a call! At Green Mountain Technologies, we’re proud of the fact that no facility we’ve designed has ever been shut down due to odor. With smart design, proper facility management, and state of the art composting technologies we are able to stop malodors. We also work with existing composting facilities to help get their odors under control.  Have any questions about odors at your compost site? Contact us! We’ll be more than happy to find a custom odor solution for you compost facility.  #### How to Manage Rainfall and Leachate on Compost Piles Last week I was in North Idaho winterizing soil piles from a foundation excavation for a new house I am building near Coeur d’Alene. It took 4 hours to cover the piles by myself using large 28’ by 48’ recycled vinyl billboards. North Idaho does not usually get big thunderstorms in late summer, but just 2 hours after I covered the 4 large soil piles, a big one hit. It reminded me of how hard it is to manage for rainfall and snow while staying in constant production at composting facilities. In short, you must always be ready for rain or snow, at least ready to respond in a way that will work for your operation. Each facility eventually has a plan to manage for large rainfall events, because they have spent too much time paying for not planning. Here are some of your options: Use large Tarps over windrows. This includes non-woven geotextiles (fleece), reinforced landfill covers with ultra-violet sun protection, recycled billboard vinyl, or silage bag systems. There are also high tech materials and systems which breath out gas while repelling water. Use large and deep piles. GMT found in our report to Portland Metro that this is the most common method of composting in the USA. However most operations have phased this out due to significant problems with fires and odors. Use Short and wide piles that are turned frequently. These are the Tabular or Trapezoidal shaped piles turned with side discharge turners like the TracTurn from Compost Systems, the Willibald TBU,  and Doppstadt’s Grizzley or Panda and move it right after a big rain event. Use a roof of a size and shape. You can manage the composting process the way you like to, and ignore the rain or snow. Remember about blown-in rain however! These big storms are rarely vertical. Keep your site very, very clean around the piles and access areas. Jerry Bartlett wrote a great article for Biocycle in 2006 regarding runoff quality research he did at Cedar Grove. These options work for keeping the pile moisture controlled to varying degrees, and each has its own drawback in either cost or ease of operation or the total volume of stormwater they release. My next blog posting will cover my opinion regarding the best way to minimize cost while also minimizing the amount of water generated and costs. But all systems will produce dirty water around the edges of the piles and generate SOME leachate from rain or condensed vapor from the composting process itself. So how do you manage that which is generated? Managing leachate from composting operations  Leachate is usually very rich with nutrients and microbes go crazy trying to eat it all up. Trouble is when a pile has wet edges, collection ponds, tanks, or even catch basins can quickly go anaerobic if they are not managed well. Here are some rules of thumb to consider when managing leachate or leachate-soaked compost: Don’t let it sit, keep it moving and draining. Slope your paved surfaces by 1.5% to 2% and soil like surfaces by over 2%. Remove sediment and floatables. This is done by using weirs, filter berms, catch basin inserts, and infiltration swales. Aerate with bubblers or agitators or recirculation systems to keep oxygen levels above 1.0 mg/kg in the water. This is needed for at least 3 to 4 days before going to storage or further treatment. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) has been seen to exceed 20,000 mg O2/liter in compost runoff. Store enough of the treated leachate in a lined pond so that the piles can dry out and you can re-use the leachate, OR treat it further to meet your local waste-water discharge permit requirements. Apply leachate during the first 14 days of composting and then delay PFRP time and temperature procedures until after the last leachate is applied. Choosing the Right Rainfall Solution  Each composting site is unique. That’s why there is never a “one size fits all” solution when it comes to rainfall and leachate management. At Green Mountain Technologies, we work with over 300 sites worldwide, so we are used to the distinct challenges each operator faces. If you’re trying to get your site ready for the fall and winter months, give us a call today. With our consulting services, we can help find the best solution rainfall at your site, give us a call or email. Prepare for Fall and Winter, give GMT a call today!  #### How Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) Composting Works URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/how-turned-aerated-pile-tap-composting-works/ #### How Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) Systems Work URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/how-turned-aerated-pile-tap-systems-work/ #### How Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) Systems Work URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/how-turned-aerated-pile-tap-systems-work-2/ #### Human Body Composting Webinar January 17 2024 Curious about what human body composting means, how the process works and what the future may hold for this concept? Register for our webinar on Wednesday, January 17th at 1PM US Eastern Time, from the Compost Research and Education Foundation, (CREF) featuring GMT's Founder Michael Bryan-Brown along with other well respected composting experts. Michael Bryan-Brown Bob Rynk Jean Bonetal John PaulThis first session of CREF's 2-part webinar series will provide an overview of this unique way of composting, from process considerations to compassionate handling of the deceased. The webinar will be recorded, cost is $19 for USCC members, $29 for non-members.Register Online #### Importance Of Community Composting Featured In New Report Be sure to check out Highfields Center for Composting and the Institute For Local Self-Reliance report on community based composting: Growing Local Fertility: A Guide to Community Composting. The report features ‘successful initiatives, their benefits, tips for replication, key start-up steps, and the need for private, public, and nonprofit sector support’1 in order to encourage community based composting. Green Mountain Technologies is featured in the report with community based composting stories from The Dirt Factory (page 57) the University of Maine (page 69) and Philly Compost (page 55). #### Industrial Containerized Compost System URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/industrial-containerized-compost-system/ #### Interactive World Map of GMT Installations URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/interactive-world-map-of-gmt-installations/ #### Interactive world map of GMT installations Over the last twenty-five years, Green Mountain Technologies has installed composting systems for companies, organizations, and institutions across the country and around the world. As global interest in sustainability grows, we are increasingly receiving inquiries for our composting technologies and consulting services from overseas. Recently, organizations located in Chile, Ecuador, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Oman, Singapore, and Mexico have reached out to our corporate headquarters on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. One of our interns here at Green Mountain Technologies, Evera Lori, has been working on mapping out all of our composting system installations around the world. The interactive map above allows you to explore where in the world GMT systems are installed by dragging the map and zooming in and out. It is intriguing to notice geographically where in the United States interest in composting technologies has come from so far. Our Earth Tub installations are marked by the BLUE pins, our Earth Cube installations have YELLOW pins, our Earth Flow installations are in RED, our Containerized Compost Systems installations are in GREEN, and our Aerated Static Pile installations are marked with PURPLE. Groups that we have helped with our consulting services are marked in GREY.  Our technologies service companies that have diverse needs and diverse locations. We have composting systems installed in hot deserts, subarctic tundras, tropical forests, high mountains, and everywhere in between. As you can see from the map, our systems are used in geographies such as Alaska and Hawaii, Southeastern New Mexico and Northern Vermont, and San Diego, New York City, and Vancouver. We are excited to add more pins to the map and help more forward-thinking organizations reduce their environmental footprint, save money and produce high quality compost. #### Intermodal Composting System for Norway Design Firm CLIENT CHALLENGE Stein Wikholm, owner of landscape design firm Wikholm, visited GMT’s Earth Flow installation in downtown Manhattan at Battery Park in 2015. Soon after his visit, he approached GMT in search of an in-vessel composting system that could be easily transported via sea freight to his offices in Norway. Wikholm wished to use the composter to process landscape waste from their business operations. GMT SOLUTION GMT proposed an EF-20 Intermodal Earth Flow to meet Wikholm’s needs. The intermodal vessel is a 20’ high-cube standard shipping container that can be easily transported by truck, train and sea fright. The upcycled container reduces the cost of the In-Vessel Earth Flow by about 20%. Additionally, the interior of the Intermodal System contains our automated auger technology that mixes and aerates the compost pile to produce ideal product. #### International Compost Awareness Week 2023 In celebration of International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) we are happy to share a new video from Rutgers University about their Earth Flow composting system that was just commissioned in April. Please share the love of composting and educational awareness. #### IOS Ranch In-Vessel Composting Operator: IOS RanchLocation: Bainbridge Island, WAFeedstock: Green Waste, Food Waste, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 200 T/yearYear Installed: 2013Project Components: Earth Flow Custom Vessel 22 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Biofilter Odor Control Stainless Steel Wall Covers Hoop House  Integration Client’s Requirements IOS Ranch is a sustainable, 8 acre equestrian farm located on Bainbridge Island, Washington. With an average of 15-20 horses on-site, the facility produces roughly 2-4 cubic yards of manure per day. Like many communities, Bainbridge Island is experiencing loss of farmland due to increased development. Less agricultural activity on the island means less demand for locally produced compost. Considering the logistical challenges around getting rid of compost produced on site, and environmental compliance around waste disposal and storage, IOS needed a unique on site composting solution to meet their specific needs. The system footprint had to be small, the materials had to be contained, odor control had to be excellent, and the finished product had to be high quality enough to use and sell.Our Solution In 2013, IOS Ranch owner Phil Le Dorze worked with GMT to select the 22’ Earth Flow in-vessel composting unit for on farm waste processing. As a result, waste disposal costs have been drastically reduced, soil amendment costs for pastures and riding fields are eliminated, selling the finished compost is generating additional revenue, and the overall labor time has been reduced significantly. The GMT Earthflow converts manure into stable soil-amendments that can be land applied on the farm without posing any dangers to the local environment. This zero-waste scenario has furthered the IOS ranch mission of sustainability.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“It is hard to argue with the numbers. Do the math! This process is better environmentally, and it is better economically.”Contact Us #### Is Your Compost Pile Sick? Have you taken your compost pile’s temperature lately?This is the easiest way to tell if you are really composting! If your pile is between 120° to 160°, then you are successfully composting. If your pile is not getting up to temp, something is out of balance. Is your pile too wet? Too dry? Are you layering bulking agent each time you add food waste to keep a good ratio of carbon and nitrogen? Are you mixing too little or too much? At GMT, we recommend that you take temperature readings regularly to keep your composting process in good health. If you need assistance getting your pile up to temp, feel free to contact us. We want to help you compost successfully! #### Island Wood In-Vessel Composting Operator: Islandwood FoundationLocation: Bainbridge, WAFeedstock: Food Waste & Agriculture WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2015Project Components: 12' Custom Vessel Earth Flow Automatic Mixing & Aeration Refurbished Earth Flow from Bainbridge H.S. Client’s Requirements IslandWood is a 225 acre outdoor learning center that encourages children and adults to connect with nature through a variety of public and private events hosted on site. Islandwood’s state of the art campus incorporates ecological design into their facility operations and building construction to promote energy conservation, natural resource recycling, and zero waste initiatives . In their search for a closed loop on-site composting system to sustainably manage their green waste and food scraps, Islandwood knew that such a system needed to be fully enclosed, have proper odor control, and create nutrient rich compost for use in their gardening operations. They also wanted the composting process to be highly visible and accessible for student and visitor engagement.Our Solution Islandwood chose one of the first generation 14’ Custom Steel Earth Flow systems from GMT. In true sustainable fashion, the vessel was transferred from another location in the Bainbridge Island community to be recycled into its second iteration and new home at Islandwood, making this system the oldest Earth Flow in operation in the United States. Thanks to the GMT in-vessel composter, Islandwood is successfully diverting and composting all food scraps and organic waste on site in about three weeks, resulting in an abundance of nutrient rich finished compost for use in the gardens on site. The powerful combination of the Earth Flow automated mixing system, a good compost recipe, positive aeration and bio-filtration ensure the entire process is executed with outstanding odor control and no worries of pests.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“Islandwood wanted to process food waste from the dining facility and use the compost in their organic garden. To accommodate the facility’s waste volume Islandwood selected the Earth Flow from Green Mountain Technologies.” “Since mixing, aeration and moisture addition is automated, the system requires little beyond loading and unloading.”Contact Us #### It’s All About The Bulking Agent In the food waste composting business, our constant companion, our nemesis, our savior, our persistent crutch and limitation is: bulking agent.  I’d love to not be dependent on it but… bulking agent really is what makes the food waste composting world go round.  If a food waste composting operation is in trouble, bulking agent is usually at the heart of the matter. What is bulking agent?  Bulking agent is a carbon-based material that adds structure (or bulk) to your compost pile.  Classic examples include: wood chips, wood shavings, saw dust, dry leaves, shredded landscape waste, shredded paper, shredded cardboard and animal bedding. Almost 20 years ago, I did an experiment.  I took a trash can and began filling it with food waste.  Once that can started to get full, I got a revolting lesson in the importance of bulking agent.  By itself, food waste turns into a kind of an unspeakable porridge.  I live and breathe composting and I can tell you this: rotting food waste by itself is a superb repellent.  It gives visceral meaning to the term, “putrescible.” Now, add bulking agent to your food waste and, voila, you have a manageable, even somewhat pleasant composting process.  Rotting food does stink but bulking agent is vital to keep those odors under control.  The key is the switch from anaerobic to aerobic decomposition.  Aerobic decomposition smells MUCH better than anaerobic decomposition.  Aerobic decomposition smells like a bunch of foods all cooking at the same time.  Anaerobic decomposition smells sour, acidic, putrid, …perfectly awful. I’ve never liked the term bulking agent.  It sounds like an evil spy who causes his enemies to gain weight.  The name makes it sound like we are “putting on pounds”.  But what we are really doing is “bulking up”, adding volume to our compost pile.  That is a good thing (and also a liability, as we will see later). Bulking agents do so much for hot composting, that it’s difficult to fully appreciate its value. Here are a few of its virtues: We know that bulking agent adds vital air space to the compost pile.  Aerobic microbes have to have air to breath.  They breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, just like us.  Food waste tends to have too high of a moisture content and inadequate structure for air space.  Bulking agent gives the microbes room to breathe. You can tell a good bulking agent has air space in it because it is light in weight.  A good bulking agent has low bulk density (typically less than 600 lbs per cubic yard).  This means it holds a lot of air space.  Wood shavings are a classic example (at about 400 lbs per yard). A good bulking agent is a dry material that effectively balances the high moisture content of the food waste.  Therefore, keeping your bulking agent dry is super important.  If your bulking agent is wet, you are adding wet to wet (wet + wet = WET, aka, “a mess”).  A good bulking agent also provides available carbon to balance out the high nitrogen content of food waste.  If you have a food waste mix that is very wet and goopy, you would be wise to have a supply of saw dust on hand for quickly absorbing the moisture and balancing the high nitrogen in the food waste with lots of available carbon. A good bulking agent provides some air space but not too much.  Imagine trying to compost food waste in a brush pile (tried it:)).  It doesn’t work.  Too much air space.  The compost cannot generate thermal mass to heat itself.  So particle size distribution is an important characteristic of an effective bulking agent.  Bulking agent itself also acts as a biofilter.  Microbes living on the bulking agent literally “eat” odor compounds out of the air.  So adding bulking agent gives your compost pile an ability to control its own odors.  Have a smelly compost pile?  Notice what happens when you put a layer of bulking agent over the top.  Almost immediately smells are extinguished and bugs are driven away.  It’s almost like magic. So, why is bulking agent a thorn in our sides?  Here are some downsides with bulking agent: Bulking agent takes space, almost always more than we want.  By volume, recipes of 2 parts bulking agent to one part food waste are quite common.  So, in this case, about two-thirds the volume of your compost pile will be bulking agent.  That’s a lot!  So, for in-vessel systems, bulking agent takes up a lot of precious real estate. Bulking agent isn’t always cheap, free, easy to get and readily available (fortunately, sometimes it is).  So one of our main challenges with our clients is helping them source a quality bulking agent that is easy and inexpensive and reliable. Finding a high quality bulking agent, with all of the desirable characteristics isn’t always the easiest thing.  There are plenty of mediocre to bad options for bulking agent and they produce mediocre to bad composting results. People stop putting the bulking agent in.  Probably the #1 reason institutional composting operations get into trouble is this: people stop adding bulking agent.  Kitchen staff add food scraps but not bulking agent.  Do this for two weeks with no bulking agent added, and you’ve got a recipe for a stinky, bug infested compost pile. So here are my bulking agent tips for a happy composting operation. Keep a ready supply of bulking agent on hand, directly adjacent to your composting operation. Make sure that bulking agent is added to your compost pile on a regular basis. Keep food scraps covered with a layer of bulking agent at all times, to discourage bugs and prevent nuisance odors. Keep a supply of sawdust on hand for compost “emergencies”.  Nothing absorbs odors so quickly as dry sawdust. If you are starting to run low on bulking agent, give yourself plenty of time to get more.  Once you run out, things can turn south in a heart beat. Select your bulking agent carefully.  Your bulking agent should supply a nice combination of air space and available carbon.  A mulchy consistency is good. Keep your bulking agent nice and dry.  Store your bulking agent under cover in rainy/winter conditions. Much success in hot composting comes from following this time-honored maxim:  honor thy bulking agent. Happy Composting, Van Calvez #### Jeff Gage – 2023 US Compost Council Lifetime Achievement Award Winner We applaud Jeff for this recognition by the world’s leading compost trade association. Jeff has invested more than 35 years of his life innovating and sharing his knowledge and passion about compost and sustainability. From his expertise in microbiology to his work on complex engineering and facility design, Jeff Gage is truly a Superstar. Luckily for his co-workers he is also a joy to work with. This three minute video highlights Jeff’s personality, passion and knowledge as he explains how he designed one of the most innovative and efficient municipal compost systems in North America: Please join us in congratulating Jeff on his recognition by sharing this in your social networks. #### Jeff Gage Compost Videos Now Online Be sure to check out Jeff Gage’s video series of composting information and tips. We’ve just doubled the number of short videos of Jeff speaking on a wide ranging number of composting topics (see below). In case you don’t know Jeff, we like to think of him as the Bob Ross of composting, imparting gems of knowledge in a couple of minutes on a specific topic – think “The Joy of Composting.” How do Microbes Move? Importance of Managing Moisture Stages of Composting Why Compost is Black Secret Life of a Microbe When does Compost Curing End? University of Maine Oxygen Story What is Curing in the Composting Process? How do you Keep Compost from Stinking? What is Mineralization in Compost? Bugs in Compost The Chemical Composition of Compost Why I’m Passionate about Composting. Why do we Compost? Jeff Meets a Compost Pile. Inside a Compost Pile The Role of Carbon What are Feedstocks? Measuring the Bulk Density of Wood Shavings What are Microorganisms? Are Microorganisms Animals or Plants? Why are Microorganisms Good for the Planet? What Microorganisms do What do Microbes Eat? How do Microbes Move? How To Take Temperature Readings Where to take Temperature Readings in your Compost Pile #### Joint Base Lewis-McChord And NDCEE Compost: ASP With Windrow Manager And Wireless Data Probes In 2008, Joint Base Lewis-McChord working with the NDCEE installed an Aerated Static Pile (ASP) system utilizing Green Mountain Technologies’ Windrow Manager software and wireless probe technology at Fort Lewis which has a population of over 50,000 people. The NDCEE was established to help Department of Defense installations, ranges, weapon systems, and the warfighter achieve performance advantages, enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness, and comply with regulations. Their mission is to transition technology solutions in support of the DoD as it strives to maintain readiness, meet sustainability goals, and support warfighters at home and abroad. This facility processes various organic by-products included horse manure from the Ft. Lewis Equestrian Center, landscaping waste, food waste, and biosolids from their wastewater treatment plant. Compost MonitoringThe goal of the NDCEE Commercialization of Technologies to Lower Defense Costs Task is to lower technology acquisition costs to the DoD by helping to build a competitive, innovative supplier base. Through this task, the NDCEE has facilitated the introduction of new products, processes, and services into DoD acquisition programs. Technology examples include a perchlorate sensor, cost-effective daylighting, and biodegradable plastics for shipboard use. Because composting is becoming a common DoD practice, the NDCEE also evaluated technologies that monitor the composting process. Technology DescriptionCompost monitoring technologies monitor, test, and characterize key operating parameters (e.g., temperatures, moisture, and oxygen levels), thereby, allowing personnel to ensure that proper decomposition of organic solids occurs per EPA’s 503 Processes to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP) requirements. New technology is available that provides more precision to the process rather than relying on qualitative factors such as the sense of touch and smell. The instruments also can download data automatically, eliminating the need for writing and data entry by personnel. To address the need to accurately and consistently monitor compost, the NDCEE demonstrated and validated several monitoring technologies at Fort Hood and Fort Lewis. Both installations have active plans to expand composting efforts and offered two different test settings. The Fort Hood compost is aerated by a windrow turner and rewetted. The Fort Lewis compost is a static pile on top of vented tubes; a fan blows air through the tubes to aerate the compost pile. Fort Hood also operates a bioremediation site that requires monitoring. Devices demonstrated at Fort Hood included data loggers and a moisture probe from REOTEMP. In addition, the NDCEE evaluated wireless, radio frequency (RF) temperature monitoring probes; a handheld probe that monitors both oxygen levels and temperature; and three generations of moisture probes from Green Mountain Technologies, Inc. (GMT). AtFort Lewis, after initial evaluation of many of these technologies, stakeholders narrowed their interest to the wireless technologies. As a result, the demonstration/validation test focused on the GMT wireless temperature monitoring system. The GMT wireless monitoring temperature devices consist of a robust, two-handled sampling probe that uses Bluetooth™ wireless connectivity to send information directly to a base unit and a desktop personal computer. The GMT handheld field sampling probe is used with an armored iPAQ Pocket Personal Computer that automatically stores temperature, oxygen, and moisture sample readings taken in the field. With both the wireless and the handheld probes, the data are downloaded directly to the Windrow Manager™ desktop software. In the case of both the REOTEMP and GMT dataloggers, temperature data are collected continually by the logger, which is periodically removed from the pile and carried to a computer to download temperature data into the GMT Compost Lab software. Technology Benefits and Advantages Increases the efficiency of compost operations, which may result in more waste being composted, reducing landfill and waste disposal costs. Eliminates manual reading and recording by streamlining data collection/documentation and analysis procedures, which in turn eliminates transcription and typographical errors and facilitates good record keeping and regulatory reporting. Assists personnel with ensuring compost operations comply with PFRP requirements. Technology Limitations Coordination with installation Directorate of Information Management may be neededto permit operation of wireless RF devices, depending on location. Wireless devices must be within line of sight of base unit/computing area. RF signals will transmit several hundred feet, depending upon frequency. Judicious use and placement of repeaters can overcome both line-of-sight and distance issues. Some leakage of instrument housings occurred after heavy precipitation during the demonstration/validation tests, warranting additional measures to prevent instrument damage. The third-generation moisture probe demonstrated in the NDCEE project uses a sensor that is not reliable at less than 35% moisture content. NDCEE FY08 Accomplishments Conducted a cost-benefit analysis that compared baseline costs to alternative scenarios for each of the three demonstration sites. For Fort Hood’s composting operations, four baseline monitoring methods were compared to ten alternative scenarios. For its bioremediation operations, two baseline methods were compared to two alternative scenarios. For Fort Lewis’ composting operations, its current manual monitoring method was compared to the GMT wireless system. Produced a final report that describes the summer FY07 demonstrations at Forts Hood and Lewis and cost-benefit analysis results. Based on test and cost analysis results, Fort Lewis procured 12 wireless dual temperature probes with computer hardware and software. Fort Hood submitted a funding request for five temperature/moisture probes, including hardware and software. In addition, the demonstration led to software improvements in the GMT wireless temperature monitoring technologies and the third-generation GMT moisture probe was modified, resulting in one of the first durable moisture sensors developed in the composting industry. Economic AnalysisThe compost monitoring technologies not only reduce labor time but allow DoD facilities to optimize the composting process and take advantage of the beneficial uses of compost such as landscaping and erosion control. Effective composting will also reduce solid waste streams and reduce solid waste disposal costs. Based on a cost-benefit analysis of options for Fort Hood’s composting and bioremediation site, the use of wireless temperature probes would be cost effective. For the composing operations, the best technology scenario would provide an NPV of over $57,000, and a payback period of about two years. For the bioremediation site, the NPV was estimate to be $70,000, with a payback period of about one year. Cost-benefit analysis results for Fort Lewis indicated that switching to the wireless system would result in an NPV of over $80,000, and a payback period of less than two years. Suggested Implementation ApplicationsComposting should be implemented or strongly considered throughout the DoD because many DoD installations generate extensive compostable solid waste as part of their daily operations. Therefore, the results of testing conducted under the task, and the identification of one or more technology solutions for improved composting operations, would have widespread applicability across the DoD, other government agencies, and commercial operations. Points of Contact• Hany Zaghloul, ERDC-CERL, 217-373-3433, Hany.H.Zaghloul@erdc.usace.army.mil• Karen Nelson, NDCEE/CTC, 703-310-5652, nelsonk@ctc.com Related: Lewis-McChord turns trash into treasure #### Ka Waihona O Ka Na’auao Public Charter School In-Vessel Composting Operator: Ka Waihona O Ka Na'auao Public Charter SchoolLocation: O’ahu, HIFeedstock: Food & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 250 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao Public Charter School is a K–12 school committed to developing socially responsible, resilient, and resourceful young people through academic excellence, social confidence, and cultural awareness. As part of this mission, the school sought to integrate sustainability and resource management into its campus agriculture and educational programs. The school wanted an on-site solution to manage food waste from its cafeteria and school farm while supporting a closed-loop approach to food production. By converting organic waste into compost for use on the farm, the project supports food sovereignty and helps create healthy, productive soil directly on campus. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts in Hawaiʻi to strengthen local resource management and circularity. Mālama ʻāina, the Hawaiian ethos of caring for and tending the land, is woven into the school’s approach to sustainability and education. Through the composting program, students gain hands-on experience managing organic resources and see firsthand how food waste can become a resource for soil health, agriculture, and food production. The program also creates opportunities to build practical skills and explore future sustainability and economic pathways, including the potential distribution or sale of compost.Our Solution GMT implemented an Earth Flow IM-20 automated in-vessel composting system at Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education. The system was selected based on the successful installation at Full Circle Farms. The local support provided by Full Circle Farms gives the school access to local operational and maintenance support for the lifetime of the vessel. By converting cafeteria and agricultural organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, the Earth Flow supports the school’s closed-loop approach to campus agriculture. Automated aeration, moisture, and odor controls provide consistent composting conditions, while the integrated biofilter helps manage odors. Its enclosed design also helps prevent Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles from entering the active compost. Lastly the shipping container-based design helps to reduce transportation and delivery costs when bringing the Earth Flow IM-20 to Hawaiʻi. The Earth Flow integrates resource management into the school’s educational programs, giving students hands-on experience with a closed-loop system while creating opportunities to connect composting with agriculture, soil production, and future economic pathways.Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### Kalaupapa National Historical Park In-Vessel Composting Operator: Kalaupapa National Historical ParkLocation: Moloka’i, HI Feedstock: Food, Green & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 250 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements Kalaupapa National Historical Park required a sustainable organics management solution capable of reducing the volume of material that must be flown or barged from the remote community. Located on the isolated Kalaupapa Peninsula and surrounded by steep sea cliffs, the community has highly limited access, making disposal expensive and logistically challenging. The park previously used an Earth Tub composting system from Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) and sought to modernize its composting operations through a competitive RFP process. The new solution needed to provide reliable processing, odor and vector control, and an efficient approach for managing food and green waste generated throughout the community. Community integration was also an important consideration. The program engages park staff, residents, and maintenance crews through ongoing education and organic waste management practices, helping build participation and support for a more sustainable local organics program.Our Solution GMT was selected through the competitive RFP process based on its proven track record working with national parks and the strength of its equipment offering. GMT installed a 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow designed to streamline loading, accelerate decomposition, and provide automated odor and vector control. The Earth Flow combines community food waste with locally available carbon-rich materials, including yard clippings, wood chips, grass, leaves, egg cartons, and shredded paper. By managing these materials locally, Kalaupapa can divert organics from disposal while producing high-quality compost for agricultural use in the area. The enclosed design also helps address pest concerns, including the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, by keeping composting materials contained throughout the process. Automation, odor control, and reliable operation make the Earth Flow well suited to the peninsula’s unique logistical constraints.By converting locally generated organics into a beneficial resource, the project reduces the amount of material requiring disposal and lowers the costs and logistical challenges associated with moving waste off the peninsula. It also reduces the need to ship in soil amendments and fertilizers. The result is a more self-sufficient, closed-loop approach to organics management suited to Kalaupapa’s uniquely remote setting. Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### Kids Food Basket In-Vessel Composting Operator: Kids Food BasketLocation: Grand Rapids, MIFeedstock: Food Waste and Green WasteCapacity: 300 T/yearYear Installed: 2023Project Components: Site Built Earth Flow with Greenhouse Roof Hydraulic Tote Loader Moisture Addition System Automatic Mixing & Aeration Cold Climate Insulation Package Client’s Requirements Kids Food Basket, a community designed and powered non-profit in Grand Rapids, Michigan is on a mission to meet the needs of children and families in the pursuit of a hunger-free West Michigan. KFB works collaboratively toward this end in a way that promotes the experiences and the passion of their local community. In an effort to feed their own soils with their own waste, they decided they wanted to start composting on site. To do so safely in an urban setting, they decided to pursue in-vessel composting. They needed a system that was easy to use and could handle their food scraps without making a mess or generating odors. This wasn't just about compost; it was about creating a sustainable legacy. The non-profit also had a brilliant idea to educate folks, especially the kids, about the whole cycle of sustainability. The Earth Flow system is nestled on their cozy farm and education center where they are transforming food craps into top-notch compost which is nourishing the fresh produce grown on the farm and teaching the kids and visitors about the magic of composting along the way.Our Solution GMT worked with Kids Food Basket to identify an opportunity to purchase a used Earth Flow from nearby Northland College, refurbish it, and install it for a new life serving the mission at Kids Food Basket. In as little as 7-21 days, the 30’ Site Built Earth Flow with a greenhouse roof is transforming all of the unsaleable produce and food scraps generated on site into a nutrient rich soil amendment used to enhance the soils and grow even healthier food for the community. KFB uses wood chips donated from local tree companies as the primary bulking agent to make a beautiful compost recipe. They also accept coffee grounds from a local coffee company in their compost recipe, diverting even more community waste away from the landfill. Kids Food Basket serves as the dream model of how composting can be integrated into the community. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“We love that Green Mountain Technologies came alongside of us and helped us to procure this system to create a usable product that would normally cost quite a bit of money. That is closing our loop of sustainability even more” - Jason Lundberg, Farm ManagerContact Us #### Kids Food Basket Composting System Happy Independence Day! In celebration of the spirit of American independence and innovation, we’d like to put a spotlight on Kids Food Basket, a leading food bank and farming organization in Michigan. Kids Food Basket not only provides more than 10,000 meals per day to children in Michigan, they are also leading the way on sustainable community development with their farming and composting programs. Learn more about Kids Food Basket here. #### King County LOOP ASP Composting Operator: King CountyLocation: Renton, WAFeedstock: Biosolids & Green WasteCapacity: 2,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Facility Design Odor Control Pilot Projects Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements In 2023, King County through HDR released a tender for a pilot composting facility as part of its Loop biosolids program. The objective was to perform a 5 year pilot project to explore the market demand for a Class A biosolids compost product, as part of Washington State Department of Ecologies objective of having 100% beneficial use of biosolids. The facility needed to have minimal environmental impact, be compliant with King Counties strict tendering requirements, and work on a small footprint. Key requirements included: A pilot-scale composting system capable of producing high-quality, pathogen-free compost from biosolids. Odor control was essential, as the County aimed to prove that biosolids composting could be conducted without negatively impacting nearby communities. The facility needed to minimize runoff and oversaturation through effective moisture control and structural protection. Integration of mixing equipment, aeration systems, and real-time monitoring to support performance tracking and pathogen destruction. The tender process was highly competitive, with very stringent technical, contractual, and documentation standards established by King County and HDR. Successfully navigating the intensive submittal and compliance process was a critical challenge for any selected vendor.Our Solution Green Mountain Technologies (GMT), in partnership with COP Construction, was selected through the competitive tender to provide a complete composting system and collaborate on facility implementation. GMT delivered: A fully integrated 8-zone reversing Aerated Static Pile (ASP) system using pipe-on-grade aeration, specifically designed for biosolids. A high-performance feedstock mixer to ensure consistent blending of biosolids and bulking materials. Our COMPDACs™ control system with wired temperature probes for automated process control and data capture. A hoop house structure over the active composting area to protect the piles from excess moisture and support year-round operations. In addition to meeting the technical and operational goals, GMT successfully adhered to the demanding project timeline and fulfilled all documentation, submittal, and compliance requirements outlined in the tender. Our ability to work within the rigorous framework established by HDR and King County was a key factor in the project’s success—allowing the facility to be commissioned on schedule and in full regulatory alignment.Learn More About ASP Systems“Green Mountain Technologies has proven their expertise and professionalism, and they are always just a phone call away and offer their assistance promptly. Allwood Recyclers, Inc. was an existing facility for over 20 years prior to working with GMT to design our ASP system…I was very impressed with how they worked with our challenges and made adjustments to their design to make everything work for our facility…I have enjoyed working with the GMT team and would recommend them to anyone looking for a composting system design.” - Mark Wubben, VP of Allwood Recyclers, Inc. Fairview, ORContact Us #### KITSAP BUSINESS JOURNAL: BAINBRIDGE FIRM SCALES COMPOSTING TO USER’S NEED Learn more about the solutions GMT provides, and about some of our customers, in the Kitsap Business Journal SBA Feature Article, by Tim Kelly of the Kitsap Sun published January of 2016. This article features GMT customers: City of Phoenix, Olympic Organics, Dirt Huggers, and HeyDay Farm. #### Kitsap Sun: Bainbridge Company Offers Composting on A Large Scale From the Kitsap Sun: Bainbridge company offers composting on a large scale BAINBRIDGE ISLAND – Opening the lid on one of IslandWood’s massive composting tubs is a little like peering into the belly of a giant. Steam billows out of the of the hatch, accompanied by a sweet, musty odor. Inside, heaps of orange peels, carrot tops and paper cups are being digested by microscopic bacteria at a fiery pace. Stick a thermometer into the center of the organic mass and it will read a temperature of about 150 degrees. IslandWood chef Jim White enjoys prying open the tubs for visiting students, showing them how food scraps from their lunch plates are processed into fertilizer for the nearby garden beds. “It’s a very dramatic reveal for the kids,” said White, who manages the kitchen at the Bainbridge outdoor education center. “You pop the lid off and there’s life going on in there. It’s a living, breathing thing.” The Earth Tubs used at IslandWood are the smallest composters sold by Green Mountain Technologies, a 20-year-old Bainbridge Island company that designs commercial-scale composting systems. Green Mountain counts ski resorts, universities, military bases and cities among its clients. Locally, the company has installations at Bainbridge High School and IOS Horse Ranch as well as IslandWood. Green Mountain donated two Earth Tubs to the education center as a charitable gift and part of a savvy marketing strategy. Educating the public about the benefits of composting is good for business and lately interest has soared, said company founder and President Michael Bryan-Brown. “Now people are expecting and demanding to have composting available,” Bryan-Brown said. “People don’t feel it’s OK to throw their food scraps into the garbage anymore.” Growing awareness of composting translates into higher sales for Green Mountain. The company did $1.3 million in business in 2012, doubling its total from 2011. Bryan-Brown hopes to double sales again this year. Green Mountain has had its lean years, too. Bryan-Brown founded the company in 1992 in Vermont. He operated from the East Coast for a decade before his wife convinced him to relocate to her hometown of Bainbridge Island. Bryan-Brown said interest in composting has risen and fallen in waves over the years, often reflecting the political climate. “The Bush years were not good years,” he said. Now, he believes he’s seeing a mainstream shift toward composting, with more universities, cities and military bases inquiring about equipment. Green Mountain recently helped Portland, Ore., implement a composting system capable of processing hundreds of thousands of tons of matter a year from the city’s curbside compost pickup service. The company also provided a composting center for Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Green Mountain scales technology to fit customers. On the small end is the Earth Tub, which holds up to 4,000 pounds of compostables and sells for about $10,000. A rotating auger blade inside the container shreds and mixes material. The tub composts a full load of food waste in about four weeks. On the large end are open, industrial-sized compost piles that might cover several acres. Some are built on concrete pads equipped with aeration systems, “like an air hockey table,” Bryan-Brown said. The air vents allow operators to control temperatures within the piles and keep the aerobic bacteria working productively. Because it courts large corporate clients, Green Mountain isn’t particularly well known locally, something Bryan-Brown said he wants to change. The company recently joined the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, and Bryan-Brown said he is looking for Kitsap County projects to tackle. “We want to be more involved in composting here and now,” he said. [Kitsap Sun] #### Knik Tribe In-Vessel Composting Operator: Knik TribeLocation: Palmer, AKFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 200 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Mobile Version Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements  The Knik Tribe is a federally recognized Native American tribe providing state and federal contracted social, educational, and economical development services to tribal citizens in the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley of South Central Alaska. The Tribe manages the largest Alaska Native Village Service Area (ANVSA) for a single tribal government, covering 25,000 square miles and serving over 10,000 Alaska Native and Indian people. The Knik Tribe sought an on-site composting solution to convert seasonal volumes of agricultural and food waste into high-quality compost as part of a holistic approach to watershed restoration and waste reduction. With a long history of investing in the active restoration of riparian zones and salmon habitats, the Tribe recognized compost as a vital tool for reducing runoff and restoring the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients. To meet their unique geographic and environmental challenges, the Tribe required an in-vessel system that could: Withstanding Alaska’s severe winters: Maintaining the biological process in sub-zero temperatures. Provide "Bear-Proof" Security: Ensuring the system is fully enclosed and secure from scavenging wildlife. Offer Seasonal Mobility: The ability to relocate the system between different sites across their vast service area. The end goal is to utilize the finished compost for land restoration efforts and tribal farming, while donating surplus material to local schools and community programs to support gardening and environmental education.Our Solution The Knik Tribe selected the Earth Flow IM20 Mobile—a custom-engineered, in-vessel composting system designed for rapid deployment and seasonal flexibility. GMT provided a custom-made, 20-foot mobile unit—the first of its kind—engineered specifically to be relocated and tested across various tribal sites. While it functions with the same efficiency as our standard Earth Flow IM systems, this innovative version is built with heavy-duty quick-connects and mounted on a specialized flatbed trailer, allowing components to be easily attached or detached for transport. Key features of this custom solution include: Integrated Control Panel: A centralized system to monitor and manage the composting process remotely. Front-Mounted High-Efficiency Blower: Optimized for consistent airflow and odor control. Mobile Configuration: The "inter-site mobility" allows the Tribe to move the vessel to where the feedstock is generated, reducing transportation costs. The 20-foot Mobile Earth Flow is capable of processing approximately 1,000 lbs of total feedstock per day (500 lbs of food scraps and 500 lbs of carbon bulking agent). Because the system is designed to travel to various events and locations, the configuration allows the Tribe to scale operations up or down depending on the specific seasonal needs of each site. By turning local waste into a resource, the Knik Tribe is successfully building a circular economy that protects the vital salmon runs and watersheds of South Central Alaska.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Kok Fah Technology Farm In-Vessel Systems Operator: Kok Fah Technology FarmLocation: SingaporeFeedstock: SingaporeCapacity: 990 T/yearYear Installed: 2015Project Components: Earth Flow Site Built 6012 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Greenhouse Roof Moisture Addition System Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Singapore, a vibrant yet land-scarce island nation, faces the challenges of high population density and limited available land for agriculture. In this urban landscape, Kok Fah Technology Farm stands as one of the few remaining farms. They play a crucial role in providing fresh greens and bok choy to local markets. However, the intense farming practices over the years have taken a toll on their soil, demanding ever-increasing use of pesticides and fertilizers to maintain crop yields. Kok Fah was in need of a transformative solution - one that would not only tackle their vegetable waste but also revive their soil health sustainably. They sought an effective composting technology that could create nutrient rich compost, be compatible with their existing operations, and be easily transported overseas.Our Solution GMT provided a sustainable, customized, and transportable composting system to not only mitigate waste from the farm but also lay the foundation for healthier, more productive farming practices. GMT’s custom Site-Built Earth Flow system was constructed with a 12’ wide and 60’ long greenhouse structure with the mixing technology inside. Installed near the packinghouse, culls and horse manure are easily delivered to receiving bunkers next to the composter. The material remains in the vessel for approximately three weeks before it is discharged, and cured for one month prior to use on the farm beds. Having recognized the importance of investing in technologies, KFTF introduced various high-tech machinery and equipment to assist in the farming processes so as to bring about the improved level of efficiency and productivity.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“The Composting System is a revolutionary industrial machine that allows our company to produce a large amount of high-grade compost by re-utilising vegetable waste generated from our packing house. This 100% fully automated, in-vessel composting system allows thermophilic composting via automated mixing, compost aeration and moisture addition, allowing the compost to be agitated 2 to 4 times daily. Bio-filter installed within the machine also helps in eliminating odour produced during the composting process, making the working environment much more conducive for our employees. Through the integration of this composter, recycling of vegetable wastes are made possible, and enables us to reach the goal of achieving sustainable farming in Singapore.” - Kok Fah Farm Technology WebsiteContact Us #### Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation In-Vessel Composting Operator: Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning FarmLocation: HawaiiFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 200 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm, part of the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation founded by Kim and Jack Johnson in 2003, is a renowned educational and agricultural destination dedicated to inspiring learners of all ages to actively support local food systems and sustainable agriculture. For years, Kōkua integrated composting into their operations using a traditional 3-bin composting system. The Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation also collaborates with Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii and 11th Hour Racing on a long term program to increase composting programs and infrastructure in Hawaii.  In 2024, they sought to expand and upgrade to a high-performance composting solution capable of producing premium quality compost in a matter of weeks—specifically three to four weeks—compared to the six to nine months required with their existing setup.   A core motivation for adopting a new composting system was Kōkua’s ambition to become a community food waste composting destination, aligning with Hawaii’s evolving food waste infrastructure and waste diversion goals. Their goal was a hot aerobic in-vessel composting system capable of processing hundreds of pounds of food waste daily, with operational simplicity to engage both staff and visitors actively in the composting process. Quality finished compost remained a top priority—essential for farm sustainability, seedling production, and educational programs. Additionally, effective odor control, complete leachate containment, and reliable operation in diverse weather conditions were critical to ensure seamless, eco-friendly operations.Our Solution Drawing on proven success with the Earth Flow composting system at Full Circle Farm since 2021, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation decided that the Earth Flow was the optimal choice for their needs. They selected an Earth Flow IM20, which was successfully commissioned in spring 2025. This hot aerobic in-vessel composting system provides rapid processing, superior odor control, and complete containment of leachate, making it an ideal fit for Kōkua’s mission to process and repurpose larger volumes of food waste sustainably.  The Earth Flow’s user-friendly operation and engaging design allow visitors and staff alike to better understand and participate in composting activities, reinforcing Kōkua’s educational goals and commitment to community resilience. The Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm is Hawaii’s second permitted food waste composting facility, with Full Circle Farm being the first. Kōkua’s composting of food waste from off-site will be focused primarily on regional schools.  Food waste from regional schools is being diverted and brought to Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm for processing, at no cost to the schools. Finished compost is given back to each school and integrated with garden programs.  Many public schools in Hawaii place special emphasis on agriculture and local food sovereignty, which is a high priority in general given that Hawaii imports most of its food. The food waste composting programs at Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm and Full Circle Farm have become foundations for the growth of composting in Hawaii. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“We’re off to a great start with our food waste composting program, thanks to all of our partners and volunteers, and GMT’s Earth Flow system. We’re processing hundreds of pounds per day of food waste from several local schools, and providing great quality compost back to the schools and to our learning farm. We’re excited to be part of Hawaii’s emerging composting infrastructure to support local food and agriculture.”Contact Us #### Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Deepens Community Impact with In-Vessel Composting April 22, 2026 Haleʻiwa, Hawaiʻi - Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF), founded in 2003 by Kim & Jack Johnson, has been connecting students and community members across Hawaiʻi to the land with a variety of environmental education initiatives. Through six different school programs, KHF provides hands-on learning opportunities focusing on sustainable agriculture and waste reduction practices that range from school gardens to recycling drives, beach cleanups, and more. Since 2025, KHF's Kōkua Learning Farm in Haleʻiwa has been expanding its positive community impact and waste reduction initiatives with a new in-vessel composting system that converts food waste into high value compost to benefit local agriculture. The Kōkua Compost Program, an extension of KHF’s long-standing compost curriculum of the ʻĀINA In Schools Program, has grown significantly with the arrival of an Earth Flow automatic composting system, one of many systems now operating in Hawaiʻi. This program is a community-based conservation solution that transforms wasted food from local schools, camps, and nearby restaurants into nutrient-dense compost. Using an Earth Flow in-vessel composter, that they affectionately named “Tina,” along with additional composting methods, the program recovers over 2,000 lbs of food waste weekly. Through coordinated collection, curing, distribution, and hands-on education, the program helps community members of all ages understand that wasted food can become food for plants. “Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation has a long history focused on the intersection of sustainable agriculture, community impact and environmental education. We are thrilled to be part of Hawaiʻi’s food waste composting infrastructure,” said Kim Johnson, CEO, Co-Founder and President of Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF). “We believe we’re building a scalable model of community-based composting, where food scraps are recovered and composted near where it is generated, and where valuable compost goes back into local sustainable agriculture to support our schools and community.”The Earth Flow in-vessel composting system from Seattle-based Green Mountain Technologies automatically processes the material while eliminating odors and other potential negative environmental impacts.  Since 2021 seven Earth Flow composting systems have been set up in Hawaiʻi, largely due to support and facilitation by the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi, 11th Hour, Full Circle Farm and other community organizations focused on sustainability and community impact. “We are excited to play our part in helping educate communities across Hawaiʻi on how their food scraps can help. We teach all ages that food scraps are food for plants, not waste. We hope this reciprocal relationship with food can help push forward a food sovereign Hawaiʻi,” said Mitch Steffey, Program Director at KHF. The Earth Flow composting system at Full Circle Farm which was installed in 2021 with support from KHF, was the first commercial food waste composting system ever set up in Hawaiʻi. The combined impact of the seven Earth Flow systems set up in Hawaiʻi since 2021 has the capacity to divert more than 1000 tons per year of food waste from incineration or other disposal methods, converting this waste stream into valuable compost. The education programs offered by KHF are also teaching local students and community members about composting best practices and organic agriculture, including programs in partnership with many local elementary schools and high schools. KHF’s ʻĀINA In Schools program delivers garden, nutrition, and compost curriculum to students in grades K-6. Since 2006, over 3,000 ʻĀINA In Schools Composting Lessons have been delivered teaching students about aerobic composting, vermicomposting and bokashi. The Kōkua Compost Program was a natural extension of ʻĀINA In Schools. Compost produced through the Kōkua Compost Program supports the expansion of food grown on the Kōkua Learning Farm and in Kōkua’s “Backyard Garden” which is sold through their ʻĀINA Farm Stand. “The momentum that food waste composting now has in Hawaiʻi is something I’m very proud to have played a role in,” said Orion Black-Brown, President of Green Mountain Technologies, who spent 4 years living in Hawaii while the Earth Flow systems were being deployed. “It has been amazingly inspiring to work with the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation and other community organizations in Hawaiʻi to get all of this new composting infrastructure in place. These programs have been so successful that it feels to me like the momentum now has a life of its own.”About Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation: Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2003 by Kim and Jack Johnson, that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaiʻi.They provide opportunities that enhance appreciation for and understanding of the environment to inspire lifelong stewards of the earth. KHF’s programs include ʻĀINA In Schools, the 3Rs School Program, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Field Trip Grants, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Project Grants, Plastic Free Hawaiʻi, and Kōkua Compost Program. Learn more at https://kokuahawaiifoundation.org/about-us/ About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com #### Kootenai Nation In-Vessel Composting Operator: Kootenai NationLocation: Bonners Ferry, IDFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 200 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho (or Ktunaxa) is a federally recognized Indigenous nation based near Bonners Ferry, Idaho, known for its resilience and cultural commitment to the Kootenai River ecosystem. After a 1974 "peaceful war" declared over land loss, they secured 12.5 acres and now focus on conservation, including the Kootenai River White Sturgeon Recovery Project, alongside cultural revitalization.  The tribe wanted to reduce the environmental and financial cost of food waste by finding a solution for year-round on-site composting. They needed a composting system that was easy to operate, worked in the harsh Idaho winters, and generated minimal odor.Our Solution The Kootenai Nation chose an Earth Flow in vessel composting system based on its proven track record managing complex feedstocks in cold environments. To bring the project to life, they partnered with the University of Idaho extension program to support operations. The biofilter odor control system, automation, and compact space efficiency of the Earth Flow were key attributes that enabled the system to meet their goals.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Lafayette College In-Vessel Composting Operator: Lafayette CollegeLocation: Easton, PAFeedstock: Food Waste & WoodchipsCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2023Project Components: 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow Biofilter from repurposed EarthTub Automated Mixing & Aeration Client’s Requirements Based in Easton, PA Lafayette College was established in 1826 to be an environment that fosters the free exchange of ideas, to nurture the inquiring mind and to integrate intellectual, social, and personal growth. With sustainability as one of Lafayette’s three core institutional values, and an administration that has committed to taking action, it came as no surprise that Lafayette decided to launch a campus-wide food waste composting program in the fall of 2023. As part of the circular economy and zero waste sustainability theme at the College, two key goals of the composting program were to eliminate the environmental impact and financial cost of hauling waste to landfills and create valuable compost to enrich soils at “LaFarm,” the on-campus farm. Lafayette sought an on campus in-vessel composting solution that would transform food scraps into compost with minimal odors and processing time.Our Solution Lafayette College partnered with GMT to commission a custom 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow composting system. Capable of processing up to 30,000 pounds of compostable materials monthly, the Earth Flow in vessel composter anchors Lafayette's food waste diversion efforts. The process begins with the collection and transportation of food scraps from campus dining halls. Materials are loaded into the Earth Flow, managed primarily by a dedicated team of 10 Office of Sustainability student-interns. Food scraps are collected daily from multiple campus locations and transported using an electric vehicle. After approximately three weeks in the vessel, the organic waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost. This sustainable solution aligns with Lafayette's circular economy principles and enriches "LaFarm's" soil with valuable compost to grow even healthier crops.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“On-campus composting is an ideal way to convert food waste, which would otherwise have a negative environmental impact, into a high value resource for a regenerative food loop system,” says Delicia Nahman, Sustainability Director. “The In Vessel composting system from Green Mountain Technologies makes it easy to create this environmental value while also saving the college money on landfill disposal costs.”Contact Us #### Landfill Costs Are Tipping the Scale Toward Composting Author: Gaelan Brown Landfill prices in the US have gone up significantly over the past decade, driven by capacity issues and transportation cost as well as the increased cost to build new landfills. Meanwhile, the majority of food waste in the US is…still being sent to landfills. While composting and anaerobic digestion infrastructure has been ramping up and converting more food waste into valuable soil amendments and energy, we’ve got a long way to go to alleviate the environmental and economic costs of food waste disposal. Based on data from 351 landfills across the US, this report from the Environmental Research and Education Foundation details average tipping fees by region. The 2024 report shows a 10% average annual increase — the largest year-over-year rise since 2022.Food waste that is sent to landfills creates a burdensome economic cost to municipalities and consumers. Food waste being landfilled is also a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, because landfills are anaerobic environments which results in massive emissions of methane gas. Aerobic composting systems, such as aerated static pile composting, turned aerated pile composting and In-Vessel composting, results in virtually zero methane emissions.The cost of landfill tipping fees does NOT include the cost or emission required to transport waste to the landfill. In 2024 the average cost of sending food waste to a landfill was above $60 per ton. Meanwhile, the market value of compost per ton is between $40 to $100 depending on the compost type and market. We can spend $60 per ton to dispose of this material, or we can convert our food waste to compost and sell it for more than that. Is that a difficult decision to make? There are very few economic “no brainers” in this world. Composting food waste is on top of the no-brainer list.Below are the 2024 average state by state costs per ton for Mixed municipal Solid Waste (MSW):State and Regional Average Tip Fees, from October 2024: National Average $62.28 (± 35.98) Pacific $72.88 (± 42.55) Alaska $124.25 (± 93.02)Arizona $50.10 (± 13.75)California* $83.76 (± 38.64)Hawaii* N.R.dIdaho $38.21 (± 15.82)Nevada $61.14 (± 22.43)Oregon* $65.98 (± 26.24)Washington* $47.70 (± 3.56) Northeast $80.67 (± 29.28) Connecticut* N.A.cDelaware N.R.Maine* $110.91 (± 8.78)Maryland* $84.14 (± 22.30)Massachusetts* N.R.New Hampshire* $110.46 (± 44.77)New Jersey* $79.12 (± 22.58)New York* $83.67 (± 25.43)Pennsylvania* $85.45 (± 22.26)Rhode Island N.R.Vermont N.R.Virginia* $63.72 (± 30.71)West Virginia* $45.92 (± 3.01) Mountains/Plains $56.61 (± 30.13) Colorado $52.58 (± 21.59)Montana $42.59 (± 16.86)North Dakota $49.00 (± 4.90)South Dakota $47.00 (± 9.46)Utah $35.30 (± 10.86)Wyoming $85.95 (± 38.70) Midwest $66.09 (± 45.01) Illinois $93.07 (± 35.98)Indiana* $43.56 (± 21.07)Iowa* $49.73 (± 14.14)Kansas $34.78 (± 17.30)Michigan* $77.93 (± 19.28)Minnesota* $77.39 (± 51.20)Missouri $136.65 (± 139.28)Nebraska $34.34 (± 9.41)Ohio $61.80 (± 29.60)Wisconsin* $85.64 (± 18.50)Southeast $50.12 (± 22.88)Alabama $38.78 (± 16.92)Florida* $53.47 (± 23.04)Georgia $55.76 (± 25.99)Kentucky $50.11 (± 24.82)Mississippi $31.90 (± 21.92)North Carolina $39.71 (± 5.35)South Carolina $56.20 (± 24.95)Tennessee $62.24 (± 28.26)South Central $44.87 (± 22.05)Arkansas $52.50 (± 39.54)Louisiana $39.39 (± 16.26)New Mexico $47.44 (± 7.45)Oklahoma* $46.48 (± 22.08)Texas $42.56 (± 20.19) #### Leilehua High School In-Vessel Composting Operator: Leilehua High SchoolLocation: O’ahu, HIFeedstock: Food & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 250 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements Leilehua High School has been a participant in a Hawaii Department of Education composting pilot project designed to integrate sustainability into agricultural education and campus operations. To level the program up, the school sought an on-site composting solution that could process campus food scraps and agricultural waste while providing students with hands-on experience in organic waste management, soil conditioning, and sustainable agriculture. The project supports the school’s top ranked vocational and agricultural science programs, allowing students to observe and participate in the composting process as part of their livestock and crop curricula. The resulting compost is then used to support the school's extensive gardens and agricultural programs, with plans to eventually sell compost as an additional educational and economic opportunity for students. At the heart of the project is the Hawaiian ethos of mālama ʻāina - caring for and tending the land. By incorporating composting into the school’s agricultural programs, Leilehua High School is teaching students to understand organic waste as a resource while building practical skills and a deeper connection to environmental stewardship. Our Solution Leilehua High School selected an Earth Flow IM-20 automated in-vessel composting system from Green Mountain Technologies to process campus food scraps and green waste. The selection builds on the successful installation of an Earth Flow system at Full Circle Farms, providing the school with access to experienced local operations team in Hawaii. The enclosed system automates aeration and provides integrated moisture and odor controls for consistent composting conditions. Its integrated biofilter helps manage odors on school grounds, while the closed, contained design helps prevent Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles from entering or emerging from the composting process. The Earth Flow IM-20 is housed in a shipping container-based system, helping reduce transportation and shipping costs for deployment in Hawaii. Serving as a hands-on educational tool, the Earth Flow allows students to observe sustainable waste management in practice and connect composting to their agricultural coursework. The system will transform campus organic waste into nutrient-rich compost and soil conditioners for school gardens and agricultural programs, while supporting the school’s longer-term goal of producing compost for sale.Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center In-Vessel Composting Operator: Little Bit Therapeutic Riding CenterLocation: Redmond, WAFeedstock: Green Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 382 T/yearYear Installed: 2015Project Components: Earth Flow Site Built 4010 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements The Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is one of the largest full time, internationally accredited therapeutic riding programs in the country. With the desire to see as much of every dollar raised be spent on services to those who needed therapy, the management of Little Bit decided to pursue an on-site composting system. Little Bit needed a system that would be low on odors and noise, leachate free and that could operate on-site without any intrusion into their daily operations. The composting enclosure needed to blend in with aesthetics of the facility while also creating minimal noise. Little Bit also was interested in pursuing compost for bedding reuse.Our Solution Little Bit worked with GMT to purchase a 4010 Site-Built Composting System, which was sized to service the current 22 horses and potential for an additional 25 horses. The Site Built system has a concrete floor and side walls with the internal automated mixing technology that moves throughout the bunker. The auger based mixing technology mixes the material on a preset pattern, one to four times per day with minimal noise. The automation allows for controls that can affect the mixing, moisture content, and temperature ensuring pathogen, weed seed and larvae control. The result is a homogenous, dry material that is an excellent medium for bedding in the stalls and mulch in the surrounding landscape gardens. The Earth Flow reduced the expense of disposal and lowered their bedding costs significantly.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center Utilizes the Earth Flow for Cost Savings Little Bit Site- Built Earth Flow System installed in 2015 CLIENT NEED The Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is one of the largest full time, internationally accredited therapeutic riding programs in the country. Founded in 1976 with one horse and five riders, the center has grown to own its facility, Dunmire Stables, and run a program that has 22 horses, 230 riders and patients, over 40 staff members and 350 volunteers. With the desire to see as much of every dollar raised be spent on services to those who needed therapy, the management of Little Bit decided to pursue an on-site composting system, giving them the opportunity for bedding re-use, compost for landscaping use and potential for sale of the material. The system would negate the expense of disposal of the stable waste, hauling and tipping fees for off-site disposal and lower their bedding bill by up to 40%. GMT SOLUTION Green Mountain Technologies worked with the Little Bit staff to design a system that would allow for an odor free and leachate free composting system that would operate on-site without any intrusion into the day-to-day operation of the farm. A GMT Earth Flow Site-Built Composting System was sized to service the 22 Little Bit horses and potential for an additional 25 horses in their adjacent boarding barn. The goal was to use the compost for bedding re-use on their program horses with the hope that the practice would expand to include the boarders. The Site Built system has a concrete floor and side walls with the internal mechanism of the GMT In-Vessel composting systems. There is an automated auger that moves throughout the bunker, mixing the material on a preset pattern, one to four times per day. The automation allows for controls that can affect the mixing, moisture content, and temperature ensuring pathogen, weed seed and larvae control. The result is a homogenous, dry material that is an excellent medium for bedding in the stalls and mulch in the surrounding landscape gardens. Exciting benefits of using compost as bedding include observations of decreased foot and skin disease. The compost also has been seen to alleviate respiratory issues. The Little Bit staff will be monitoring and recording any changes they see while using the compost bedding. The aesthetics of the facility are important to the Little Bit management. They operate a clean, calm and efficient equestrian operation while incorporating the specific needs of their clientele. The GMT Earth Flow Site Built system is pleasing to look at, blends in with the other structures on the property, runs quietly and efficiently and holds true to the desires of the board and staff of Little Bit to operate a sustainable and environmentally friendly operation in a financially responsible way.   #### Log Norway In-Vessel Composting Operator: LOGLocation: Bergen, NorwayFeedstock: Green Waste, Food Waste, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 300 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements LOG, a landscaping company in Bergen, Norway, sought a practical composting solution to efficiently compost landscaping waste on site, thereby significantly reducing the composting time period from months to weeks while minimizing space requirements. The added advantage was the ability to incorporate food and other putrescible waste materials into the composting process without attracting vermin, ensuring a comprehensive and pest-free composting solution. Happy customers attested to the success of this innovative system, meeting the company's objectives for faster, space-efficient composting with a minimal environmental footprint.Our Solution In close collaboration with GMT, LOG undertook a DIY installation of two 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow composting systems. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. With the in vessel composting systems in place, LOG has transformed their landscaping company in Norway into a thriving hub of sustainable composting operations, exceeding their expectations and setting a new standard for efficient composting practices. Learn more about their composting program on their website.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“No other composting system on the market today offers Earth Flow's combination of high performance, speed, small footprint, odor control and top quality compost. The system is recommended to be run as a continuous composting process, but can also be run in shorter series.”- LOG websiteContact Us #### Los Alamos Laboratory In-Vessel Composting Operator: Los Alamos National LaboratoryLocation: Los Alamos, NMFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 150 T/yearYear Installed: 2017Project Components: Earth Flow Site Built 3008 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Greenhouse Roof Custom Stainless Steel Interior Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Los Alamos National Laboratory is a renowned U.S. Department of Energy research institution focused on scientific advancements and national security. The National Laboratory recognized the imperative of responsible organic waste handling and decided to pursue an on site composting solution for the treatment of their bio solids. They needed a system that was capable of handling a substantial total input capacity of 1 ton per day, was equipped with a state-of-the-art traveling auger mixing system, automated mixing and aeration, and an integrated biofiltration system for odor control. For the lab, these features are critical to ensure not only efficient waste processing but also a cleaner, more pleasant working environment.Our Solution In their quest for a practical solution, they identified the 30’ Earth Flow Composting System as the ideal choice. The Earth Flow Composting System was more than just a technological solution; it represented a commitment to sustainability, aligning perfectly with Los Alamos National Laboratory's vision for responsible and eco-conscious waste management. This choice was a substantial step towards a cleaner, greener future, embodying their dedication to fostering positive environmental change.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Low Cost Equestrian Full Sail Farm is an equestrian facility nestled in Salinas River valley in California that boards 8-18 horses during the year. Karl Gage, owner and operator, manages between 1,800 and 2,700 pounds of horse manure per week. The previous owner of the farm pushed the horse manure onto a stream bed, creating a manure quicksand that contributed to excess nutrients leaking into groundwater. In hopes of finding a better solution, Karl read a Biocycle article and began to get excited about the science behind composting. He then reached out to Jeff Gage at Green Mountain Technologies and they designed and built a simple cost-effective Aerated Static Pile (ASP) system that requires minimal labor and reduces composting time. GMT now offers this package to all our customers as the Pre-Engineered ASP system with various configurations to match our customers’ needs. Low CostOne of Karl’s favorite parts about his Pre-Engineered ASP system is its low initial cost without compromise of GMT’s state-of-the-art technology. The Pre-Engineered System includes GMT’s automated temperature monitoring device, WebMACS, direct drive blowers and an aeration manifold at our lowest price point ever: between $7,825 – $10,695 for the initial investment. While Karl decided to not add lock blocks to his site to separate his bays, we recommend them to our clients because it helps you get leverage when moving feedstock. Manure before composting. Finished compost product about to be trucked off to buyer. Requires Minimal LaborAs a full-time private building contractor, Karl Gage has limited time to devote to composting. He spends between 2-5 hours each week adding feedstock to his piles and covering them with cured compost as a biocover. This is why we call this “one-touch” composting as it minimizes the amount of turning and labor that is required to keep the piles decomposing optimally. Reduced Composting TimeWith aeration controlled by the WebMACS, compost only has to be on air between 14-21 days before it decomposes and easily reaches minimum temperatures for proper sterilization. Karl can then use his compost on his fields after 90 days and doesn’t have to worry about flies because the high temperatures in the pile kills the larvae. Karl and Jeff Gage on-site. Karl’s Pre-Engineered ASP piping manifold. Compost as a Community Builder Throughout his composting journey, Karl has become the resident expert of compost in his area and attended the United States Composting Council (USCC) Compost Operator Training Course. He takes green waste and manure from other farmers in the area and provides a needed service of composting manure and reducing pollution for his community. Full Sail Farm is located in Paso Robles, California and provides tours of their compost operation. Schedule a tour here and reach out to us here to learn more about our Pre-Engineered Options. Written by Theo Fehsenfeld, GMT Business Development and Project Coordinator #### Maryland DOA and GMT Open House on June 14, 2016 Please join us on June 14, 2016 to learn more about GMT’s In-Vessel Composting Systems. A GMT representative will be at the event to answer any questions. #### Massachusetts Food Waste Ban To Take Effect On October 1, 2014 Patrick Administration Finalizes Commercial Food Waste Disposal Ban BOSTON – Friday, January 31, 2014 – The Patrick Administration today announced final statewide commercial food waste disposal ban regulations to take effect on October 1, 2014. The ban will divert food waste to energy-generating and composting facilities and reduce the Commonwealth’s waste stream. “We are committed to protecting our natural resources and creating jobs as the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy grows,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan. “The disposal ban is critical to achieving our aggressive waste disposal reduction goals and it is in line with our commitment to increase clean energy production.” The ban, regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will require any entity that disposes of at least one ton of organic material per week to donate or re-purpose the useable food. Any remaining food waste will be shipped to an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility, where it will be converted to clean energy, or sent to composting and animal-feed operations. Food materials and organics make up 25 percent of the current waste stream, making the disposal ban an important component of the Patrick Administration’s strategy to reduce waste disposal. The ban will help the Commonwealth reach its goals to reduce the waste stream by 30 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Residential food materials and food waste from small businesses are not included in the ban. The disposal ban affects approximately 1,700 businesses and institutions, including supermarkets, colleges, universities, hotels, convention centers, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and food service and processing companies. “The establishment of this regulation is an important milestone for the Commonwealth’s effort to divert food waste and organics from disposal. However, there is more work to be done to make this effort a success,” said MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell. “Over the next eight months, we plan to join with our organics stakeholders to conduct additional outreach, education, technical assistance and infrastructure development to ensure a smooth transition for the businesses covered by the ban.” Anaerobic digestion is a process that puts organic wastes into an enclosed chamber where microbes break down the material, producing an energy-creating biogas. The biogas that remains after the organic materials have been broken down can be put to a variety of uses. It can be used to create heat for industrial processes or fed into a generator to create electricity, or used in a combined heat and power (CHP) system to produce both electricity and heat simultaneously. Biogas can also be converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) and used to fuel vehicles like buses or trucks. “This waste ban helps make anaerobic digestion a real winner for the Patrick Administration’s energy and environmental goals,” said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Not only will we keep useful organic materials out of landfills, the output of the AD process will power businesses and enhance our clean energy portfolio.” To ensure that there will be sufficient facilities to manage the organic material resulting from the ban, the Patrick Administration is working to site composting and AD operations on farms, wastewater treatment plants and other public and private locations by providing technical assistance and up to $1 million in grants. MassDEP and DOER awarded the first AD grant of $100,000 to the Massachusetts Water Resources Agency (MWRA) for its wastewater treatment plant at Deer Island. The MWRA currently processes sludge in 12 massive, egg-shaped digesters and utilizes the biogas created to provide heat and electricity for the plant. A pilot project later this year will introduce food waste into one of the chambers to determine the effects of co-digestion on operations and biogas production. MassDEP also established the “RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts” program to help businesses and institutions increase recycling and comply with the Massachusetts waste disposal bans. The RecyclingWorks program provides free web-based resources and guidance, including a searchable service provider database, a phone hotline and direct technical assistance. MassDEP also continues to provide technical and financial assistance to municipalities and is adding funding to the existing Recycling Loan Fund to support projects to grow infrastructure for managing organic materials. Many Massachusetts businesses have already established cost-effective food waste separation programs. Through an innovative partnership between MassDEP and the Massachusetts Food Association, 300 supermarkets have implemented successful food waste separation programs that save up to $20,000 a year per store location. “We have worked cooperatively with MassDEP over the years on this and other environmental initiatives, fostering a relationship with the Department that has allowed us to work with our members to have a positive environmental impact,” said Massachusetts Food Association President Chris Flynn. “This relationship is why the supermarket industry has been able to play a leadership role in establishing and maintaining food waste diversion programs well in advance of the waste ban. “This commercial food waste ban is just one more way Massachusetts continues to lead the way with solutions that not only save on energy and protect our environment, but also green up the bottom line,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “Through it, we will take another step closer towards achieving our Global Warming Solutions Act goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.” “I appreciate the efforts by the business community and other public and private entities to reduce food waste,” said Representative Anne Gobi, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “New technologies to handle the waste create lasting environmental and economic rewards.” Read More: Massachusetts Waste Disposal Ban #### MD DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE, GREEN MOUNTAIN TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATE NEW ANIMAL WASTE TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROJECT MD DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE, GREEN MOUNTAIN TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATE NEW ANIMAL WASTE TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROJECT Howard Co. Manure Composter is First Completed Demonstration Project  ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 14, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture and Green Mountain Technologies today sponsored a tour of a new manure composting system at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Howard County. The innovative composting system is the first completed demonstration project funded by the state’s Animal Waste Technology Grant Fund. Although composting is not new, the closed in-vessel composting system installed at Days End Farm reduces environmental factors that impact the composting success. The state-of-the art system can process batches of 1.5 tons of horse manure in two weeks, and reduce nutrient and input volume by about 50 percent. According to Days End officials, the final compost product will be used for bedding, on-site landscaping needs and possible sale to a local nursery. “Preliminary information from the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland indicates that Days End Farm will save approximately $12,000 a year by eliminating landfill expenses and reducing bedding costs,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “ Developing new technologies to protect natural resources and improve farm profitability is a win-win for everyone.” Green Mountain Technologies, which operates out of Seattle, Washington implemented the project for Days End Farm Horse Rescue. The company employs the latest technologies and has the ability to use web-enabled controllers and probes to monitor temperatures and manage the composter remotely. “Green Mountain Technologies—in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Days End Farm Horse Rescue— is delighted to demonstrate this exciting new concept in manure management for equine facilities,” said Michael Byan-Brown, the firm’s president and chief engineer. “Our goal is to lower operating costs for equine facilities while reducing their environmental impacts,” he said. Reauthorized in 2013, the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Animal Waste Technology Fund provides grants to companies that demonstrate innovative technologies on farms and alternative strategies for managing animal manure. These technologies may generate energy from animal manure, reduce on-farm waste streams, and repurpose manure by creating marketable fertilizer and other products and by-products. To date, the program has issued $3.7 million in grants to demonstrate alternative technologies for manure management. For more information on additional grant projects, visit mda.maryland.gov and type “Animal Waste Technology Fund” in the search box. #### Miami Nation In-Vessel Composting Operator: Miami Nation Tribe of OklahomaLocation: Miami, OKFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 400 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM40 Client’s Requirements The Miami Nation of Oklahoma, with roots stretching back to the 1800s after relocating from the Great Lakes, is passionately revitalizing their agricultural heritage. Their goal is clear: achieve food security by reclaiming land and reintroducing traditional food sources like meat and pecans, along with cultivating a variety of horticultural crops. Sustainability is at the core of their mission, aligning perfectly with GMT’s Earth Flow system, which closes the loop on waste and enriches land for future generations. As a federally recognized tribe with a longstanding history in agriculture, the Miami Nation is nearing completion of a new meat processing facility. They needed an innovative solution to manage inedible animal byproducts—specifically offal—in a way that supports their sustainability goals. Their vision was to divert all processing waste from landfills and transform it into a valuable asset, ultimately promoting healthier soil, stronger crops, and enhanced food security.Our Solution Initially, they considered turned windrow static pile composting, inspired by visits to farms like Polyface Farm in Virginia. However, as they researched further, they found GMT’s Earth Flow in-vessel composting system to be a highly appealing solution. Its efficiency, clean design, and ease of operation made it an ideal fit, requiring minimal site preparation and operational complexity. The 40-foot Earth Flow system now installed and actively in use enables the Miami Nation to convert not only their offal but also food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost within a controlled, enclosed environment. This closed-loop process ensures organic waste becomes a valuable resource, supporting their sustainability and food sovereignty goals while enriching their land for generations to come.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Michael Bryan-Brown Presents At 2014 Rhode Island Compost Conference GMT President Michael Bryan-Brown presented “Comparison of In-Vessel and Open Pile Composting” at the Rhode Island Compost Conference, March 10, 2014.     #### Michael Bryan-Brown Speaks At BioCycle Michael Bryan-Brown will be speaking at the BioCycle West Coast Conference San Diego on Tuesday, April 9 on Evaluating Composting For Solid Waste Reduction For Contingency Bases. #### Mililani High School In-Vessel Composting Operator: Mililani High SchoolLocation: O’ahu, HIFeedstock: Food & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 250 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements Mililani High School sought to expand its active student-led composting and organic waste diversion program while providing students with hands-on opportunities to learn about sustainable food systems and mālama ʻāina—the Hawaiian ethos of caring for the land. Through the school’s G.R.O.W. Program, Mililani High also serves as a community hub for public educational workshops hosted by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services. The school needed a solution capable of processing daily cafeteria food scraps alongside campus green waste while helping reduce the high costs associated with disposal. The program also promotes resource recovery, healthy soil, and local farm-to-school initiatives, connecting students and the broader community with practical approaches to keeping valuable organics out of landfills. Our Solution Building on the success of GMT’s existing local installations, Mililani High School selected an Earth Flow IM-20 in-vessel composting system. Full Circle Farms provided local operational and installation support, giving the school access to experienced assistance in maintaining its composting program. Automated aeration, built-in biofilter, moisture, and odor controls allow the Earth Flow to handle larger volumes of cafeteria and lunch waste while maintaining consistent composting conditions. The contained system design helps maintain optimal conditions while controlling odors and pests. Students play an active role in managing the campus composting program. Science classes and student groups manage agricultural waste and use the Earth Flow to process cafeteria scraps, giving students the opportunity to observe decomposition at a larger scale. The program connects classroom learning with soil health, sustainable food systems, and farm-to-school initiatives. The IM-20’s shipping-container-based design helped reduce transportation and shipping costs associated with bringing composting infrastructure to Hawaiʻi. By converting cafeteria food scraps and campus trimmings into nutrient-rich compost, Mililani High School diverts organic material from landfills while creating a high value finished compost and giving students a hands-on role in advancing local sustainability. Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### Minimize Costs & Maximize Efficiency with ASP Composting Learn about the Cowlitz Valley ASP Composting facility in Longview Washington, designed by GMT. This mass-bed pipe-on-grade ASP system maximizes space efficiency and minimizes material handling costs, while also minimizing construction costs with the pipe-on-grade aeration system. #### Mumbai Kanjur TAP Composting Operator: Mumbai KanjurLocation: Mumbai, IndiaFeedstock: Municipal Solid WasteCapacity: 360,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2017Project Components: Turned Aerated Pile Processing Mechanical Biological Treatment Engineering & Consulting Aeration Technology Aeration Controls TracTurn Client’s Requirements Antony Lara Enviro Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is one of the fastest growing companies in India. With selective use of western technology in their development, they have achieved a large contribution to the modern Indian Waste Management Industry. The public company needed a solution to process 1000 metric tons per day of MSW, and wanted composting and recycling to be the primary focus. The site in Kanjur Mumbai aimed to minimize landfill waste and enable the maximum possible volumes of recyclable materials to be sorted and reclaimed.Our Solution In conjunction with our partner Compost Systems, the plant design for the plant in Kanjur Mumbai was supplied with technology and equipment for the entire process, including aeration infrastructure, process controls, a TracTurn side-discharge turner and comprehensive odor management. The plant is processing more than 1000 metric tons per day of MSW, producing compost in high quality that is sold to the local agricultural industry. The plant started its successful operation in 2017.For more information, visit Compost System's website or review the Reference Sheet.Learn More About TAP Systems #### Necker Island In-Vessel Composting Operator: Necker IslandLocation: Necker Island, BVI, CaribbeanFeedstock: Food Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 208 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Automatic mixing & aeration Biofilter Odor Control Tote Loader Solar Powered Wildlife-proof doors Client’s Requirements Necker Island, the private island enclave owned by Richard Branson and available year-round for rent, has taken a significant step toward sustainability and waste reduction. In 2006, Mr. Branson pledged to invest in carbon-reducing initiatives, including enhancing waste management practices on this secluded paradise. The conventional disposal of waste often comes at a high cost, making composting a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. For this remarkable initiative to succeed, the composting system needed to be resilient, particularly during the island's hurricane season, ensuring uninterrupted operation. It was equally important to create a nutrient-rich compost product that could foster self-sufficiency, supporting the island's ability to sustain food growth in the event of future natural disasters. The client's requirements were clear: resilience against the elements, the creation of high-quality compost, and the capability for remote island delivery. These specifications served as the foundation for a sustainable and resilient waste management solution on Necker Island.Our Solution Turning the vision of composting into a reality, GMT's 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow composter has significantly improved the sustainability of Necker Island. This cutting-edge in-vessel composting system transforms landscaping waste, food scraps and other biodegradable materials such as horse manure & bedding into nutrient-rich compost and soil amendments that nourish the island's vast landscaped grounds. Before implementing the Earth Flow, Necker Island grappled with the hefty expense of shipping a 20-cubic yard dumpster of waste off the island twice a week, amounting to a staggering $32,000 monthly expenditure. The Earth Flow Composter has transformed this dynamic by enabling the processing of 40 cubic yards of materials each month, resulting in significant reductions in disposal costs. Beyond cost savings, the Earth Flow offers additional advantages, including lowered waste disposal and fertilizer expenses, while enhancing the island's self-reliance in waste management – a critical asset during the hurricane season. GMT's Earth Flow Composting System stands as the cornerstone of a sustainable, efficient, and resilient waste management solution, fundamentally transforming the environmental and economic landscape of Necker Island.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“Sustainability is not an economic pain, but an economic opportunity.” - Sir Richard BransonContact Us #### New Aiyansh In-Vessel Composting Operator: New AiyanshLocation: New Aiyansh, B.C. Canada Feedstock: Food WasteCapacity: 500 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements The Nisg̱a’a Village of New Aiyansh sought a sustainable organics management solution to improve waste diversion and reduce reliance on traditional disposal methods. As an Indigenous community in northwestern British Columbia, New Aiyansh required an approach that could strengthen waste management capacity while creating opportunities to manage organic materials within the region. The project supports efforts to divert organic materials from disposal streams while producing nutrient-rich compost that can benefit environmental initiatives. By investing in sustainable organics infrastructure, the project helps advance a more resilient and circular approach to waste management. Through collaboration with IZWTAG, the Indigenous Solid Waste Technical Advisory Group, the project benefits from regional knowledge sharing and technical support for Indigenous-led waste management initiatives. IZWTAG’s work as a zero-waste steering committee helps strengthen connections among First Nations communities and supports the development of sustainable, community-driven solutions. Our Solution GMT provided the Nisg̱a’a Village of New Aiyansh with an Earth Flow composting system designed to advance efficient, low-maintenance organic waste processing. The enclosed system simplifies operations while providing effective aeration, odor control, and consistent composting performance in a challenging climate. As part of their organics management solution, the Nisg̱a’a Village of New Aiyansh implemented a 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow. This system is located inside a metal building and features a cold weather package designed to optimize performance during winter conditions. The Earth Flow was selected because of its: Enclosed design with effective odor management Performance in challenging climate conditions Automated operation and reduced labor requirements GMT’s experience supporting remote communities As part of the CleanBC Organics Funding Program’s investment in Indigenous-led organics processing, this project advances the broader goal of diverting organic waste from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across British Columbia. This project highlights how sustainable waste management solutions can create lasting local capacity, support resource recovery, and contribute to a more resilient future. Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### New Campus-wide Composting System Launched at Lafayette College Press Release January 8, 2024 Easton, Pennsylvania – Lafayette College launched a new campus-wide food waste composting program this fall, using an odor-controlled In Vessel composting system that automatically processes food waste into compost. The Earth Flow™ In-Vessel composting system from Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) automatically processes up to 30,000 pounds of compostable materials per month. The system eliminates the environmental impact and financial cost of hauling waste to landfills, while creating valuable compost to enrich soils at “LaFarm,” the on-campus 3-acre farm that provides produce for campus Dining Halls and the local community. “On-campus composting is an ideal way to convert food waste, which would otherwise have a negative environmental impact, into a high value resource for a regenerative food loop system,” says Delicia Nahman, Sustainability Director. “The In Vessel composting system from Green Mountain Technologies makes it easy to create this environmental value while also saving the college money on landfill disposal costs.” Lafayette’s composting efforts involve the collection and transportation of food scraps from the dining halls, which is loaded into the Earth Flow composting system. The program is staffed by a team of 10 Office of Sustainability student-interns. Each day, two members of the team collect food scraps from campus dining halls and other locations on campus. Interns use an electric vehicle to transport the buckets to the composting system. Inside the Earth Flow™ Automatic Composting System. “Inside the Earth Flow composting system, the main action is this spinning, rotating auger that has teeth to chop up and mix the material,” said Melissa Adamson, Climate Action and Circularity Manager. “The aeration system also blows air up through the floor, keeping oxygen levels high to ensure that the aerobic microbes thrive, which speeds up the whole process. And the whole system is exhausted into an external biofilter that captures and contains all the odors.” The day-to-day process is primarily a student-run endeavor. Pierson White ’24 is one of the 10 composting interns who collect and transport the material. “The vessel operates on an automatic cycle,” White explains. “Twice a day, it’ll run and mix all of the materials together, and after about three weeks of being in the vessel, the materials are turned into compost.” White, who has worked on the Office of Sustainability’s metrics team in the past, was first drawn to the composting job because of its physical nature. “I’m a civil engineer, so I sit down and stare at computer screens all day, which is not great for my body or my eyes,” he says. “I also love the very tangible result of all of the hard work composting interns do—we yield literal compost that will be used at LaFarm.” The program is part of the Office of Sustainability’s sustainable food loop goal—produce is grown at LaFarm and used in the dining halls, and scraps from that food are then composted and reintegrated into the soil at LaFarm.  This program also contributes to the College’s waste diversion goals outlined in the Climate Action Plan: 40% waste diversion by 2030 and 60% by 2035. One of White’s previous projects within the Office of Sustainability was a waste audit, collecting and characterizing the different types of waste being thrown out on campus. “A huge portion of what we found in the trash was compostable material, which is now being diverted away from landfills,” he says. “We’re thrilled to provide an effective composting solution for Lafayette College,” said GMT Founder Michael Bryan-Brown. “This is one great example of how we are collectively creating a sustainable and regenerative future through individual and group action.” About Lafayette College Lafayette College is a private liberal arts institution that was founded in 1826 in Easton, Pa. The College is named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero and influential statesman whose leadership had a direct influence on modern democratic principles across the world through his support of human rights. With 247 full-time faculty members and 2,729 students from 44 U.S. states and territories as well as 60 countries, Lafayette offers a Bachelor of Arts in 34 fields and a Bachelor of Science in 15 fields, including five in engineering. Its 340-acre campus is about 70 miles west of New York City and 60 miles north of Philadelphia. Learn more at https://www.lafayette.edu/ #### New Day Recycling Monitors Compost Remotely With Mobile Phone: WebMACS Aeration Control System WebMACS aeration control system allows start-up composter to communicate with facility using smart phone By Keith Barker December 5, 2014 Jeff West comes from a waste industry background. He spent multiple years managing companies for large waste hauling firms, including Allied Waste (now Republic Services ) and Waste Management, Inc. In 2007, West and daughter Stephanie founded their own recycling company called New Day Recycling, a commercial waste recycling specialist that collects and processes mainly commercial single-stream mixed waste such as cardboard. The company, based in Kingston, Washington, in the Puget Sound region, also collects and hauls both pre- and postconsumer organic waste. “We were for years a customer of a locally-owned company called Emu Composting Topsoil,” explains West. “We hauled in food waste and other organics to them. When Emu ceased operations due to financial difficulties, West says it left them without a place to take their organic materials. “That started us down the path to acquiring most of the assets from Emu, including their former facility.” The result of this recent company growth is Olympic Organics LLC, which now operates an aerated static pile (ASP) composting facility capable of processing up to 20,000 tons per year of food and yard waste. The entire composting operation is built on eight acres and uses five bays (more are being considered), each bay being 35 feet wide and 55 feet long and handling 600 cubic yards of mixed green and food waste. Olympic Organics runs its own truck and operations yard, but shares office space with New Day Recycling. Prior to compost operations starting in the spring of 2014, West was in need of an automatic aeration control system that would manage blowers and record temperatures, while allowing off-site access to data and controls. The goal was to automate the system, in part, so an operator would not have to go to the site on weekends to record data. Out with the old, in with automated aeration control In April of this year, Green Mountain Technologies, also based out of Washington State, completed installation of a five-zone WebMACS controller for Olympic Organics. The WebMACS system replaces the old cycle timers and connects directly to the existing motor contactors to start and stop blowers. Access is through an operator’s smart phone, from the loader or anywhere on- or off-site, and the system sends out email and text alarms when temperatures are too high or too low. “We have developed a low-cost aeration control system that will allow you to use any device with Internet access to communicate with your composting facility,” explains Michael Bryan-Brown, Green Mountain Technologies. “We configure a custom, secure web page for every customer, allowing them to see the temperatures, change settings and control blowers from anywhere.” West says during this year’s primary season (spring through summer) they processed approximately 700 yards per week, mainly greenwaste, horse manure and food waste collected from local residents and businesses. This resulted in approximately 500 yards of high-quality, STA-certified compost per week, which has been well received by the local market. “When we acquired the facility from Emu, it was already an aerated static pile,” explains West. “It had about 10 different bays of material and was fully permitted for green waste through biosolids. It had also already processed a fair amount of biosolids. “We came on site and had a bunch of remaining material that needed to be processed and then marketed. We started out by cleaning the facility up, and then we ended up reconfiguring the material flow through the facility. “Previously, they had used a manual fan control system and did daily temperature checks with ReoTemp probes. This worked OK, but it didn’t afford the daily automated logging we wanted, nor did it provide a robust fan control system, for fire control and temperature monitoring. It was just labor intensive.” Fires have not been a common occurrence in West’s experience, but he says they have happened. “It is something you pay attention to. Part of a good operations plan is to make sure you account for that possibility.” “We wanted to automate for a variety of reasons. Formerly, the system they were using required manual record keeping which can be problematic when you are busy. And so we wanted to improve this aspect overall. That brought us to looking at the automated systems on the market and that’s how we ended up with the WebMACS system.” According to Green Mountain, the cost of the control system was less than $10,000 and installation and training took less than two days. West says they can now download and print off reports for regulators, track temperatures and double-check their recipes hourly. “We can monitor our compost based on a variety of configurations,” explains West. “We know what we have going on with the system, and what we have going on in our piles. It just gives us a lot better control, a lot better record keeping and saves us money in labour.” West says the WebMACS System has saved one to two hours of record keeping per day as well as weekend overtime, and estimates that payback for the system will be less than a year. “It’s almost like having a new employee, dedicated to monitoring the bays and controlling the fans and doing the record keeping,” he says. According to Bryan-Brown, a wide range of WebMACS models are available with the ability to suit small or large facilities. He says their system has proven reliable and cost-effective for communities as small as Gustavus, Alaska and as large as Portland, Oregon. “Green Mountain did a great job in supplying our automation system,” says West. “They are a local company, and they worked closely with us on the installation, and assisted in tweaking the system to make sure it was working as expected. It was a significant engineering challenge for their part, because they had to interface with the existing motor controllers. They were able to do that quickly and achieved all of our objectives.” #### New Organic Solutions In-Vessel Composting Operator: New Organic SolutionsLocation: Appleton, WIFeedstock: Food Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2023Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements New Organic Solutions Inc. is a not-for-profit community composting organization based in Appleton, WI, which specializes in producing premium compost and worm castings. They gather past-prime produce from nearby businesses and community collaborators, transforming it into nutrient-rich soil amendments that promote robust plant growth. In addition, the organization places a strong emphasis on educating their customers about sustainability and the significance of soil health. As such, New Organic Solutions made the decision that they wanted to be able to provide not only a composting solution for their own business, but also for the community by investing in small scale infrastructure to allow them to accept food scraps and organic waste generated by the community to use as feedstocks in their premium compost recipe. They needed a completely enclosed, odor-free composting facility that could be installed and operated indoors in their warehouse. This forward-thinking approach aligns with New Organic Solutions' overarching mission, fostering sustainable practices and promoting environmental stewardship within the community.Our Solution After careful consideration of the organization's unique requirements, Green Mountain Technologies recommended the Earth Flow IM 20 composter. This cutting-edge in-vessel composter, renowned for its ease of use and versatility, aligns seamlessly with New Organic Solutions' commitment to enclosed, odor-free composting operations. The Earth Flow composter not only met the indoor requirements of New Organic Solutions' warehouse but also offered the capacity and technology needed to handle the diverse feedstocks, including food scraps and organic waste from the community. This collaborative decision underscores the dedication of both organizations to sustainable practices and underscores the impact that strategic partnerships can have in advancing environmental initiatives.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### New Research On Equine Sector Related Composting Benefits Of Bedding Reuse For The Equine Industry Stable waste, consisting of manure, urine and wood shavings, is a readily compostable feedstock that generates heat and can be transformed into finished homogenous compost, which can be used as bedding for horses and other livestock. This transformation can be completed in as little as 2 weeks with in-vessel technologies (Earth Tub and Earth Flow), 15-25 days in aerated site-built systems and 20-30 days in aerated static pile (ASP) systems. If composting is done in a biologically active, aerobic environment such as the systems mentioned above, the process destroys weed seed, parasites and harmful pathogens. These benefits are the result of system controls such as a correct ratio of C:N, moisture, porosity of the pile, and temperature. The in-vessel composting system offers the most comprehensive control of these factors ensuring the most favorable results. Read more on the Washington State University Extension website. The Financial Benefits Of Composting Stable Waste For The Equine Industry Composting is becoming widely accepted as a best management practice for equine facilities. Stable waste is a readily compostable feedstock which generates heat and transforms into a finished compost product in as little as 2 weeks using in-vessel technologies. Composting the stable waste is financially beneficial, turning a liability into an asset, negating disposal fees, offering a decrease in bedding expenses and creating a saleable product. In- vessel composting allows for compliance with increasing environmental regulations associated with manure management. Read more on the Washington State University Extension website. #### New York Times Article on Vermiculture Reference: Worms Produce Another Kind of Gold for Growers in NYTimes.com We want to draw attention to a particular statement from the article that could easily be missed: “Both operations pre-compost their manure before they fork it over to the worms. That means piling it up and allowing it to get naturally hot enough to kill unwanted seeds and pathogens like E. coli.” One subtle point that can be lost in this article is this: worms don’t do thermophillic composting. It’s too hot for them. For that first, hot, messy stage of composting, it is important to have a system designed for hot composting. That’s where we come in! Image credit Another subtle point is that there is a lot to this process of simply “piling it up and allowing it to get naturally hot enough.” In order to quickly and efficiently hot compost large quantities of biodegradables and kill pathogens without odors or pests, an intelligent thermophillic composting system is needed. Our systems offer that first stage of composting that is the perfect compliment to a vermiculture operation. [NY Times] #### Noted Composting Expert, Jeff Gage, Joins Green Mountain Technologies Jeff Gage, internationally known facility designer and manager of large scale industrial composting facilities has joined Green Mountain Technologies. Jeff has a degree in Advanced Environmental Studies from the Evergreen State College, has conducted numerous research projects (Woodland Park Zoo, Washington State University), is a published author (BioCycle Magazine) and has received a number of awards including being inducted into the Washington State Recycling Association’s Recycler Hall of Fame (2011). Jeff has most recently been quoted in the June issue of BioCycle Magazine’s article; “Going on the Offense Against Odors” where he addresses challenges faced by large scale composters, particularly odors, making the point that paying close attention to aeration demand helps to resolve many odor problems. #### Old Massett In-Vessel Composting Operator: Old MassettLocation: Old Massett, B.C. CanadaFeedstock: Food Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 360 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements The Haida Nation needed an on-site composting solution for their local curbside residential foodscrap collection program. Old Massett is a remote reserve on Graham Island in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. Management of organic wastes is therefore prohibitively expensive, so an efficient and reliable means of converting food waste into compost was a key goal. They also needed a solution that would be reliable during the extreme cold of winter months while having good odor control. This project was realized in partnership and support from IZWTAG, the Indigenous Solid Waste Technical Advisory Group. The First Nations communities in British Columbia have a strong tradition of cooperation. IZWTAG, which serves as a steering committee for zero-waste initiatives and fosters collaboration among these communities. IZWTAG’s “circuit riders" provide on-the- ground support and consultation to individual communities.Our Solution The Earth Flow composting solution provides the Haida Nation with a completely enclosed in-vessel composting solution which takes the guesswork out of hot composting and reduces the load on busy operations teams. The Earth Flow system’s automated mixing and aeration provides optimum conditions for hot composting.The Haida Nation purchased a 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow for their community. This is installed inside a metal building in the community, with a cold weather package for optimum winter operation. Wintertime rains are a common reality so extra rain protection for operations and storage of wood chips is helpful.Recognizing the waste management challenges faced by rural First Nations communities, GHD, an engineering consulting group with a strong relationship with these communities, played a key role in securing a grant from the province of BC or the Canadian government. This grant funded the implementation of robust composting systems across multiple First Nations communities.The Haida Nation chose the Earth Flow system from GMT because of: Strong references Touring the Earth Flow system at Shenandoah National Park and strong references there. Bear-proof Proven effective in cold climates Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Olympic Organics ASP Composting Operator: DTG Recycling Location: Kingston, WA Feedstock: Green/Food Waste Capacity: 30,000 T/year Year Installed: 2018 Project Components: Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Control Systems Probes Client’s Requirements Olympic Organics, previously Emu Topsoils and currently DTG Recycling, has been composting food and yard waste in Hansville, WA since 2008. GMT was hired by Olympic Organics to improve the original Pipe on Grade facility design and add a modern controls platform to the site. After being acquired in 2023 by DTG, GMT was again hired to bring the facility into compliance, designing an enclosed receiving building and further improving facility layout.Our Solution GMT installed a 7-zone WebMACS controller for the composting facility and wireless temperature probes. WebMACS integrated seamlessly into the existing pipe on grade system, replacing the cycle timers, and connecting directly to the existing motor contactors. Once WebMACS was installed it began taking temperature samples, plotting them, and broadcasting the data to anyone with access to the secure online portal.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Olympic Organics Tour June 4, 2014 Olympic Organics gave a tour of their newly re-opened facility in Hansville, WA on June 4, 2014. The facility processes up to 20,000 tons of food and yard waste per year. In order to control costs and automate the aeration system, GMT installed a 6 zone WebMACS controller for the composting facility. The system replaced the cycle timers and connected directly to the existing motor contactors to start and stop blowers. The WebMACS is accessed by the operator’s smart phone while in the loader or anywhere on-site. The system sends out email and text alarms when the temperatures are too high or too low. Once Olympic Organics has internet access at the controller, the WebMACS can be accessed through the internet connection by computer that has the secure log-in password. The cost of the control system was less than $10,000 and installation and training took less than two days. The WebMACS system has saved 1-2 hours of record keeping per day as well as weekend overtime and Jeff estimates that the payback for the WebMACS system is less than a year. Read more: Getting the Scoop on the Local Dirt: Why composting is good for us and our climate. #### On-Site Composting Returns to Lafayette College Lafayette College in Easton, PA is the latest university to take on-site composting to the next level with an Earth Flow from Green Mountain Technologies. From the campus newspaper: “After a three-year hiatus, composting has returned to campus. The renewed initiative marks the culmination of a series of discussions between the Office of Sustainability, Student Government, dining staff and college administrators. While all parties agreed that composting should be brought back to the college, there were various opinions on the minutiae concerning the renewal of the program.” “It was logistics,” Delicia Nahman, the college’s director of sustainability, said. “It was a funding question. It was a timing question. I mean, there were a number of pieces that would really have to fall into place [to come to an agreement on how to proceed.” Read the full story. #### Organics Waste Management Summit 2023 Green Mountain Technologies is proud to be a sponsor the NJ Compost Council’s 2023 Waste Management Summit on October 18, at the Rutgers EcoComplex. GMT’s Betsy LaForce will give an educational presentation about In-Vessel composting systems, as part of this one day educational and networking event. The Annual Summit is a full day of presentations and networking with organics processors, composters, haulers, regulators, academics, organics waste management professionals, sustainable community organizations, and nonprofits. Learn more and register online. #### P.E.I. Residents Composting More Than The Average Canadian Using GMT’s CompTainer CTV News recently published an article about a study from Statistics Canada showing that Prince Edwards Island keeps more waste out of landfills per person than anywhere else in the country. P.E.I. uses GMT’s CompTainer to compost their food and green waste. Read the full article here. #### Pre-Engineered Pipe On Grade Aerated Static Pile Facility URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/pre-engineered-pipe-on-grade-aerated-static-pile-facility/ #### Press Release: Ocala Equestrian Facility Installs New Composting System July 16, 2024 Ocala Florida– Blu Sky Farm, an equine property in Ocala, Florida recently commissioned a new Earth Flow™ on-site composting system that will process 100% of the farm’s manure and stable residuals, eliminating the environmental and economic costs of hauling manure offsite for disposal.  Blu Sky Farm was dissatisfied with the prior practice of hiring a waste removal company to collect and landfill dumpsters full of manure, as it was both financially burdensome and environmentally harmful.  The Earth Flow composting system from Green Mountain Technologies is an automated enclosed system that minimizes odors and rapidly transforms the horse manure and bedding into valuable compost that will be used on the farm and sold to the local horticultural industry. Annual processing capacity for the Earth Flow system is planned at more than 900 tons per year. “Taking care of horses and taking care of the environment go hand in hand in my opinion,” said Steve Talbott, owner of Blu Sky Farms. “Horse manure should be treated as an agricultural resource, not a waste product. Our new Earth Flow composting system eliminates all the environmental and financial costs of disposing of our manure, while creating valuable compost for local agriculture.”Ocala, renowned as the "Horse Capital of the World," boasts a rich equestrian heritage and is home to the prestigious World Equestrian Center. Blu Sky Farm is situated within the vibrant Ocala Horse Complex, surrounded by an extensive equestrian community where neighbors maintain horse stables and fertile farmland. The region is characterized by its sandy loam soil, which is ideal for horse grazing and the cultivation of high-quality forage, supporting various equine activities such as racing, jumping, and showing. This unique environment not only enhances the appeal of Blu Sky Farm but also fosters a collaborative community invested in equestrian excellence and sustainable practices.The Site Built Earth Flow 4012 composting system consists of a fully enclosed bunker with an aeration system built into the floor and a mechanical auger that continuously mixes the composting material. These features and the automatic Control System ensure that oxygen is at the optimum level in the material, which reduces odors and speeds up the primary composting process to just two weeks. “I have absolutely loved working with the team from Green Mountain Technologies,” said Mr. Talbott. “Their type of work ethic and attention to detail is a lost art in our society.”Talbott's goal is to market a high-quality, all-organic product. To validate the quality of the final compost, he plans to conduct tests in collaboration with local extension agencies. “Steve Talbott and his team at Blue Sky Farm have been a pleasure to work with,” said Betsy LaForce, Business Development Manager from Green Mountain Technologies. “His enthusiasm for environmental stewardship and community engagement are qualities that everyone should aspire to emulate.”About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com. #### Prince Edward Island In-Vessel Composting Operator: ADI InternationalLocation: Brookfield Prince Edward IslandFeedstock: Green Waste / Food WasteCapacity: 30,000 T/yearInstallation Date: 2007Project Components: Facility Design Aeration Controls CompTainer Probes Client’s Requirements In response to Prince Edward Island’s extremely stringent odor and groundwater regulations, ADI chose to handle their curbside Source Separated Organics within a reputable in-vessel composting solution. They reached out to several firms searching for a proven track record, flexible design process, and state of the art control system.Our Solution GMT designed 52 custom stainless steel Containerized Compost Systems, each equipped with automated temperature tracking, reversing aeration, and localized leachate/aeration control. The system is one of the largest in-vessel composting systems in the world, and has not required any significant replacements or maintenance since opening in 2007.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Process Up to 1800 Tons/Year with the Site-Built Earth Flow The Site Built Earth Flow is a unique large-capacity automated composting system that can be sized to process up to 1800 tons of material per year. It produces “ready to cure” compost in 14 to 21 days, compared to 4-6 months via conventional turned windrow processing. GMT’s latest innovation is to combine this with a secondary aerated static pile (ASP) process, effectively doubling the capacity. This system controls all the environmental variables and offers outstanding odor control with minimal labor or additional equipment, as a cost-effective solution for farms and small scale food waste composting facilities. Learn more about the Site-built Earth Flow. #### Purdy Composting Facility Celebrates 20+ Years Of Operation! Purdy Compost Facility (LRI) in Pierce County, Washington has been operating a successful and productive ASP System for over 20 years. They opened their doors in 1992 processing approximately 33,000 tons of organic waste a year with the goal to be odor free and produce high quality compost for sale. Today the facility is operating at over 50,000 tons per year and still producing that great quality compost which is ready for sale in less than 40 days. “It is critical to manage the aeration and moisture to reduce odor problems.” Jeff Gage GMT’s Senior System Designer, Jeff Gage, was involved in the design, installation and operation of the Purdy Compost Facility. His advice for a successful composting operation focuses on the proper application and management of air. Jeff shares more about lessons learned and advice for a successful ASP installation in the article “Mastering the Science (and Art) of Yard Waste Composting.” Use quality equipment, highly trained operators and stringent management guidelines for a successful facility. Purdy has been operating with very few odor complaints in their 20+ year history with happy neighbors. Having happy neighbors means you are operating an odor-free, successful composting facility! #### Radial ASP Facility Design Overview URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/radial-asp-facility-design-overview/ #### Recology Aumsville ASP Composting Operator: Recology AumsvilleLocation: Aumsville, ORFeedstock: Food & Green WasteCapacity: 100,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2012Project Components: Facility Design Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Aerated Static Pile Client’s Requirements Recology was looking to expand their organics processing capacity in Oregon. They needed a cost effective solution that would process large amounts of waste on a small footprint with minimal odor impact. The design also had to be modular so that it could be applied at both the Aumsville and North Plains facilities They put the project out to bid, looking for qualified firms that had extensive industry experience. Our Solution GMT won the bid in 2012 and designed a 24 zone negative aeration pipe on grade system. The system operated without issue for about a decade, when Recology decided they wanted to put the piping below grade to lower operational costs and improve throughput. GMT was again hired for the expansion work, designing a 20 zone reversing ASP system that integrated into the existing asphalt pad. The first phase of the expansion was constructed in 2020 and the second phase was completed in 2024. The improved facility allows them to process even larger amounts of FW on a small footprint with proximal neighbors.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Recology Blossom Valley ASP Composting Operator: Recology Blossom Valley Location: Vernalis, CAFeedstock: Green & Food WasteCapacity: 546,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2020Project Components: Aerated Static Pile Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Recology Blossom Valley Organics is the largest food waste composting operation in the United States. The facility is an hour outside of San Francisco in Vernalis, processing over 500,000 tons per year of food and yard waste from the Greater Bay Area. New regulations from the California Water Board required that Recology move their existing 60-acre windrow operation onto an impermeable surface. To decrease footprint and, in turn, construction costs, Recology decided to transition their existing windrow operation to a reversing cASP system.Our Solution GMT designed a cutting edge 48-zone reversing aeration system with below grade spargers and WebMACS controls. The design leveraged the existing equipment and grade, reducing the footprint of the existing windrow facility by 75%, significantly lowering construction costs. During the multi-year construction effort GMT provided all the composting equipment and assisted the client with permitting, facility layout, integration of mechanical and electrical equipment, construction, and operator training. GMT is still actively involved in operations, ensuring throughput and compliance goals are met.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Recology North Plains ASP Composting Operator: Allwood RecyclersLocation: Troutdale, ORFeedstock: Green WasteCapacity: 40,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Facility Design Odor Control Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Aerated Static Pile Client’s Requirements Recology was looking to expand their organics processing capacity in Oregon. They needed a cost effective solution that would process large amounts of waste on a small footprint with minimal odor impact. The design also had to be modular so that it could be applied at both the Aumsville and North Plains facilities. They put the project out to bid, looking for qualified firms that had extensive industry experience.Our Solution GMT won the bid in 2012 and designed a 24 zone negative aeration pipe on grade system. The system operated without issue for a decade, when Recology decided they wanted to put the piping below grade to lower operational costs and improve throughput. GMT was again hired for the expansion work, designing a 20 zone reversing ASP system that integrated into the existing asphalt pad. The below grade system was installed in 2022 and has been operating without issue ever since.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Recology Ostrom Organics ASP Composting Operator: Recology Ostrom OrganicsLocation: Wheatland, CAFeedstock: Green & Food WasteCapacity: 50,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Aerated Static Pile Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Aeration Control Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements To help California meet SB1383, Recology went out looking for a solution to help them process the greater Sacramento regions organic Waste Stream. With the goal of processing 2,000 tons per day, it was essential that the design was proven, simple to operate, and highly scalable. Additionally, being close to marshland and within California’s stringent regulatory environment meant that the design had to meet some of America’s most stringent air and water regulations.Our Solution GMT designed an award winning 48-zone aeration system with below grade spargers and WebMACS controls. The zero discharge facility leveraged existing grade and equipment to control stormwater and reduce cost. GMT assisted the client with permitting, facility layout, integration of mechanical and electrical equipment, construction, and operator training. GMT is still actively involved in operations and construction, ensuring throughput and compliance goals are met. Since its construction, the facility has earned multiple accolades including the National Waste & Recycling Association’s “Organics Management Facility of the Year Award.” At present only two zones have been constructed, however the facility will soon be expanded.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Recology Ostrom Organics Receives 2023 Organics Management Facility of the Year Award The Recology Ostrom Organics composting facility in the San Francisco Bay area of California was awarded the 2023 Organics Management Facility of the Year Award by the National Waste & Recycling Association. The facility, designed by Green Mountain Technologies, is permitted to process more than 500,000 tons of material per year. 2023 annual volume is approximately 50,000 tons per year, as the facility is expanding each year toward its permitted capacity. More than 130,000 tons of food waste has been processed since 2020. In 2019, GMT designed a cutting edge 48-zone reversing aeration system with below grade sparger aeration and WebMACS controls, dramatically increasing the capacity and efficiency of the facility. Learn more about this project. #### Regenerative Farming Organization Goes In-Vessel For Composting The Greenacres Foundation in Ohio was featured in a recent article in BioCycle about their Site Built Earth Flow composting system, and how composting is a key foundation to their no-till organic farm and education programs. “The GreenAcres Foundation in the Cincinnati, Ohio area is a multifaceted community nonprofit organization focused on regenerative organic farming and community education. For more than 30 years, it has been investing in programs including grass-fed beef and poultry, no-till organic vegetable production and equine programs. Composting has long been an integral aspect of GreenAcres’ regenerative agriculture practices, in particular as vegetable production was transitioned to no-till organic….” Continue reading: https://www.biocycle.net/regenerative-farming-organization-goes-in-vessel-for-composting/ #### Regional District of Similkameen (RDOS) ASP Composting Operator: RDOS Solid WasteLocation: Oliver, BCFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 5,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2023Project Components: Facility Design Odor Control Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements The Regional District of Okanagan‑Similkameen (RDOS) launched a new commercial composting facility at the Oliver Landfill as part of a broader strategy to divert food and yard waste from disposal and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure the long-term success of this initiative, RDOS required a system that combined high-performance aerated static pile (ASP) composting technology with robust security features and future-ready infrastructure. Compliance with provincial organics diversion targets: Support British Columbia’s 40% organic waste reduction goal through efficient source-separated composting. Secure infrastructure: All high-value components needed to be lockable and protected from vandalism or theft at a rural site. Poor soil quality: The land allocated was on a capped landfill with very unstable subgrade. Scalable system design: The composting system had to accommodate current volumes from curbside collection with the ability to expand easily as organic waste volumes grow. Efficient and reliable composting technology: The system had to support thermophilic conditions (≥55 °C) and meet all pathogen reduction and curing requirements through reliable aerated static pile (ASP) composting. Operational simplicity: Automated process control and minimal staff labor were essential for efficient day-to-day operations. Professional compost consulting: RDOS was seeking experienced guidance from a vendor with a proven history in commercial composting system design. RDOS required a secure, flexible, and scalable composting facility that could be implemented efficiently and meet provincial, environmental, and operational goals. A strong emphasis was placed on reliable compost consulting, future expansion, and protecting infrastructure in a remote location.Our Solution Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) was selected as the technology provider based on our competitive pricing, global reputation for reliable commercial composting systems, and ability to provide hands-on compost consulting tailored to RDOS’s unique needs. GMT delivered a secure and scalable aerated static pile (ASP) composting solution that met all of the district’s performance, regulatory, and site-specific requirements. Two-zone aerated static pile (ASP) composting system: Installed on a pipe-on-grade platform, this system enables uniform airflow, consistent heating, and full pathogen reduction as defined by regulatory standards. Expandable infrastructure: Designed to grow seamlessly to four or more Aerated Static Pile (ASP) zones as organic waste volumes increase, supporting long-term program expansion. Theft-proof blower enclosures: Industrial-grade blower units are housed in secure steel enclosures with integrated power connections and forklift-compatible bases, allowing easy relocation and secure storage. Remote monitoring & process control: Real-time temperature tracking and airflow control via the WebMACS controller ensure compliance and reduce staff oversight. The system maintains ≥55 °C for three days and thermophilic ranges for two or more weeks. Low total cost of ownership: RDOS was able to implement a robust commercial composting system without the capital burden of building a permanent structure, while still maintaining regulatory and environmental integrity. Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) delivered a flexible, high-performing aerated static pile (ASP) composting system designed specifically for RDOS’s Oliver Landfill site. By combining reliable technology, secure infrastructure, and expert compost consulting, Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) helped RDOS launch a cost-effective and environmentally impactful commercial composting operation—ready to scale with the region’s growing organics recovery efforts.Learn More About ASP Systems“It's exciting we are adding a new service, I really like building green projects, I don't think landfills are the answer long term, and if you can do stuff to divert waste that's the best way. Putting it in the landfill is not the answer, we are expecting a 26 per cent increase in landfill life by doing this.”- Andrew Reeder, Senior Manager of Solid WasteContact Us #### Remington Farm In-Vessel Composting Operator: Remington Farm Location: Duvall, WAFeedstock: Green Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 500 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM 40 Custom Loading Dock Facility Design Client’s Requirements In 2024, Remington Farm, an equestrian property in Duvall, Washington, was on the hunt for an ecological and efficient solution to deal with their stable waste, horse manure and spent bedding. They understood that spreading raw manure on hay fields and pastures can have negative impacts on local watershed health, along with odors and problems with flies and pests. They wanted to be a responsible neighbor. Paying for disposal of horse manure and bedding had become a growing cost for the operation. But they knew this material could become a value-center instead of a cost-center, if it was processed into compost. Therefore, on-site composting became their goal. However, they knew that composting requires a controlled process and they didn’t want to devote a lot of space or extra labor. They also needed a system that can operate year-round, especially in cold wet winter months when the horses spend more time in the stable. This led them to rule out a turned windrow composting system, or an aerated bin ASP composting system. They needed a reliable low labor year round process that had great odor control. This led them to investigate the Earth Flow composting system from GMT, which has been used for decades on many equestrian properties. Our Solution In January of 2025 GMT delivered to Remington Farm a 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow composting system for on-site composting of horse manure and bedding.The Earth Flow composting system is situated directly outside the horse stable barn, thereby minimizing the distance between the horse stalls and the composting system. This eliminates the need for any sort of staging area. Horse manure and spent bedding travels straight from the stalls to the composter. The Earth Flow system at Remington Farm is also located such that the Earth Flow load end is located directly against a dock height loading area. This allows wheel barrows or a front end loader to dump feedstocks directly into the Earth Flow system.The Earth Flow composting system allows Remington Farm to convert a waste product and business liability (horse manure and wet bedding) into a valuable product and additional revenue stream for their business (compost.By turning a potential watershed pollutant and neighborhood nuisance into valuable compost products, Remington Farm is providing a community ecological service and being a responsible neighbor, while also improving the overall economics of their facility. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Remote Mountain Village Recycles 100% of Food Waste August 6, 2024 - Holden Village, an isolated mountain community situated deep within the “American Alps” of Washington State, has achieved a remarkable milestone with the commissioning of a new advanced composting system: One hundred percent of the community’s food waste is being recycled into high value compost for local landscaping, gardening and restoring the sensitive ecosystem, with a composting system that eliminates odors and requires minimal material handling. During its sixty-year history, the Holden Village community had many motivations to improve its composting infrastructure, one of which is to try to reduce the ever increasing cost of trash disposal. Another motivation is a strong environmental mission, linked to their unique location deep in the heart of the North Cascades wilderness. The village is located within a keyhole of land (created by an historic metals mine) that is surrounded by the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area, and within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Onsite disposal of any garbage is not allowed. The only way to dispose of garbage is to transport it by a combination of truck and barge via one of the largest and deepest lakes in the region – Lake Chelan – to a regional landfill. So disposal costs are high.“We know that a large percentage of typical trash is food waste,” said Nathan McClure, Holden Village’s “Garbologist,” who is responsible for managing all of Holden’s waste.  “It costs us more than a thousand dollars every time we send a trash container to the closest landfill. We’ve been trying to have an effective composting program for many years but we didn’t have the right systems to make a reliable process. Now that we’ve got a new in-vessel aerated bunker composting system from Green Mountain Technologies, we are not only keeping food waste out of the landfill but are also producing lots of high value compost for our local use.”Due to the village being at an elevation of about 3,200 feet above sea level, and situated within the heart of the North Cascade Mountains, it receives up to 10 feet of snow during the winter months. Therefore, the aerated bunker composting system was built inside an enclosed utility- shop building, with exterior access doors to allow loading and unloading of feedstock using a truck or tractor. Feedstocks come from food waste and green waste containers collected within the village. “Holden Village has clearly demonstrated that “if there is the will there is a way” to make recycling happen,” said Rik Langendoen, Director of Environmental Services at Green Mountain Technologies. “They are a great role model for every community.” The village operates a popular retreat center year-round, and during the summer peak season, Holden can receive hundreds of visitors each day. The combination of the village inhabitants and visitors generate a significant amount of food waste, garbage, and recyclables.The composting system consists of three aerated composting bunkers.. At six cubic yards capacity each, the bunkers were built into the side of an existing building. The aeration system accelerates the natural composting process while also capturing all odors by exhausting the system into a bio-filter, which is located outside the building. The timer-controlled aeration system regulates air flow from the aeration blowers to ensure optimum oxygen levels for a hot and rapid microbial composting process. System performance is monitored by staff who regularly check temperatures and moisture levels.  Once a bunker is full, the aeration system automatically processes the material for eight to ten weeks with minimal mixing. Processed compost is removed through large exterior access doors, using a small tractor. The compost is used within the village and the surrounding area, which includes an active mine remediation, as well as an area impacted by a relatively recent forest fire. “We needed the additional capacity of this composting because our old system (known as Earth Tubs, also created by Green Mountain Technologies) wasn’t large enough to allow our volumes of food waste to break down fully before needing to empty it and start a new batch,” McClure explains. “With the two Earth Tubs we had before we could load a total of 6 cubic yards. The 3 bunkers have a capacity of 6 cubic yards each, for a total of 18 cubic yards. This gives us the capacity to create finished nutritious compost, which only takes about eight to ten weeks.” Holden Village expects to process approximately 35,000 pounds of compostable material per year with the new composting system. The Holden Store started selling “Holden Compost” to residents in July of 2024. “This was a really fun and interesting project that I’m proud to have been a part of,” said Van Calvez, the engineer of the in vessel bunker system from Green Mountain Technologies. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a place where an entire community takes recycling this seriously, it’s really inspiring. This new composting system is kind of the icing on the cake to make this a community everyone should aspire to emulate.”About Holden Village: Located in the heart of Washington’s North Cascades Mountains, Holden Village is an iconic retreat center that offers visitors a unique opportunity to step into the wilderness to form and renew their relationship with God, the earth, and each other. Over the course of more than 60 years, Holden Village has been transformed from a copper mining town to a vibrant place of education, programming, and worship where everyone is welcome and embraced. Holden and the wilderness are for people of every sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religious background, and gender identity. Learn more at www.holdenvillage.org/about/About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Read more about Holden Village in this article: Remote Mountain Village Recycles 100% of Food Waste #### Rhode Island Investment Firm In-Vessel Composting Operator: Rhode Island Investment FirmLocation: Smithfield, RIFeedstock: Food Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 317 T/yearYear Installed: 2018Project Components: Earth Flow Custom Vessel 30’ Automatic mixing & aeration Biofilter odor control Moisture addition system Cold weather package Client’s Requirements A global investment advisory and brokerage services firm (requesting to remain anonymous) decided to invest in Earth Flow composting systems at several of their US corporate campuses. Driven by a commitment to offering sustainable solutions for their employees, part of the goal of the composting program was to enhance its workplace environment. The vision was to attract and retain top talent by, among other things, creating a green, eco-conscious atmosphere. Their outdoor landscapes, renowned for their beauty, became central to this vision. The plan hinged on a visionary landscape architect who proposed converting cafeteria food waste into compost, a natural fertilizer for use on their campuses. Our Solution This financial firm’s commitment to sustainability is supported through a strategic partnership with its landscape contractor. Earth Flow automated composting systems are currently operating on five different campuses in North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. This collaboration brought the vision of a closed-loop on-site composting program into reality. Food scraps generated on site in the office cafeterias and landscape waste generated on each campus are diverted from the landfill and blended together to create beautiful nutrient rich compost on site that is used to enhance and amend local soils and greenhouse operations. The program not only reduces waste and avoids expensive hauling costs, but also exemplifies an innovative model of corporate campuses working with their existing landscape contractors to build successful composting programs.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Ron LeFore Apple Farm In-Vessel Composting Operator: Ron LeFore Apple FarmLocation: Milton-Freewater, ORFeedstock: Green, Food, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 360 T/yearYear Installed: 2021Project Components: Site Built Earth Flow 4008 Automatic Temperature Monitoring Feedstock Consulting Client’s Requirements The Ron LeFore Apple Farm began in 1947 when Ron LeFore’s dad and mom planted their first tree. Today, Ron LeFore Apple Farm is a family owned and operated business of apple growers, packers, and shippers in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Their quality apples are distributed on the international marketplace, across the U.S., and in their local community to friends and neighbors. The LeFore’s felt strongly about finding a better solution than landfilling apples that do not meet the grading specifications or end up with damaged packaging. They turned to the experts at GMT to collaborate on a custom on site composting solution to meet their unique needs.Our Solution To meet the 210 acre apple farm's unique requirements, GMT worked with the team at Ron LeFore to construct a 40'x8' Site Built Earth Flow with automated temperature monitoring, guaranteeing precision in the composting process. Extensive research guided us in crafting the ideal recipe for composting apples and shredded paper and cardboard packing material. What emerged was a tailor-made solution that not only met the farm's objectives but also underscored the importance of sustainability. By effectively managing discarded apples and packaging materials on site and diverting that organic material away from the landfill, our solution not only fulfilled their goals but also significantly reduced environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This partnership exemplifies our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, client-centered solutions with a profound positive effect on the environment.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Rutgers Earth Flow Containerized URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/rutgers-earth-flow-containerized/ #### Rutgers EcoComplex Gets an Earth Flow™ Press Release-April 26 2023Rutgers EcoComplex today announced the commissioning of a new automated in-vessel composting system for the university’s Cook Campus in New Brunswick, the campus home of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The Earth Flow™ In-Vessel composting system from Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) will automatically process up to 30,000 pounds of campus compostable materials per month, including food and animal waste. This will reduce the environmental impact and financial cost of hauling waste to landfills, while creating compost to enrich campus landscapes, gardens and greenhouses. “We’ve been exploring potential composting plans for the Cook Campus for many years. Our new Earth Flow “in-vessel” composting system from Green Mountain Technologies will help us divert our cafeteria and animal waste from landfills, which is very important for Rutgers’ sustainability and climate change mitigation strategies. Earth Flow™ Automatic Composting System. In addition, this project will serve as the first step in the creation of an organic recycling and reutilization Living-Laboratory,” said Serpil Guran, director of the EcoComplex “Clean Energy Innovation Center” and project leader at Rutgers.   “We’ve been exploring potential composting plans for the Cook Campus for many years. Our new Earth Flow “in-vessel” composting system from Green Mountain Technologies will help us divert our cafeteria and animal waste from landfills, which is very important for Rutgers’ sustainability and climate change mitigation strategies. In addition, this project will serve as the first step in the creation of an organic recycling and reutilization Living-Laboratory,” said Serpil Guran, director of the EcoComplex “Clean Energy Innovation Center” and project leader at Rutgers.   According to Guran, on-campus organics diversion recycling research and demonstration funding is provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “Our research project will provide invaluable data on several types of composting activities. A big thanks to our collaborators including New Jersey Composting Council who will provide additional support for this composting research project,” she added. “The New Jersey Composting Council is excited to work with the team on a pre-composting program, outreach, and compost-related research to help ensure a successful food waste and organics recycling  program,” said  Jairo Gonzalez, president of the New Jersey Composting Council.   The Earth Flow™ composting system is an “In-Vessel” compost processor first developed by Green Mountain Technologies more than 20 years ago. It automatically mixes, grinds and aerates compostable materials in an enclosed vessel similar to a shipping container. The aeration system enables the odorous exhaust to be vented into a biofilter to eliminate odors while the system is operating. Fresh compostable material is simply loaded into one end of the container, while compost is automatically ejected out the other end in a controlled process. Inside the Earth Flow™ Automatic Composting System. “We’re thrilled to provide a cutting-edge composting solution for Rutgers,” said GMT Founder Michael Bryan Brown. “The Earth Flow™ is particularly effective at odor-free processing of food waste and compostable plastics, and we believe the program at Rutgers will be a model for other universities to follow.” About Rutgers EcoComplexBased in Bordentown, NJ, Rutgers EcoComplex “Clean Energy Innovation Center” is one of the off-campus centers of New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The EcoComplex, as a multidisciplinary clean energy innovation center, harnesses research and education resources in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies that support sustainability, climate change mitigation, circular carbon economy and social justice. About Green Mountain TechnologiesBased in Washington State, Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) was founded in 1992 to design, build and manufacture commercial composting systems for the world market. GMT is dedicated to helping forward-thinking organizations reduce their environmental footprint, save money and produce high quality compost as efficiently as possible. GMT has designed and built advanced composting systems for over 400 customers and facilities across N. America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The company’s comprehensive product line and proprietary technologies offer unique solutions for institutional, commercial and municipal composting facilities of all types and sizes. Read this article on Rutgers’ website. The program at Rutgers will be a model for other universities to follow. #### Rutgers University In-Vessel Composting Operator: Rutgers UniversityLocation: New Brunswick, NJ Feedstock: Food & Agriculture WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2023Project Components: 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Rutgers University's Cook Campus in New Brunswick sought a sustainable solution to manage its food and animal waste. The university aimed to reduce the environmental impact and financial costs associated with landfill waste disposal while enriching campus landscapes and green spaces with compost. This initiative aligned with Rutgers' commitment to sustainability and climate change mitigation strategies. A key goal of this project was to serve as the first step in creating an "organic recycling and reutilization Living-Laboratory" at Rutgers, demonstrating the university's commitment to innovative research in organic recycling. Funding for on-campus organics diversion recycling research and demonstrations was provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, collaboration with the New Jersey Composting Council offered crucial support for the composting research project, encompassing pre-composting programs, outreach, and compost-related research. This partnership was dedicated to ensuring the success of the food waste and organics recycling program at the university.Our Solution In response to Rutgers University's specific needs, Green Mountain Technologies provided the 20’ Earth Flow™ In-Vessel composting system. This automated system can handle up to 30,000 pounds of compostable materials per month, including food and animal waste. It keeps odors in check and prevents any environmental mess by keeping the entire hot composting process contained within the small footprint of the recycled shipping container and mitigating odors with a biofiltration system. As a result, waste disposal costs are reduced and Rutgers’ environmental footprint is shrunk by diverting cafeteria and animal waste away from landfills.The high-quality compost produced by the Earth Flow enhances the university's landscapes, gardens, and greenhouses, aligning perfectly with Rutgers' sustainability goals. This partnership between Rutgers University, the New Jersey Compost Council and GMT is closing the loop on campus sustainability while providing invaluable data on a diverse array of composting methods and feedstocks. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“Our new Earth Flow in-vessel composting system from Green Mountain Technologies will help us divert our cafeteria and animal waste from landfills, which is very important for Rutgers’ sustainability and climate change mitigation strategies. In addition, this project will serve as the first step in the creation of an organic recycling and reutilization Living-Laboratory,”  - Serpil Guran, Director of the EcoComplex “Clean Energy Innovation Center” and Project Leader at Rutgers.Contact Us #### Salinas Valley ASP Composting Operator: Salinas ValleyLocation: Salinas, CAFeedstock: GW, FWCapacity: 75,000 T/yearInstallation Date: 2019Project Components: Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Aeration Controls Probes Client’s Requirements Salinas Valley is one of the largest agricultural regions in the United States, producing large quantities of bagged leafy greens. With the introduction of California Senate Bill 1383, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA) was searching for a cost effective way to keep organic waste, namely packaged food out of their landfill. Recognizing the huge regional market for fertilizer and cost-effective nature of compost, SVSWA went out to bid for an Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting system to complement their operating landfill.Our Solution GMT won the bid to design and install a 12-zone ASP composting system. The facility handles 75,000 Tons per year of regional yard waste, debris, and food waste from the on-site de-packager. The below grade aeration system consists of perforated pipe embedded in concrete beams, significantly reducing construction costs, and GMT’s state-of-the-art web-based control system, WebMACS. GMT designed the facility, provided controls, blowers and ducting, commissioned the system, and trained operators. GMT is still involved in operations ensuring throughput and compliance goals are met.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Salinas Valley Aerated Static Pile Facility URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/salinas-valley-aerated-static-pile-facility/ #### San Diego County Partners With Ramona High School To Reduce Food Waste Ramona High School just started a food waste reduction program using the Earth Tub System. They are partnering with the County of San Diego to create a sustainability program that is the first of its kind in southern California. Check out the BioCycle article to read more about this inspiring program. [BioCycle] #### San Francisco On Track To Become Zero Waste City From PBS NewsHour: San Francisco On Track To Become Zero Waste City San Francisco is trying to become the first city with zero waste. By requiring residents and businesses to separate compostable items such as food scraps, as well as recyclable items, NewsHour correspondent Spencer Michels reports that the city has already reduced a huge amount of garbage from ending up in landfills. [PBS] #### Selecting Equipment for Composting Facilities Proper equipment selection is crucial to developing a successful composting operation. But don’t go about it blindly. Know what you need and how to get it.  Getting Started  The number and variety of composting facilities continues to grow as do the numbers of people who select equipment for them. These people have a wide range of experience. Some have made many equipment selections over a long career and some have made none. However, both can be perplexed by the number and variety of equipment options on the market to choose from. So how do you go about it? Whether you’ve done it dozens of times before or if you somehow just ended up with the task of selecting equipment for you operation the most important technical selection steps are essentially the same: Understanding the composting process, specifically your composting process. Understanding the functions that each piece of equipment is required to perform in that process. Describing the equipment’s functional requirements in a bid specification. Soliciting equipment proposals. Evaluating the proposals received based on demonstrated operations in similar operations, cost, delivery, maintenance/support and the experience of others who use the equipment. Negotiating a purchase agreement. Of those steps, clearly the most important one is to understand the basic composting process and more importantly your composting process. For instance, a grinder that performs well at a neighboring facility might not work for you at all. Scary but true! Understand Your Feedstocks  Fundamentally you’ll need to know things like what your feedstocks are and how they are collected and delivered; how much of each you will receive; where you will put the feedstocks and what you need to do with them once they are delivered, how you will process them to set the initial structure (particle size/porosity), how you will establish the initial nutrient balance (C:N Ratio) and moisture content, how you will move the material through your process, how you will maintain moisture content, porosity and oxygen levels during the process, how you will meet pathogen and vector reduction levels, how you will screen and refine your compost to prepare your products for market, how you will manage you rejects, etc. Once you answer these questions, you need to make sure that you have the right equipment at each step to process the required amount of your materials. Helpful Equipment Hunting Hints Talk to lots of other compost facilities about their equipment before you commit to yours. Learn from their mistakes! Multiply equipment manufacturers printed capacity (tons per hour for example) by two to get a realistic long-term capability of the equipment. Remember, their number is based on a perfect world operating under perfect conditions, a condition you will rarely experience at your real-world facility! Plan for peaks and growth. Remember that you’re not purchasing that grinder to process your daily “average” of incoming feedstocks. You’re buying it to handle the peak day of the year! And don’t forget that (hopefully) your operation will grow! So buying additional up-front capacity might be worth considering. “Cost” includes a lot more than how much you pay for a piece of equipment. Don’t forget operating cost (operator, fuel, servicing, replacement parts, etc), scheduled maintenance, emergency repair, downtime (if that grinder breaks down how does it affect you in terms of equipment rentals, overtime, odor generation, etc.), etc. Remember this is your operation, make sure you understand it and select proper equipment for it! Don’t Go It Alone If you’re still lost on what kind of equipment to purchase, give GMT a call! We’ve designed over 400 facilities worldwide and can solve even the trickiest compost problems. Contact us today, or give us a call at 206-319-7102. With over 25 years of composting experience, we can help answer all your equipment questions.  #### Shenandoah National Park In-Vessel Composting Operator: Shenandoah National ParkLocation: Luray, VAFeedstock: Food Waste, Green Waste, & Agriculture WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2017Project Components: 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow Bear-proof Doors Biofilter Cold Climate Insulation Solar Powered Food Waste and Landscaping Waste Client’s Requirements Skyland Lodge is nestled along Skyline Drive's highest elevation of 3,680 feet in thecenter of Shenandoah National Park. This remote location has proven to be a challenge for waste management of onsite food waste and horse manure/bedding. Located an hour drive to any neighboring town, hauling materials was proving to be costly and inefficient. National Park requirements also prohibit food-waste composting on the ground in the Park. Also, with their surrounding black bear population, Skyland Lodge needed a way to compost without attracting and endangering the local populations of black bears. Our Solution In 2017, GMT installed an Intermodal Earth Flow at Skyland Lodge. The 20' long Earth Flow composting system processes up to 0.5 tons/day. The fully-automated in-vessel composting system provides Shenandoah with optimum conditions for hot, aerobic composting. The vessel is an excellent solution for Skyland since it complies with park laws prohibiting open-pile composting.GMT also designed heavy-duty, bear-proof load doors to meet the National Park requirements. In addition, the Earth Flow system gets 96% of its power from solar panels at the composting site. The Earth Flow composts food scraps in about three weeks with its high-performance mixing and aeration technologies. The Earth Flow incorporates multiple engineering controls to prevent pests and odors. These controls combine automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration and bio-filtration in GMT's award winning in-vessel system. The finished product is distributed towards their playground, the parks service nurseries, and also to local non-profit farms. Learn More About In-Vessel SystemsScott Stillwagon, Environmental Manager for Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park, indicated that they have been "super pleased with everything" related to the composting system. Scott has been impressed with the lack of odors. "The odor control is perfect," he said. "You don't notice any odors unless the doors are opened." With a very active bear season this spring and challenges with the bears all around the Park, it is exciting to hear that there have been no bears attracted to the compost site. Scott also commented on the unexpected capacity of the Earth Flow, "I'm shocked at how much material we can put into the machine. That's been a huge eye opener. We have plenty of capacity for our needs."Contact Us #### Singapore Farm Uses Compost to Replenish Their Soil System Install: 2015 CLIENT CHALLENGE Singapore is a small island nation with a high population density and little land available for farming.  Kok Fah Technology Farm is one of a few farms that still exist in Singapore. They provide local markets with fresh greens and bak choy. High intensity farming has depleted the soils at Kok Fah that required continually higher use of pesticides and fertilizers to maintain crop yields. Kok Fah needed an effective solution to transform their vegetable waste into high quality compost that could replenish their soils. GMT SOLUTION Kok Fah choose the Site-Built Earth Flow system from Green Mountain Technologies to process their agricultural waste. The site built option made sense given the volume of compost required by the farm and the distance required for shipping. Kok Fah constructed a 12’ wide and 60’ long greenhouse structure close to the packinghouse for the farm. Culls from the packinghouse and horse manure are delivered to receiving bunkers next to the composter. The materials are loaded by tractor at a 3:1 ratio.  The material remains in the vessel for approximately three weeks before it is discharged, and cured for one month prior to using on the farm beds. #### Skidegate In-Vessel Composting Operator: Skidegate Location: Skidegate, B.C. Canada Feedstock: Food WasteCapacity: 500 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements The Skidegate First Nation sought a community-based composting solution to expand local organics diversion and support long-term environmental sustainability in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. As a rural and remote coastal community, Skidegate required an efficient system that would reduce reliance on landfill disposal while providing residents with convenient options for managing food scraps and other organic waste. The Skidegate Community Composting Project was designed to strengthen existing sustainability programs by supporting local curbside organics collection and pilot composting bins. The project also aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfill while creating nutrient-rich compost to support home gardening and sustainable food production throughout the community. This locally led initiative was realized in partnership with IZWTAG, the Indigenous Solid Waste Technical Advisory Group. IZWTAG serves as a steering committee for zero-waste initiatives, fosters collaboration among First Nations communities and provides on-the- ground support and consultation to individual communities.Our Solution The Earth Flow composting solution provides Skidegate with an enclosed composting system that simplifies day-to-day operations while producing high-quality compost year-round. The automated mixing and aeration system creates ideal conditions for efficient hot composting, minimizes odors, and delivers reliable performance in the cool, wet climate of Haida Gwaii. The Skidegate First Nation purchased a 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow for their composting program. This is installed inside a metal building in the community, with a cold weather package for optimum winter operation. They selected the earth flow because it is: Fully enclosed, low-odor composting process Reliable performance in wet, coastal climates Automated operation that reduces labor requirements Successful track record and trusted customer references This project was supported through the CleanBC Organics Funding Program, an initiative that helps divert organic waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across British Columbia. As part of this broader investment in Indigenous-led organics processing, the Skidegate Community Composting Project demonstrates how locally driven infrastructure can strengthen environmental stewardship while addressing the unique needs of rural and remote communities.Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### So What’s the Deal with Bulking Agents? So What’s the Deal with Bulking Agents? Understanding how bulking agents function in the compost process allows us to find the optimal material for any composting operation. This article explores: What is bulking agent? Why is it important to the compost process? What bulking agent should you use? And what makes a good compost recipe? Bulking agent is a carbon-rich material that adds structure, or bulk, to your compost pile. Classic examples include: wood chips, wood shavings, sawdust, dry leaves, shredded landscape waste, shredded paper, shredded cardboard and animal bedding. Composting is one of the most basic natural processes. What comes from the earth returns to the earth by decomposition. But composting is a very dynamic process with many variables involved. For commercial or large-scale composting, facilitating a hot composting process takes planning and forethought. What works for an equestrian center in Montana may not work for an equestrian center in Florida, and what works for composting a school’s dining hall food waste may not work for composting a restaurant’s food waste. What on paper appears to be the perfect compost recipe might not turn out so well in practice. We often hear about customers who compost food waste that end up with compost that is too wet. On the other hand, we have customers composting agricultural byproduct who end up with compost that is too dry. Many people have difficulty getting their compost to heat up enough and some folks have issues keeping high pH levels. The way to address all of these issues is to use a proper recipe of feedstocks. Our customers often ask us how to optimize their compost recipes to create the highest quality, fastest compost possible. One of our first questions in response is to determine what types of bulking agent they have available to use. Because bulking material is key to effective composting, we need to understand some of the key factors in the composting process: the balance between oxygen and moisture, and the ratio between carbon and nitrogen. A Little Compost Science Aerobic composting happens when microorganisms proliferate in your compost pile, producing enzymes that breakdown the chemicals making up the feedstocks. According to Trautman, “the enzymes catalyze reactions in which sugars, starches, proteins, and other organic compounds are oxidized, ultimately producing carbon dioxide, water, energy, and compounds resistant to further decomposition” (Trautman). To build a healthy, diverse community of microbes, you need to provide the microbes with air, water, food, and a place to live. The two most important sources of food for the composting microbes are carbon and nitrogen compounds. A good metaphor for the role carbon and nitrogen play in the composting process was published by Sam Angima. He stated that “the microorganisms in compost use carbon for energy and nitrogen for protein synthesis, just as we use carbohydrates for energy and protein to build and repair our bodies” (OSU). Carbon comprises about 50 percent of the mass of microbial cells. Nitrogen is a crucial component of the proteins, nucleic acids, amino acids, enzymes and coenzymes necessary for cell growth and function (Cornell Composting). Hot aerobic composting goes through a thermophilic process, meaning that it happens at relatively high temperatures. A three stage process needs to take place. First there is a mesophilic stage in which decomposition is carried out at moderate temperatures between 68 and 113℉. As the microbes consume the nitrogen available in the compost pile, they rapidly reproduce and create heat, giving way to a second, thermophilic stage. This stage usually occurs at temperatures between 120 and 140℉. During this stage, proteins, fats, and cellulose are broken down and pathogens and weed seeds are eliminated. After the microbes deplete much of the available carbon needed for energy and growth, another mesophilic, third stage takes place. This last phase is when the compost matures. Highly resistant compounds such as lignins decompose over time, and the resistant organic mixture called humus is formed. Once your compost has matured during this final third stage and you are happy with its quality, the process is over and you can go ahead and use or sell your compost. Your compost has to have a carbon to nitrogen ratio of between 20:1 and 40:1 to be successful. If it’s too low in nitrogen, the compost will not be hot enough to break down your feedstocks and to kill pathogens. Too much nitrogen and you will have undesirable odors as well as a loss of nutrients. As carbon converts to carbon dioxide by the microbes, the carbon to nitrogen ratio decreases. For example, if you start off with a 30:1 carbon to nitrogen ratio, your healthy finished compost will probably have around a 10:1 ratio by the end of the composting process. Achieving a proper carbon to nitrogen balance can be a tricky thing. It is achieved by balancing your nitrogen-rich and carbon-rich feedstocks. The most common problem people have in food waste composting is not adding enough bulking agent to their pile. Imagine blending up your food scraps in a blender and letting it sit on the counter for a week. As you may have guessed, it is going to smell really bad and have a far from desirable characteristics. The same thing happens when you try to compost food scraps without adding a carbon-rich bulking agent. Food scraps are high in nitrogen and moisture and lack adequate carbon for hot composting by themselves. In addition, food scraps can collapse during composting and lose their ability to hold air space in the compost pile. Without oxygen, the composting process becomes anaerobic, rather than aerobic. For composting drier material such as farm or garden waste, people sometimes have to add nitrogen-rich material to their ‘greens and browns’ to speed up the compost process and create more nutrient-dense final compost. So What Makes a Good Bulking Agent? The first thing to consider when choosing a bulking agent is particle size. You often want a particle size  of 1” or less in length. The rate at which microbes process carbon sources is dependent on the surface area of the particles. The greater the particle size, the harder it is for the added material to decompose and the less carbon there is available for the microbes to consume. The other factor determining the rate at which microbes process carbon sources is the lignification of the added material. Lignin is very resistant to decomposition and the higher the lignification, the less the added material will be able to break down.   Therefore, we believe‒and our customers agree‒that the best bulking agent is a free or low cost bulking agent. Examples of bulking agents we recommend are wood chips, wood shavings, leaves, chopped weeds or green waste, and chopped straw. Some Research Findings A recent study compared three different materials used as bulking agents in composting food scraps (Wang et al., 2016). They were leaf litter, sawdust, and wheat straw. Wheat straw functioned as the best bulking agent of the three for food scraps. It lead to a great degree of maturity by the end of the compost process. Wheat straw fostered a diverse microbial community and breaks down through composting. Also, the carbon to nitrogen levels significantly decreased from the beginning to the end of the composting process. In short, wheat straw and food scrap compost produced a highly nutritious, well matured compost that would be a great soil amendment. Sawdust was not nearly as good as a bulking agent because its carbon to nitrogen ratio was too high, its particle size was too small, and its lignin content too high. The leaf litter performed well as a bulking agent, but not as well as the wheat straw, probably because it has a relatively low carbon to nitrogen ratio. An interesting study compared five agro-industrial waste-based composts as growing media for lettuce and looked at the effects on yield, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C (Santos et al., 2016). The data suggest that compost amendments can help add value to lettuce by increasing its antioxidant activity as compared to other organic resources like peat. In the case of lettuce, growing evidence suggests that it is now possible, under optimized conditions, to achieve yields close to average conventional agriculture organically using compost as soil amendment. Santos et al. found that chestnut waste product compost lead to high phenolic levels in the lettuce and higher crop yields. The white grape waste product compost lead to extremely high phenolic levels in the lettuce but low crop yields. Olive, broccoli, and red grapes compost had less dramatic impacts on nutrient levels in the lettuce and in the lettuce crop yields. It was concluded that using white grape and chestnut waste products in tandem as a compost would be the most effective soil amendment for lettuce cultivation. You can manipulate your compost’s nitrogen-rich materials and bulking agents to create more or less nutritious final compost. Feedstocks Below is a table of carbon-rich material (bulking agents) and another table of nitrogen-rich materials good for composting. These estimates are taken from www.compostjunkie.com Carbon-Rich Feedstocks Material C/N Ratio Garden Wastes 40:1 Dried Leaves 70:1 Peat 70:1 Tissue Paper 70:1 Straw 75:1 Pine Needles 80:1 Paper Towel 110:1 Paper Sludge 150:1 Shredded Newspaper 170:1 Shredded Cardboard 350:1 Woodchips 400:1 Sawdust 400:1 Small Branches/Twigs 500:1 Nitrogen-Rich Feedstocks Materials C/N Ratio Weeds 30:1 Freshly cut hay 25:1 Kitchen Scraps 20:1 Coffee Grounds 20:1 Seaweed 20:1 Fresh Grass Clippings 15:1 Alfalfa 12:1 Hair/Fur 10:1 Manure 10-20:1 Fish Emulsions 8:1 Blood Meal 4:1 So What is a Good Composting Recipe? A typical recipe for hot aerobic composting is two parts bulking agent to one part high-nitrogen feedstocks (2:1) by volume. A predominant factor in determining this recipe is the moisture content of the high-nitrogen feedstocks. If the nitrogen-rich feedstocks are wet, additional dry, bulking agent is necessary (e.g., 3:1). If the nitrogen-rich feedstocks are particularly dry, additional dry, less bulking agent is necessary (e.g, 1:1). We are always hearing about new ways to solve the bulking agent and compost recipe equation from our customers. As a result, we encourage everyone to ask us questions, do some research, and experiment on their own. Works Cited Angima, Sam. “Master Composting Program.” Oregon State University Extension Lincoln County, OR.  http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lincoln/sites/default/files/documents/n_to_Soils_-_Composting_and_the_C_to_N_ratio.pdf (accessed July 26, 2017). Dittmar, Dave. “Compost Ingredients.” Compost Junkie  http://www.compostjunkie.com/compost-ingredients.html (accessed July 26, 2017). Santos, Francielly T., Piebiep Guofo, Cátia Santos, Donzilia Botelho, João Fonseca, Aurea Queirós, Mônica S.S.M. Costa, and Trindade Henrique. 2016. “Comparison of five agro-industrial waste-based composts as growing media for lettuce: Effect on yield, phenolic compounds and vitamin C.” Food Chemistry 209, 293-301. Agricola, EBSCOhost (accessed July 26, 2017). Trautmann, Nancy M., Tom Richard, and Marianne E. Krasny. 1996. “Cornell Composting: Compost Chemistry.” Department of Crop and Soil Sciences http://compost.css.cornell.edu/chemistry.html and http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/chapter1.pdf Cornell Waste Management Institute (accessed July 26, 2017). Wang, Xiaojuan, Gao Hua, Gu Jie, Qin Qingjun, and Zhang Wenwei. 2016. “Effects of different bulking agents on the maturity, enzymatic activity, and microbial community functional diversity of kitchen waste compost.” Environmental Technology 37, no. 20: 2555-2563. Agricola, EBSCOhost (accessed July 26, 2017). #### Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) In-Vessel Composting Operator: Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)Location: Franklin County, OHFeedstock: Food WasteCapacity: 500 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Control Systems Probes Client’s Requirements The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) set out to expand food waste diversion across the region as part of its long-term sustainability strategy. With nearly one million pounds of food waste entering the Franklin County landfill each day, the organization sought a reliable, commercial-scale composting solution that could efficiently process source-separated organics while reducing reliance on landfill disposal. The project was also intended to establish a scalable model for future food waste composting throughout central Ohio. By creating the region's first Class II composting facility, SWACO aimed to demonstrate how modern composting infrastructure could support a circular economy while providing the capacity needed to expand future food waste diversion programs. These requirements led SWACO to select the Green Mountain Technologies Earth Flow IM-40, a high-efficiency, climate controlled in-vessel composting system designed for reliable organic waste processing.Our Solution Green Mountain Technologies supplied an Earth Flow IM-40 in-vessel composting system capable of processing up to 500 tons of organic material annually. Installed at SWACO's Alum Creek Waste & Reuse Convenience Center, the system includes the WebMACS control platform with automated temperature tracking, an integrated scale, tote tipper, and pile-based biofilter to support efficient, controlled composting operations. The facility was also designed with a compost screener to support finished compost processing. Together, the enclosed Earth Flow system and supporting equipment help control odors, deter vectors, reduce operator involvement, and produce high-quality compost from source-separated food waste and wood chips. As the first of two Earth Flow systems planned for SWACO, the project supports the continued growth of commercial composting throughout central Ohio.Learn More About In-Vessel Composting"It [the Earth Flow] doesn't smell... Genius is what it is. Composting Genius."- Kelly Scocco, Deputy Director of the City of Columbus Department of Public Service Contact Us #### South Carolina Local Food Summit 2023 Green Mountain Technologies is honored to support the South Carolina Local Food Summit on August 17 &18: Calling all farmers, gardeners, food businesses, and supporting organizations & agencies in South Carolina! This collaborative two-day event will engage the core farming & food system organizations in the state. Visit their website to learn more or register online! #### Spokane Tribe In-Vessel Composting Operator: Spokane Tribe UtilitiesLocation: Wellpinit, WAFeedstock: Green Waste, Food Waste, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 250 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Odor Control Client’s Requirements Spokane Tribe Utilities sought a sustainable solution to improve its waste management practices and support the Tribe's long-term environmental goals. As part of its overall waste strategy, the Tribe identified food waste recycling as a key initiative to reduce waste while creating a valuable resource for the community. Producing compost locally also supports food sovereignty by providing a nutrient-rich soil amendment for agricultural and community projects.After evaluating available technologies, Spokane Tribe Utilities selected Green Mountain Technologies based on GMT's proven track record of successful in-vessel composting installations. The Tribe also pursued grant funding to implement an efficient, long-term composting solution that reduces waste, improves environmental outcomes, and supports the community for years to come.Our Solution The Earth Flow composting system will process up to 250 tons of material per year, including food, green, and agricultural waste collected through the Spokane Tribe Utilities curbside organics program. Installed at the Tribe's transfer station, the system provides an efficient, automated composting process that supports the Tribe's waste diversion goals while producing high-quality compost for food sovereignty initiatives.The facility includes an automated tote tipper for streamlined material loading and a fully integrated biofilter for effective odor control. The enclosed in-vessel design also minimizes odors, vectors, and leachate while reducing labor requirements through automation. Together, these features provide Spokane Tribe Utilities with a reliable, environmentally responsible composting solution that transforms organic waste into a valuable community resource.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Stickland Farms ASP Composting Operator: Stickland FarmsLocation: Red Deer, AlbertaFeedstock: Biosolids, Manure, Green WasteCapacity: 45,000 T/yearInstallation Date: 2019Project Components: Aerated Static Pile Facility Design Aeration Components Aeration Controls Probes Client’s Requirements Stickland Farms produces canola and corn for feed operations in Red Deer Alberta, Canada. As long-time composters, Stickland Farms wanted to take their operation to the next level by incorporating food waste into their existing mix. Unfortunately, their system was not designed for highly energetic feedstocks leading to odor issues. At this point they reached out to several firms ultimately landing on GMT.Our Solution GMT redesigned the existing Aerated Static Pile (ASP) facility to accommodate odorous feedstocks by increasing aeration rates, installing larger blowers, and adding WebMACS state-of-the-art control system for temperature regulation. By improving the efficiency GMT also expanded the amount they could process, bringing annual capacity to 45,000 tons per year.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii Earth Flow Containerized URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/sustainable-coastlines-hawaii-earth-flow-containerized/ #### TAP System for Dirt Hugger in WA In 2015, Green Mountain Technologies designed a new Turned Aerated Pile composting facility for Dirt Hugger, in Dallesport Washington. 🎥 Learn about their journey in this short video: #### The Case for Community Based Composting Download: Community Composting (PDF) slideshow by Michael Bryan-Brown, CEO of Green Mountain Technologies, for the NRRA Conference. #### The Chemical Composition of Compost URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/the-chemical-composition-of-compost/ #### The Composter Podcast Feat: Grupo Puntacana The Composter Podcast recently featured GMT client, Grupo Puntacana. Grupo Puntacana is the largest resort in the Dominican Republic, boasting the most ambitious on-site composting operation of any resort on Earth! Click here to listen to environmental innovator, Jake Kheel, describe how his Site Built Earth Flow from GMT has taken sustainability to the next level in the Dominican Republic.  Read GMT's case study for Grupo Puntacana here. #### The Food Bank Dayton In-Vessel Composting Operator: The Food BankLocation: Dayton, OHFeedstock: Food Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 208 T/yearYear Installed: 2019Project Components: Tote Tipper Moisture Addition System Custom Drainage Floor 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow Automatic Mixing & Aeration Client’s Requirements The Foodbank, Inc., based in Dayton, Ohio, is a vital contributor to community welfare, managing around 80 to 100 tons of spoilage yearly. Their urban location and adjacent neighbors presented unique challenges for on-site composting. However, their commitment to sustainability and a thriving urban garden yielding 8,000 lbs of produce annually drove them to seek a waste management solution.Our Solution Following extensive research and site visits, The Foodbank, Inc. adopted the 20’ Earth Flow in-vessel composter from GMT, capable of processing 1,200 lbs of daily feedstock, including food waste, while effectively controlling odors and pests. With grants from the Ohio EPA covering around 70% of the costs, supplemented by the Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation and private funds, the composting program commenced successfully in November 2019. The Food Bank involves the community through a bucket exchange program and uses the resulting compost in their urban garden. Future plans include wider distribution to community gardens and urban farms, reflecting their holistic commitment to community well-being and sustainability.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“My biggest concern when we were considering composting on-site was contamination from the packaging, and how to efficiently remove it,” notes Hoffer. “We rely heavily on volunteers — we have about 7,000 to 10,000 annually — and they were tasked with the separation. As it turns out, that is the most popular and fun volunteer activity, in part because they know that although they were not able to help get this food to people, the compost is used to grow more food.” - BioCycle Magazine, “Composting Closes the Loop at Food Bank”Contact Us #### The Million Pound Challenge We recently completed an install of our In-Vessel Earth Flow composting systems for Colorado State University and now we’re off to install another Earth Flow at the University of Maine. We’re seeing tremendous interest from academic institutions as they further their campus sustainability missions by including composting of food waste. There really is no better place than a college/university campus to set this type of example for students, as well as utilize the system as a learning laboratory. It’s really a win-win for the students and the university. Colorado State University is taking it further when they present their system this month at the annual conference for the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). We’ll be at the conference too, networking and mingling with the representatives of all types of academic institutions. (Be sure to email us if you’d like to meet up at the conference!) CSU will be sharing their experiences with using our system and how they have incorporated it in to their campus farm and coordinated with the dining services group. We were back at their facility in Fort Collins, Colorado earlier this summer, to check-in, and offer any advice on how to optimize the performance of the system. While there, it dawned on us how cool it would be if we could solicit a corporate sponsor to put up a “Million Pound Challenge” for campuses nationwide. The idea would be to incentivize campuses to achieve the milestone of diverting a million pounds of organic waste from their local landfills. Campuses could enroll, monitor, measure, and report their achievement and once validated, perhaps the school would receive some sort of grant fund or other prize. We think this would be a valuable program to implement. We’ll be at the United States Composting Council Conference and Tradeshowin January 2013, and we’ll seek out a potential corporate partner there. Perhaps we can get this idea off of the ground early in the New Year! Regarding the “living laboratory” benefit of our systems being used on academic institution campuses, we recently presented a poster in Corvallis, Oregon at the annual conference of the Sustainable Agriculture Education Association (SAEA). At this gathering, we again presented our in-vessel composting systems (Earth Tub and Earth Flow) as powerful tools for educators to utilize when teaching the concepts of composting science and applied composting technology on their campuses. What a powerful teaching moment for these folks to be able to use a real, active, composting system, right on their campus. It really helps them “close the loop,” as they connect their students from farm to table, and then back to the farm with beautiful, rich, compost. These are priceless lessons for the students to take from their higher education experience. Who knows, maybe it would inspire someone to pursue composting science and technology for their career! We’re sure glad we did! —–The Green Mountain Technology Team #### The Nature Conservancy Composting: GMT Launches The Earth Cube “It’s great. Very easy to ‘plug-and-play’ and no spaces for animals or bugs to get in. I was surprised that, within less than 2 weeks from start-up, the compost was up to temperature and processing the food scraps effectively. Aside from the simple design, I really appreciated the training and detailed instructions, that really helped!” – Jennifer Baker, Program Manager with The Nature Conservancy Bainbridge Island, WA – May 22, 2015 – Green Mountain Technologies, a leading provider of composting systems, introduces a new in-vessel system focused on composting at the neighborhood-level. The Earth Cube is a fully-enclosed composting system designed specifically for composting food waste. The standard Earth Cube features a natural aeration system and a portable mixing auger. In addition, the aeration system can be powered with an optional solar panel. Van Calvez, GMT’s In-Vessel Systems Manager, says, “We saw a need for a less expensive composting vessel that would help communities and small organizations compost food waste locally. If you are in a rural area, you can sometimes get away with composting food waste in an open pile. But in urban and suburban environments, people are concerned about rats, bugs and odors. These are solvable problems. People just need the right tools and support. That’s why we created the Earth Cube.” The Earth Cube is designed to prevent animals and bugs from accessing the compost while providing favorable conditions for hot composting of the food waste. The Earth Cube provides tools for odor control and elimination of pathogens and weed seeds. The 1.4-yard capacity Earth Cube can receive up to 50 lbs. of material per day. Says Calvez, “The Earth Cube is for people who are passionate about caring for the planet. They understand that we need to relearn how to grow food within our local communities. The Earth Cube empowers communities to keep these vital nutrients in our local neighborhoods and gardens.” The Earth Cube is the result of a year-long development effort. #### The Role of Moisture in Composting URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/the-role-of-moisture-in-composting/ #### The Stages of Composting URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/the-stages-of-composting/ #### Timber Creek Recycling Nampa ASP Composting Operator: Timber Creek RecyclingLocation: Nampa, IDFeedstock: Biosolids, Food Waste, and Green WasteCapacity: 60,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2023Project Components: Facility Design Odor Control Permitting & Compliance Control Systems Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements The client approached Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) seeking a cost-effective, compact solution that could be customized to fit their site-specific spatial constraints. The solution needed to be scalable (future capacity of over 200,000 TPY), have good odor control, constructed on a lean budget, provide the flexibility to process food waste and biosolids and integrate into a complex facility. GMT was contracted in 2021 to begin designing the composting operation and transfer station.Our Solution GMT partnered closely with Timber Creek Recycling from the outset to design an aerated static pile composting system tailored to provide flexibility in feedstock and capacity. We provided comprehensive facility and site layout design, including the design and permitting of their composting operation and transfer station For their initial buildout, GMT supplied and helped commission: Two four-zone aerated pads, each with a centralized high-pressure industrial blower. Wireless temperature probes integrated with our WebMACS SCADA control system, allowing remote monitoring and precise aeration control. A layout and control strategy that supports future conversion to Turned Aerated Pile composting, ensuring the system can scale with the client’s needs. Beyond equipment and design, GMT continues to provide hands-on operational guidance, ensuring Timber Creek can optimize composting performance across its diverse feedstocks. The result is a scalable, high-performance composting facility that is already preparing for significant growth in capacity and impact.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Timber Creek Recycling’s Composting Operation Creates Value from Waste in Idaho Media Contact: Gaelan Brown, Gaelanb@compostingtechnology.com. October 31, 2025, Nampa, Idaho- Timber Creek Recycling, one of the largest food waste composting companies in Idaho, is converting 50,000 tons per year of food waste, biosolids and other materials at its new composting facility in Nampa into valuable compost products, supporting local agriculture and industry. In 2023 Timber Creek Recycling, which has been operating a turned windrow composting facility in Meridian Idaho since 2013, installed a new state of the art “aerated static pile” (ASP) composting plant at their new location in Nampa, Idaho. The new composting facility is designed to expand up to 200,000 tons per year of processing capacity. The company has become a leading regional supplier of compost, soil blends, mulch, bedding and recycled industrial materials while also diverting hundreds of thousands of tons of material from Idaho’s landfills over the past decade. The Meridian facility still operates a mulch grinding and concrete recycling facility, with composting operations moving to the new Nampa ASP composting site. Owner Mike Murgoitio and his family have a long history in dairy farming, cattle ranching and field crop production. The composting business was originally started to support the family’s farming operations.    “As a multi-generational farming family we understand the impact of compost on soil health, soil water retention, crop yields and the financial success of an agricultural operation,” said Murgoitio. “We take pride in turning compostable waste streams into high value soil amendments that help regional farmers succeed, and we’re also proud to be keeping millions of pounds of material from going to the landfill every year.”The facility’s new ASP composting infrastructure speeds up the composting process with controlled aeration of the composting material. The aeration system also dramatically minimizes odors and enables a much more efficient operation.  “We began copmposting in 2013 using the turned windrow method,” said Murgoitio. “Our new ASP system has been a huge improvement in terms of operational efficiency, odor control and speed. Our turned windrow method worked, but turned windrow processing requires a lot more open space and we needed ASP to be able to handle tricky feedstocks like industrial food waste and the material we’re getting from our food depackaging system.” The new ASP composting facility was designed by Seattle-based Green Mountain Technologies (GMT). Phase 1 of the ASP system has capacity to process up to 50,000 tons of material per year. Future expansion of the ASP system to 200,000 tons per year capacity is being planned.  GMT provided the engineered composting facility design along with permitting consulting services for Timber Creek’s solid waste and storm-water permits. GMT provided the aeration blowers, control system & data logging, and aeration ductwork. GMT also provided a new CMC ST 300 compost turner to pre-mix materials before being placed on the ASP system.Facility design considerations included specific material handling plans to optimize efficiency and minimize material handling costs. “The ASP facility design we created for Timber Creek was an interesting challenge in that we had to use a long narrow strip of land on the 28 acre site, while leaving enough space for a transfer station, C&D recycling, and a large sales yard,” said Orion Black-Brown, President of GMT. “This facility is also unique in that it can be operated as a pure ASP, or as a Turned Aerated Pile system.” As the new facility has grown it has expanded the categories of feedstocks that it can accept, including waste from cheese manufacturing and other industrial compostable wastes. Permit updates and new feedstock recipes and handling procedures were part of the overall upgrade in 2023. When asked about challenges that came with the new facility, Murgoitio said there were a few moments that gave him pause. Jeff Gage, Director of Consulting at GMT, played some key roles in overcoming these challenges.  “It’s a heck of an art to get a composting facility of this scale permitted,” Murgoitio said. “If your regulators are new or understaffed it can be quite a challenge.”Once the facility was up and running, there was an operational learning curve that required some outside support.  “Initially we didn’t have our carbon to nitrogen ratio right, too much nitrogen was causing odor issues. But Jeff helped us understand the science of odorous materials and what causes that. So that was a big deal for us,” said Murgoitio. “Some details that we didn't think mattered made a big impact. For example Jeff helped us realize that the particle size of our carbon materials wasn’t quite right. We increased the surface area of our carbon and that was a real game changer. Jeff Gage is an encyclopedia of composting, it’s been a big saving grace to have his help.”When asked what advice he’d give to other farmers who are considering starting a composting facility, Murgoitio said “I’d say begin by building a great relationship with your regulators and be involved in your community. Those have been key factors for us. If you’re not doing that, you’re in trouble. The regulators and your broader community need to know that your intent is to do the right thing. One should attend USCC classes and learn the details of how to do composting right.” Additional technical information about Timber Creek Recycling’s new aerated static pile composting facility can be found in this Case Study. ______ About Timber Creek Recycling: Timber Creek Recycling is a cutting-edge recycling company that recycles more than 400 million pounds of material per year. Based in Meridian and Nampa, ID, our owners have been farming in the Treasure Valley for over 118 years. We both make and use compost on our farm. We help those who are ready to take advantage of today’s recycling advances. Our owners and employees are passionate about giving you the best possible product and service in the industry. From the guy sweeping stuff off the floor to our CEO, selling you the best possible organic product is our sole focus. Learn more at www.timbercreekrecycling.com/compost About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com #### TracTurn Compost Turners We formed a partnership with Compost Systems of Austria because of their commitment to innovation and sustainabilty. Compost Systems designs and builds large scale composting facilities, and they manufacture their own line of compost turning equipment and other technologies that Green Mountain Technologies is proud to offer to our clients. The TracTurn is a unique side-discharge tractor-driven turner that eliminates the need for spacing between windrows, enabling more than twice the amount of material to be processed per acre. The TracTurn can turn over 2000 cubic meters of compost per hour, as much as the larger self-propelled straddle turners at a fraction of the cost. Learn more about the TracTurn from Compost Systems » #### Traverse City In-Vessel Composting Operator: Traverse CityLocation: Traverse City, MIFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 180 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Tote Tipper Biofilter Odor Control Cold Weather Insulation Package Client’s Requirements In 2023 and 2024 the City launched a pilot Compost and Food Waste Reduction project. SEEDS Ecology & Education Center and Carter’s Compost support the project with processing management, logistics, oversight, and aid with the selection of interested vendors through RFP hauling contracts as well as food waste source identification. The purpose of the program is to provide some City residents and businesses with easy access to more organic material pickups, especially including food waste.Goals & Requirements: Capacity to host composting facilities that can accept food waste. Where is the ideal location for a processing system that can accept community-scale organics? An understanding of the ‘addressable market’ for services. How big is the market appetite for additional hauling services and also for finished compost products? Community partners and/or vendors who can ensure high quality services without burdening City staff and staff capacity. The City does not have the equipment nor the capacity to provide additional hauling services; similarly it is lacking expertise and equipment for food waste composting Our Solution The Earth Flow IM20 in vessel composting system is the hub of an impressive partnership between Traverse City, Carter’s Compost and the SEEDS Ecology and Education Center.Carter’s Compost is a bicycle-powered community food waste collection and composting service started in 2014. SEEDS operates successful community education and engagement programs. Both are key partners of the city who are taking on different roles in the new expanded food waste composting program, along with permaculture and local sustainable agriculture outreach projects. . Traverse City summarizes the challenges and goals as: Purchasing and hosting a 20-yard “In-Vessel” composter. This containerized system is built in a shipping container and can annually process up to 180 tons of material. Advantages of In-Vessel system is that it is fully contained, relatively tamper proof, and processes waste materials very quickly while keeping the operation relatively odorless. Providing and supplying sufficient “brown matter” in the form of wood chips to be added to the food waste in the Earth Flow. Partnering with SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers to support City staff capacity to manage, monitor, and train others as requested in the processing systems. Also to facilitate the distribution of the processed product to City-authorized end-users. Finally, to support the development and implementation of related outreach and information campaigns. Partnering with one or more organics waste hauler to supply the food waste material, focusing on those that will service City residents and/or businesses. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“This project marks a significant advancement in the City’s efforts to enhance its existing composting operations and expand access to organic material pickups, particularly food waste, for both residents and businesses. The highlight of the initiative is the newly installed 20-yard in-vessel composting unit at the DPS facility, capable of processing nearly 150 tons of food waste annually. This fully enclosed system is ideal for urban environments, ensuring efficient, odor-controlled decomposition.” -Colleen Paveglio, Communications Manager | City of Traverse City “The team at Green Mountain has been very supportive getting our system set up and the right people trained! We are ecstatic about our Earth Flow in-vessel composter!” - Megan Alexander, Owner of Carter’s CompostContact Us #### Traverse City’s New Composting Program Praised by Neighbors May 20, 2025 Traverse City, Michigan – The new Traverse City composting program, which is a public-private partnership with community composter Carter’s Compost, is getting favorable reviews from neighbors near the composting facility.  Since August 2024, the program has processed over 30,000 pounds of food scraps in the new composting system, with food waste collected from over 100 homes and businesses, according to Megan Alexander, owner of Carter’s Compost, who operates the City’s composting system.“This is a new system for us and there has been a learning curve, particularly over the winter, but overall things are going well,” she said. “I’m really grateful for supportive neighbors and partners, and I’m glad the City's composting system is easy to manage without creating any nuisance to the neighborhood.”“We haven’t noticed any odors or pests,” said Melissa A. McKenna, Assistant Director at the Traverse Area District Library.  “We’re directly across the street from the composter and nobody even notices that it’s there.” Since the autumn of 2024, Carter’s Compost has been operating an expanded food waste collection and composting program in partnership with the city. The Earth Flow “in vessel” composting system is being used to convert food waste into compost, at their Railroad Avenue location, directly across the street from the Traverse Area District Library in close proximity to many businesses and public spaces.The new partnership with the city is a major step forwards for Carter’s Compost, which began in 2015 as a bicycle-powered food waste collection program started by an 8 year old. “With Traverse City being an area that is environmentally minded, this is a community that supports recapture of food waste or recyclable waste in this way,” said McKenna. “I think this is something that fills a need.” The composting system is fully enclosed with a biofilter odor control system that should prevent any negative impact on the neighborhood. So far people from many neighboring businesses have positive things to say about the program.The new composting system is a significant upgrade in terms of processing capacity and odor control compared to the simple bin system used before.“I think it’s awesome," said Dustin Martens, who works at a bike shop in the neighborhood. "I've heard Carter's Compost has been doing great things with the composting program. I haven’t noticed any problems or heard any complaints about any odors or anything.”The new composting program collects food waste from several area businesses and residents, and has capacity to process up to 200 tons of material per year in the Earth Flow system. The project was made possible with the help of a grant from the United States Department Of Agriculture, and with the help of partners like SEEDS Ecology and Education Centers in Traverse City.“We were working with another composting operation to recycle our paper towels but then they stopped taking our materials. So it was great timing for Carter's Compost and we’re really glad they’re doing this,” said Nick Olson, owner of ELEV8 Climbing & Fitness, directly across the street from Carter’s Compost. “The composting system is also a great educational resource. We host camps for kids in the summer with a community garden trip, which will now include a visit to the Earth Flow.” Olson says he hasn’t noticed any odors or other problems in the neighborhood. “We haven’t noticed anything. We're there seven days a week and haven't noticed any negatives at all.”  “I’m really glad to hear things are going well,” said Van Calvez, Engineer from Green Mountain Technologies, the provider of the Earth Flow system. “This is really a perfect application of the Earth Flow, to help a community composting program take the next step toward a full fledged municipal composting program. The partnership between Carter’s Compost, Traverse City and SEEDS is really an awesome model that communities everywhere could replicate.”About Carter’s Compost: We are a compost collection and delivery service that hauls food scraps from your kitchen or business to local composting sites for processing.​Once the scraps have evolved into finished compost, it is returned to local soils through subscribers who have their scraps picked up by Carter's Compost, donations to community gardens and sales for use in yards, pots, gardens, beds and farms. At Carter's Compost, we believe that the resilience and beauty of our community is inseparable from the health of the land we live on. Transforming our food scraps into fertile compost is one small way we can collectively nurture the land in the midst of global environmental crisis, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and regenerate Michigan soils. Visit www.carterscompost.com to learn more. About Green Mountain Technologies: Green Mountain Technologies has been designing and building innovative composting solutions since 1992. Our growing global client-base includes large commercial composting facilities, small scale community organizations, and institutions of all types. We're proud to give back 10% of our profits to non profit community and environmental organizations. Learn more at www.compostingtechnology.com. #### Tripoli Peloponnese TAP Composting Operator: Terna EnergyLocation: Tripoli, GreeceFeedstock: Municipal Solid WasteCapacity: 105K T/yearYear Installed: 2022Project Components: Membrane Covers Membrane Rollers TracTurn Biofilter Odor Control Aeration Technology & Controls Engineering & Consulting Client’s Requirements Terna Energy is a power company that plays an active role in the waste management Industry in Greece. They wanted a solution to convert more than 100,000 tons per year of mixed household solid waste into recyclable components, compost and energy sources. They had experience with Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) at other facilities and wanted a solution that could be integrated into multiple recycling streams, a biogas facility and compost outputs.  MBT is a process in which mixed household waste is put through a contained and controlled composting process, to break down the organic portion of the material before the materials are mechanically sorted into recyclable components, fuel and compostable materials.  Top priorities for the project included data-based automated process controls, outstanding odor control along with overall material handling efficiency and energy efficiency. Our Solution In conjunction with GMT’s partner Compost Systems GmbH, the plant was built to handle more than 100.000 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per year, with outputs ranging from recyclable metals and plastics, biogas and compost.  The Tripoli MBT facility employs sophisticated pre-processing, sorting and post-process separation steps to create various outputs that have economic and agricultural value. The primary phase of the MBT process is done in fully enclosed “CompoBox Tunnels” in which aeration and moisture levels are tightly controlled. After the primary aeration phase is complete, the compostable materials are separated from other recyclable materials and put through a second stage aerated composting process under membrane-covers that manage moisture and contain odors.  The TracTurn side discharge turner is used to turn material that are in secondary process, in combination with active aeration and the membrane cover system. Before material is turned the membrane covers are removed with a roller attachment using the same tractor that pushes the TracTurn.  Compost Systems led the design of the biological process, including odor and emissions management as well the supply of technology and equipment components. The plant in Tripoli is one of four MBT plants that have been built lately by Terna. In the Biogas Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, a continuous load of 1.5MW electric energy is produced from a portion of the materials that are processed in this facility. For more information, visit Compost System's website or review the Reference Sheet.Learn More About TAP Systems #### Two Students Receive Grant and Purchase GMT’s Earth Cube CLIENT NEED Two students from Lone Peak High School in Big Sky, Montana decided to divert their school district’s food and paper waste from the landfill. The students recognized the value of keeping this material out of the trash, and decided it was important to develop a system to make this possible. To accomplish this goal, they applied for a grant to purchase a composting system and contacted Green Mountain Technologies (GMT). GMT SOLUTION GMT provided the Big Sky School District with two Earth Cube in-vessel composting systems to process the volume of food and paper waste from Lone Peak High School and Ophir Elementary and Middle School. The two Earth Cube systems allow alternation between vessels: when one vessel is being loaded, the other is cooking. This two-batch setup simplifies the management of the systems. In addition to design and installation, GMT was also invited to do on-site training at the school. Van Calvez, Composting System Designer and Engineer at GMT, presented to the K-3 students and all the middle and high school students. His presentation included information on how landfills work and why they are unsustainable. He also presented the concept of zero-waste and explained how the students could help the school work towards zero-waste goals. Van also trained smaller groups of students/staff and teachers that would be responsible for managing the Earth Cube composting operations. Van instructed students and staff on the critical tasks required for effective food waste composting, in particular, covering the food waste with wood shavings, to prevent odors and pests. GMT also consulted with Big Sky School District to help them set up a food waste diversion system in the cafeteria and determine all the tools need to manage the system effectively. This included galvanized metal buckets for food waste, clipboards, rubber gloves, pitchforks, wheelbarrows and wood shavings. Less than two weeks after the start-up of the Earth Cube composting system, a teacher from the school reported the following, “I just wanted to let you know that our composting is cooking! We are up to 136 degrees!” Another teacher commented, “The composter doesn’t stink!” #### U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer Visits GMT U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer visited Bainbridge Island Friday, April 5th and visited Green Mountain Technologies as part of his “Kilmer at Your Company” program where he visits with local business leaders and solicits input from constituents. [IB] #### UMaine Opens New Campus Composting Facility: Earth Flow In-Vessel System A joint collaboration between the University of Maine Dining Services and University of Maine Cooperative Extension will establish the first facility for advanced composting of food waste in Maine. Earth Flow on a college campus. The effort involves the purchase of a 10-foot by 40-foot enclosed, automated composting unit called the In-Vessel Earth Flow 40, manufactured by Green Mountain Technologies, based in Washington state. This unique facility, along with the expertise of  UMaine Extension Professor Mark Hutchinson, has the potential to convert more than 1 ton of organic waste per day from campus dining facilities — from potato peels and lettuce leaves to meat scraps — into a rich soil amendment that will be used in UMaine landscaping and on university crop fields. The composting facility, located off Rangeley Road on campus, also promises to save money and will continue the institutional advancement toward sustainability, while serving as a demonstration site for students, individuals and potential commercial users. During the academic year, nearly 1 ton of organic waste is generated daily in UMaine’s three dining commons and the Marketplace, the largest retail dining facility on campus. UMaine Auxiliary Services, which oversees on-campus dining and other student services-related departments, has been composting organic waste for nearly 14 years in an effort to be as environmentally responsible and cost effective as possible by keeping the weighty discards out of the waste stream. Most recently, UMaine has contracted with a private composting firm at a cost of $65,000 annually. The UMaine compost facility is expected to cost $25,000 a year to staff and maintain using Facilities Management personnel. The resulting compost will be used campuswide as a soil amendment that benefits soil structure. The compost is a soil enhancer, not a fertilizer. The biggest benefit of compost is its ability to hold plant nutrients in place in the soil, says Hutchinson, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension professor who directs the award-winning Maine Compost School, based at Highmoor Farm, a Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station in Monmouth, Maine. Hutchinson, who has 10 years of research in composting, developed the “recipe” for the UMaine composting facility. Ingredients will include the pre- and postconsumer waste from the dining commons and the Marketplace, as well as used horse bedding — primarily wood shavings and sawdust — from UMaine’s J.F. Witter Teaching and Research Center. Compost directly from the facility can be used on farm fields. For use in landscaping, including ornamental gardens, the compost will be aged in an open-air shed for several months before it is used in ornamental gardens. In addition, the compost will supply the new greenhouse located next to the compost facility, where students in the UMaine Department of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences are growing edible greens to supply the dining commons. The student-run greenhouse and compost facility are expected to be an educational resource, not just for UMaine students, but also school and community groups. “This will allow us to close the loop, not only composting on campus, but producing a product that is used on campus,” says Dan Sturrup, executive director of Auxiliary Services. “At UMaine, we’ll go from plate to plant. And, with the help of the greenhouse, back to the plate again.” According to Misa Saros, UMaine’s conservation and energy compliance specialist, the composting system is in keeping with UMaine leadership and commitment to sustainability — from its sustainable agriculture minor to its campuswide green initiatives, all of which have earned the university a citation in Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges for four consecutive years. “We are very excited to be implementing a system that makes productive use of a valuable resource that is too often discarded in landfills or incinerators,” says Saros. [UMaine] #### University of Dayton In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of DaytonLocation: Dayton, OHFeedstock: Agricultural Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 360 T/yearYear Installed: 2021Project Components: Earth Flow CV 40 Biofilter Tote Tipper Client’s Requirements In 2020, the University of Dayton (UD) was searching for an on-site composting solution for food scraps from their dining halls. They were also interested in composting paper towels from their bathrooms as well as adding biochar as an amendment to their composting process.They toured the Earth Flow composting system at the Food Bank in Dayton, Ohio and were impressed by the capabilities of the system.Our Solution Subsequently, University of Dayton purchased a 40’ long custom vessel Earth Flow system for their campus. UD staff loads food scraps from their dining halls into the Earth Flow on a daily basis, using the optional Tote-Tipper. Wood chips are the primary bulking agent. UD also has experimented with different quantities of paper towels in their feedstock mix.UD staff particularly appreciated the speed with which the Earth Flow converts feedstocks into usable compost. In 2023, the University of Dayton Earth Flow system was officially recognized by the Ohio EPA as a Class II Composting Facility.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### University of Idaho In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of IdahoLocation: Moscow, IDFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 360 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Earth Flow IM 40 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Cold Weather Insulation Package Tote Tipper Client’s Requirements The University of Idaho’s landfill disposal costs are high, economically and environmentally, partially because landfill disposal trips require trucks to make a 450 mile round trip. As part of a broader recycling and waste reduction initiative, university leaders wanted a predictable and easy composting solution for campus food waste. The primary goal was to compost as much campus food waste as possible, in order to reduce disposal costs and the campus’s greenhouse gas footprint. The university sustainability & waste management departments estimated that the campus was spending approximately $30,000 annually to send approximately 300 tons of compostable food waste to the landfill.Our Solution The University of Idaho selected a 40’ Intermodal Earth Flow composting system from GMT. Campus leaders made this choice based on reviews from past Earth Flow clients and the Earth Flow’s ability to automatically compost campus food waste in addition to other organic materials with an odor controlled process. As of September 2024 the campus is processing the food waste from most of campus dining services, and will ramp up capacity throughout the 2024-25 school year. Approximately 300 tons per year, or 60% of the campus’s annual food waste, will be processed into high value compost. This is expected to save the campus approximately $30,000 per year on landfill costs. Students are involved with management of the composting system, and campus leaders are exploring ways to further integrate composting into various academic curricula. Compost produced is used for landscaping amendment for the University grounds and on the organic student gardens, and may also be sold to the local community. Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“The Earth Flow composter should save us about $30,000 annually in landfill disposal fees. Our landfill costs are high, with trucks needing to do a 450 mile round trip. Between eliminating methane from anaerobic decomposition, and reducing the fuel necessary to transport this waste, this composting program will significantly reduce our GHG emissions.” - Sarah Dawson, Ph.D. Sustainability Director, University of IdahoContact Us #### University of Kentucky In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of KentuckyLocation: Lexington, KYFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 750 T/yearYear Installed: 2024Project Components: Site Built Earth Flow 4012 Automatic Mixing and Aeration Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements The UK Horticulture Research Farm (South Farm), originally part of the Waveland Estate settled by Daniel Boone's family in the early 1800s, is a 100-acre farm that was originally purchased as 217 acres in 1956. In addition to research on fruit and vegetable, greenhouse and nursery, biofuels, entomology, plant pathology and related crop sciences, UK-HRF hosts the UK-CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) production unit. The University of Kentucky spent multiple years evaluating potential on-site composting systems for campus food waste and agricultural residuals from the farm. A primary requirement included the ability to drive a dump truck or tractor directly into the system to load or unload compost feedstocks. They also wanted outstanding odor control, fast efficient processing and advanced process control.Our Solution One of the unique qualities of the Site Built Earth Flow platform is the accessibility to the composting process, whereas many of the alternative technologies represent more of an enclosed box/container which limits access to the composting process. This advantage of GMT’s Site Built Earth Flow was particularly important to the University of Kentucky for this scale of composting. GMT designed a unique loading area compatible with their packer truck to dump the food scraps into the load end of the vessel, which they will then push into the vessel with a skid steer. Thanks to the custom site design support services from GMT, they were able to get an efficient composting system that meets their needs, including the entire process being under an enclosed roofed space with great accessibility for equipment and vehicles. The enclosed process keeps rain and weather from impacting the composting process, while also enabling outstanding odor control.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### University of Maine In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of MaineLocation: Orono, MEFeedstock: Food Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 427 T/yearYear Installed: 2012Project Components: Automatic Mixing & Aeration Biofilter Moisture Addition System Cold Climate Insulation Package Client’s Requirements The University of Maine, dedicated to sustainability, generates a significant 450 tons of food waste yearly from its main dining facilities. This previously incurred an annual expenditure of over $65,000 for off-site composting. To curtail costs and introduce hands-on educational experiences, the University decided to pursue a fully circular, on-campus composting solution. To achieve this goal, the University of Maine needed an enclosed system able to efficiently process 450 tons per year with excellent odor control and the ability to withstand harsh Maine winters.Our Solution The University of Maine decided to invest in a 40' GMT Custom Steel Earth Flow system. This innovative technology has redefined composting by reducing food scraps to nutrient-rich soil in just three weeks, thanks to its high-performance mixing and aeration features. The combination of automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration, and bio-filtration make the award-winning in-vessel system a pristine small footprint composting environment, even in the harshest of weather conditions. In a recent winter, with outside temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -5°F, the Earth Flow maintained a consistently warm internal temperature of 140-150°F, showcasing its exceptional resilience and performance.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems“Overall, our composting unit is a shining example of sustainability at the University of Maine. The mixing process creates a reaction between the carbon and nitrogen that produces heat as high as 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The composter can break down most anything, from vegetables to meats. This process takes 18 to 21 days, and when the compost comes out the other side, it is unrecognizable. After the three weeks in the composter, the dirt needs to set and cure for six to eight weeks and then is completely ready for use.” -U-Main Campus Sustainability News 2021Contact Us #### University of Maine Harvests Its First Batch Of Compost University of Maine Composting Earth Flow (credit) It was 10 degrees F this morning in Orono, Maine but the temperature in the compost measured 148 degrees F. The University of Maine recently installed a new In-Vessel Earth Flow EF-40 in-vessel composting system. The Earth Flow provides optimal conditions for hot composting and allows year round composting even in severe weather conditions. Operations personnel at UMaine just removed their first batch of compost from the Earth Flow, 23 days after system launch. “We are very proud and very pleased with the results”, said Geremy Chubbuck, Associate Director of Facilities Management. There was no smell in the product, no observable food waste and a good moisture content. The discharged material was still at 120 degrees F. We congratulate the team at UMaine with an excellent job producing their first batch of compost! #### University of Maine Saves $32k/year Composting Food Waste SYSTEM INSTALL: 2012 CLIENT NEED The University of Maine in Orono, Maine generates around 450 tons of food waste per year. The University was spending $65,000 per year for off-site composting. To decrease this high cost and to also bring hands-on educational opportunities to the campus, the University pursued on-campus composting. Green Mountain Technologies’ Earth Flow In-Vessel (EF-40) met all of UMaine’s composting requirements: GMT SOLUTION GMT provided UMaine with a 40-foot Earth Flow In-Vessel Composting System (EF-40) which is saving the University net $32k per year. The system cost was $152k, and the school will fully recoup their investment in 4.75 years. The University of Maine uses the EF-40 to compost nearly 1-1½ tons of food waste and animal bedding per day. The University is using the rich soil amendment for landscaping and university crop fields. The compost also supplies the new greenhouse located next to the compost facility, where students in UMaine Department of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences are growing edible greens to supply the dining commons. The student-run greenhouse and compost facility are expected to be an educational resource for UMaine students and community groups alike. “This will allow us to close the loop, not only composting on campus, but producing a product that is used on campus,” says Dan Sturrup, Executive Director of Auxiliary Services. “At UMaine, we’ll go from plate to plant. And, with the help of the greenhouse, back to the plate again.” According to Misa Saros, UMaine’s conservation and energy compliance specialist, the composting system is in keeping with UMaine leadership and commitment to sustainability- from its sustainable agriculture minor to its campus-wide green initiatives, all of which have earned the University a citation in Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges for four consecutive years. “We are very excited to be implementing a system that makes productive use of a valuable resource that is often too discarded in landfills or incinerators,” says Saros. The Earth Flow provides optimal conditions for hot composting and allows year round composting even in severe weather conditions. During a recent winter, with outside temperature of -5°F, temperatures inside the Earth Flow held steady at 140-150°F. When UMaine first installed their Earth Flow, operations personnel removed their first batch of compost 23 days after system launch. There was no smell in the product, no observable food waste and good moisture content. The discharged material was still at 120°F. After four years of operations, Scott Foster, Supervisor at UMaine Recycles, reports, “the system is running very well. Very pleased. Running beautifully.” As the first facility for advanced composting of food in Maine, the University frequently gives tours to interested parties. UMaine’s Dan Sturrup reflects on his experience working with GMT, “This is actually what I was hoping for in the relationship. And the end product is awesome.”   #### University of Maine: Earth Flow In-Vessel Composting The University of Maine uses the EF-40 In-Vessel Earth Flow composting system to compost nearly 1-1/2 tons per day of food waste and animal bedding. This past winter, with outside temperatures of -5 deg F, temperatures inside the Earth Flow held steady at 140-150 deg F. Operations personnel at UMaine removed their first batch of compost from the Earth Flow, 23 days after system launch. There was no smell in the product, no observable food waste and a good moisture content. The discharged material was still at 120 degrees F. This Earth Flow system is projected to pay for itself in 5-6 years (through savings in disposal costs, not including infrastructure improvements).   #### University of South Florida In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of South FloridaLocation: Tampa, FLFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 250 T/yearYear Installed: 2026Project Components: Control Systems Odor Control Client’s Requirements The University of South Florida St. Petersburg launched its GreenCycle composting program to reduce food waste generated on campus and turn it into a valuable resource. Supported by funding from the USDA, the Student Green Energy Fund, and Duke Energy, the initiative was designed to divert organic materials from the landfill, produce nutrient-rich compost for campus landscapes and gardens, and create opportunities to donate compost to local urban farms and offer it for sale through community markets. To bring that vision to life, the University partnered with Green Mountain Technologies to implement an in-vessel composting system capable of efficiently processing food waste generated by campus dining operations. The University sought a reliable, easy-to-operate solution that would integrate seamlessly into daily campus operations while supporting long-term waste diversion, compost production, and hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in sustainable waste management.Our Solution Green Mountain Technologies designed and implemented an Earth Flow IM-20 composting system tailored to the University's campus food waste program. Installed behind the campus dining facility, the system is designed to process 1,000+ pounds of food waste. The system mixes a blend of university cafeteria food waste and wood chips, providing an efficient, on-site solution for managing organic waste. This Earth Flow system is equipped with the WebMACS® control system to continuously monitor and automate the composting process, including automatic temperature management to support consistent composting performance while reducing operator involvement. The facility also includes an automated tote tipper for efficient material loading and a fully integrated in-vessel biofilter for effective odor control. Together, these features streamline daily operations, simplify system management, and help the University produce high-quality compost from campus-generated organic materials.Learn More About In-Vessel Composting #### University of Southern Mississippi In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of Southern Mississippi School of Polymer Science and EngineeringLocation: Hattiesburg, MSFeedstock: Green Waste & Food WasteCapacity: 200 T/yearYear Installed: 2025Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Polymer Science and Engineering is a premier $30 million research facility, housing over $20 million in state-of-the-art instrumentation. As a hub for faculty, students, and industrial partners, the center is dedicated to advancing material science through high-level research and shared-access facilities. To support their cutting-edge research into sustainable materials, the university sought a grant-funded, controlled in-vessel composting environment. This system serves as a specialized testing ground for the biodegradability of various bio-polymers. To ensure their research results would be commercially valid, they needed a system capable of replicating the exact conditions found in industrial-scale operations. Their primary requirements included: Commercial Validity: A system that provides the heat, moisture, and microbial activity levels found in established commercial composting facilities. Feedstock Versatility: The ability to test various ratios of food waste and green waste to observe how different "recipes" affect polymer disintegration. Odor Mitigation: A fully integrated odor control system to ensure that all test protocols incorporate real-world operating conditions without impacting the research center’s environment. Our Solution USM selected the Earth Flow IM20 in-vessel system from Green Mountain Technologies, primarily due to the system’s proven performance in breaking down bioplastics and other biodegradable polymers. The Earth Flow IM20 provides a consistent and repeatable environment, allowing USM researchers to move beyond theoretical modeling and observe how new polymers behave in a true-to-life commercial setting. This level of control is essential for providing industrial partners with reliable data on how certified food-contact biopolymers and fiber-based packaging perform during the composting process. The selection of the Earth Flow is further supported by industry-wide data. The 2024 Composting Consortium report, "Breaking It Down: The Realities of Compostable Packaging Disintegration in Composting Systems," validated the efficacy of this technology. Based on an 18-month field test of 23,000 units across 10 diverse North American facilities, the report found that Earth Flow systems produced some of the highest-rated results for the successful breakdown of compostable materials. By integrating the Earth Flow IM20 into their facility, the University of Southern Mississippi is bridging the gap between polymer innovation and real-world environmental sustainability.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### University of Wisconsin In-Vessel Composting Operator: University of Wisconsin Location: Green Bay, WI Feedstock: Food Waste & Green Waste Capacity: 208 T/year Year Installed: 2020 Project Components: Earth Flow IM20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements The University of Green Bay aimed to enhance its campus sustainability efforts with the procurement of a fully enclosed, standalone commercial composting system. Their goal was to efficiently compost a minimum of 250 gallons of both pre and post-consumer food waste from their dining facilities each week, exclusive of the woodchip bulking agent. The selected technology needed to withstand Wisconsin's challenging climate, particularly the harsh winter months characterized by an average temperature of 20°F with sub-zero conditions. This initiative prompted the university to issue a bid request in March 2020.Our Solution In April 2020, GMT successfully secured the bid with our advanced 20’ Intermodal Earth Flow solution. This state-of-the-art in-vessel composter is capable of processing approximately 750 gallons of waste each week, efficiently converting it into compost within a 14-day timeframe, followed by an additional curing period of 1-2 months. The Earth Flow system is thoughtfully equipped with a range of engineering controls, which effectively deter pests and eliminate odors. These controls include automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration, and bio-filtration, all seamlessly integrated within GMT's renowned in-vessel system. Notably, this technology has proven its year-round resilience, functioning even in the most challenging winter conditions. It's a remarkable solution for on campus waste management that promotes environmental education & sustainability.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Using Life Cycle Analysis to Measure GHG Emissions from Composting What emits more greenhouse gas emissions, composting or landfilling organic material? How can you determine the quantifiable difference?  This is a question waste management specialists have to consider as they attempt to comply with GHG mitigation legislation and curb their emissions. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a common tool that quantifies the environmental footprint of a product or service from “cradle to grave.” The output is usually in the form of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in the unit Metric Tons CO2 Equivalent (MTCO2E) but can also include a wide variety of outputs such as effect on acid rain production, eutrophication, or human health in the case of a Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) (ie. the WRATE model). Michael presenting at U.S. Composting Council 2020 in Charleston, SC. HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO COMPOSTING?  City, state, and local decision makers use LCA to plan waste management strategies, reduce GHG emissions, and make infrastructure decisions. For instance, the European Union (EU), California, Vermont, and New York banned organic materials from landfills to reduce methane emissions.  But how much does composting really reduce GHG emissions compared to landfills? GMT CEO and Founder, Michael Bryan-Brown ran the numbers and shared his results at U.S. Composting Council (USCC) 2020 in Charleston, SC. HOW HE DID IT Michael used the EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM) to perform his calculations, which determines the GHG emissions of using alternative waste management practices (source reduction, recycling, combustion, composting, anaerobic digestion) when compared to a baseline (landfills). WHAT DID HE FIND? WARM is an online Life Cycle Analysis Tool for Waste Management Professionals. Landfilling vs. Composting Landfilling vs. Composting GHG Emission Analysis Using the WARM model, Michael found that landfilling 300,000 tons per year of mixed organics (2:1 yard trimmings to food waste) contributes ~ 18,000 MTCO2E into the atmosphere while composting the same amount of material removes ~ 46,000 MTCO2E from the atmosphere. When focusing on methane emissions, which are 28 times more potent than CO2 on a 100-year scale and 86 times more potent on a 20-year time scale, the WARM model found methane seepage out of landfills to be 100,000 MTCO2E as opposed to about ~1,000 MTCO2E from composting. The WARM model also found that composting stores more CO2 in the soil and produces very low methane production, while landfilling shows high carbon storage, and lower dinitrogen monoxide (N2O) release (a potent greenhouse gas). Landfilling vs. Anaerobic Digestion Landfilling vs. Anaerobic Digestor GHG Emissions Analysis. When comparing landfilling and anerobic digestion, landfilling produces ~ 18,000 MTCO2E while anaerobic digestion removes ~ 18,500 MTCO2E. This illustrates that the anaerobic digestion process generates more methane emissions compared to composting yet were still minimal. Additionally, due to the landfilled material from anaerobic digestion process, carbon storage was also present. Composting vs. Anaerobic Digestion Composting vs. Anaerobic Digestor GHG Emissions Analysis. Using the WARM model, Michael found both methods to remove MTCO2E out of the atmosphere with composting more than three times more effective at ~ -17600 MT CO2E compared to anaerobic digestion which is estimated to reduce MTCO2E by ~ -5,800.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The results from the WARM model showed that composting is the superior method to process food waste when quantifying GHG emissions because it removes ~ 46,000 MTCO2E from the atmosphere and the process emits significantly less MTCO2E into the atmosphere compared to landfilling and anaerobic digestion. However, it is important to recognize the assumptions of a model, and thus it’s limitations as a tool. Some factors that are not illustrated in the WARM model include:  The impacts of manufacturing industrial fertilizers that compost replaces The effect of carbon capture from increased soil fertility and carbon pump from increased root biomass (UC Davis Research & Marin Carbon Project)The GHG emissions differences between Aerated Static Pile (ASP) and Windrow CompostingGHG emissions accrue over the long-term, not just within a year Accounting for the Energy Required to Make Compost  Windrow and Aerated Static Pile (ASP) vary in their energy inputs based on facility operations, but grinding, handling, screening, and the electricity required to run the Aerated Static Pile (ASP) System combine to produce 30 lbs MTCO2E per ton processed.  The Benefits of Using ASP over Windrow Methods Anaerobic conditions in composting can lead to increased methane emissions. When measuring methane emissions from compost, gas meters showed 5% methane from 409 static piles. These results reemphasize the importance of aeration when designing compost piles, supplied by the ASP method. Windrow composting lacks forced aeration, which reduces the speed of compost production and increases Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and N2O emissions. Methane Source Finder for the state of California. Call to Action Life Cycle Analysis is a helpful tool in the industry not only to analyze the GHG emissions released during a product’s lifespan but to help governments decide which waste management strategy provides the most payback in regard to GHG emissions. Plus, composting systems are more affordable than landfills. A past client of Green Mountain Technologies, Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority paid $2 million in total for their facility lasting upwards of 25 years, while a new landfill will cost $5 million only lasting 5 years. Reach out to us here to start planning your next composting system!  The next question on the docket:  Using LCA, would you expect recycling bottles and cans or composting to remove more GHG emissions? Comment below.  1 “Greenwaste Compost Site Emissions Reductions from Solar‐Powered Aeration and Biofilter Layer.” San Joaquin Valley Technology Advancement Program, 14 May 2013. Written by Theo Fehsenfeld, GMT Project and Business Development Assistant #### Utah State University In-Vessel Composting Operator: Utah State UniversityLocation: Logan, UTFeedstock: Food Waste & Green WasteCapacity: 142 T/yearYear Installed: Project Components: Moisture Addition System Insulation Package Client’s Requirements Utah State University (USU) sought an on-site, in-vessel composting system to enhance sustainability on campus. Their goals were multi-faceted. They needed a machine that could handle 258 lbs of pre-consumer food waste daily, reducing waste sent to landfills. They needed high quality finished compost to be produced quickly, within 4 weeks (excluding curing) to meet campus needs. They needed a system that would maintain 131°F for three consecutive days to ensure pathogen-free compost. The system had to function effectively in both hot summers and cold winters, requiring no more than 5 hours of staff operations per week for efficiency. The solution also needed to be scalable, and able to accommodate increased inputs over time to support USU's evolving sustainability goals. These requirements reflect USU's commitment to sustainability, cost-efficiency, and landscape enrichment, setting the stage for a transformative composting solution.Our Solution USU worked with GMT to select the 14’ Earth Flow In Vessel composter, capable of receiving up to 840 pounds of feedstocks per day with a 21-day retention time in the vessel). A balanced ratio of campus food scraps with carbon bulking agent produce a high quality, ready to cure compost in about three weeks. The Earth Flow incorporates multiple engineering controls to prevent pests and odors from being a concern on campus, and leverages its high-performance mixing and aeration technologies to make a nutrient rich finished compost which is a beneficial resource for the University.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems #### Utah State University Uses the Earth Flow to Turn Food Waste into Vibrant Gardens USU Earth Flow system installed in 2015 CLIENT NEED Utah State University (USU) in Logan, Utah sought an on-site, in-vessel composting system to help it: Conduct closed-loop food-waste composting on campus Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Reduce solid waste and disposal costs Reduce costs for purchasing soil amendments Provide a high-quality, nutrient-rich soil amendment for campus landscaping and garden beds USU issued a request for proposals (RFP).  After a competitive bid process, they selected the EF-14 Earth Flow system from Green Mountain Technologies. GMT SOLUTION This Earth Flow system is approximately 8 feet wide by 14 feet long and can receive up to 840 pounds of feedstock per day (assuming a 21-day retention time in vessel). Alexi Lamm, Sustainabilty Coordinator at USU recently reported, “It’s been going well.  We’re happy with the compost product. The compost will be in flower beds this spring with signs telling students where it came from.” The following table lists USU’s system requirements and how the EF-14 was able to meet these requirements. #### Vermont Organics Recycling Summit, April 3, 2014 GMT will be exhibiting at the Vermont Organics Recycling Summit at the Vermont Technical College, Judd Hall in Randolph Center, VT on April 3, 2014. #### Virginia Corrections Dept In-Vessel Composting Operator: Virginia Department of CorrectionsLocation: White Post, VAFeedstock: Food Waste & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 327 T/yearYear Installed: 2013Project Components: Two Custom Vessel Earth Flow Systems Client’s Requirements Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) sought a straightforward, efficient solution for composting food waste while keeping maintenance costs low. Faced with the challenge of replacing a high-maintenance composting system, they turned to Green Mountain Technologies (GMT).In September 2013, VADOC selected GMT's Earth Flow Composting System for their needs at two facilities: Deep Meadow and White Post. The EF-30 Earth Flow system at Deep Meadow handles approximately 1 ton of feedstock daily, combining food waste with horse manure, yard waste and ground-up pallet wood chips. Our Solution The Earth Flow in-vessel composters in use at VADOC are supporting a vocational training program that empowers inmates to acquire job skills in agriculture and sustainability. Automated mixing, aeration, and moisture control ensure optimal conditions for aerobic composting.VADOC simplifies the process by collecting food waste in rolling toters, using an automated tote tipper to load it into the Earth Flow vessel. VADOC's team hails the Earth Flow's performance as simple, user-friendly, and dependable, making sustainable composting easy. The compost blends food waste from the prison, green waste, horse manure, and bedding, including food waste from approximately 100 inmates and 15 staff members. Finished compost is used to enrich the soil in greenhouse operations. Learn More About In-Vessel SystemsThe staff at VADOC is not only impressed with the exceptional quality of the finished compost but also appreciates the user-friendliness and simplicity of the Earth Flow system.Contact Us #### Virginia Department of Corrections Uses Earth Flows To Compost Food Waste At Two Prisons The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) wanted a composting system that was simple, easy and effective at producing compost from food waste. They also wanted a system that was reliable with low maintenance costs. VADOC needed a system to replace a pre-existing composting system that had been plagued with high maintenance costs. After researching multiple options, VADOC selected the Earth Flow Composting System from Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) to meet their composting needs. GMT installed two Earth Flow composting systems in September 2013, one at the Deep Meadow Correctional Center in State Farm, Virginia and a second at the White Post Men’s Diversion Center in White Post, Virginia. The Deep Meadow system is an EF-30 Earth Flow composting system. The EF-30 has a footprint of approximately 30’ x 8’ and can receive up to 1 ton of total feedstocks per day. Deep Meadow is composting food waste for about 1000 inmates from the prison along with wood chips from ground-up pallets. The automated mixing, aeration and moisture addition systems in the Earth Flow provide excellent process control and optimum conditions for aerobic composting. VADOC staff collect the food waste in the kitchens in rolling toters. An automated tote tipper is used to mechanically load the food waste into the Earth Flow vessel. The VADOC team has been very pleased with the Earth Flow’s performance. Here’s what the compost operations manager had to say, “The Earth Flow system is a lot easier. I don’t have to worry about it. I like it. It works for me.” #### Virginia Dept. Of Corrections Uses Earth Flow To Grow Tomatoes In Winter Virginia Department of Correction (VADOC) is using an Earth Flow In-Vessel composting system for food waste composting at the White Post Men’s Diversion Center. White Post operates an innovative vocational training program for their inmates to learn job skills in agriculture and sustainability. White Post is using compost from the Earth Flow to provide soil amendments for their greenhouse growing operation. Though there is snow and ice on the ground in February, this image shows the 3-week old tomato plants growing in the green house. VADOC personnel have found that the fastest growing tomato plants were amended with a 50%-50% mix of Earth Flow compost and soil. White Post is using an EF-16 Earth Flow composting system with a footprint of 16’ x 8’. The EF-16 can receive up to 0.5 tons of total feedstocks per day. White Post is composting food waste from the prison, green waste, horse manure and bedding. This system composts food waste forabout 100 inmates (3 meals/day) and 15 staff (1 meal/day). VADOC staff collect the food waste in the kitchens in rolling toters. An automated tote tipper is used to mechanically load the food waste into the Earth Flow vessel. The sustainability coordinator said this about the compost produced by the Earth Flow: “I never thought I would say this about compost, but it is gorgeous. It smells great. It looks beautiful.” One of the officer in charge added: “It’s simple, it’s perfect. I’m just getting started with managing the Earth Flow. This system makes it easy to compost. You don’t need to know a lot about composting to be successful with this system.” #### Vision Recycling ASP Composting Operator: Vision RecyclingLocation: Livermore, CAFeedstock: Green WasteCapacity: 50,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2018Project Components: Facility Design Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Client’s Requirements Vision Recycling has been recycling organics in the bay area since 1993. In 2018, they decided to open a small facility in Livermore, California. They wanted the facility to be cost effective, operate on the existing 2-acre parcel of land, and have below grade aeration.Our Solution GMT designed Vision Recycling, a low-cost alternative to typical below grade aeration systems. Instead of paving the entire pad, only the laterals were poured over creating concrete beams. Vision then repurposed an abundance of regional crushed concrete as fill, reducing construction costs by over a third. The 6-zone system is powered by two high pressure blowers with zone dampers and VFDs all controlled by GMT’s WebMACs controller. The site now handles 50,000 tons per year of green waste, all on the existing 2-acre parcel of land.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Vision Recycling Aerated Static Pile Facility URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/vision-recycling-aerated-static-pile-facility/ #### Visit Us at the 2023 SWANA Symposium GMT is sponsoring, exhibiting and presenting at the annual SWANA Symposium in Washington State on April 18-20. Our team looks forward to sharing and networking with solid waste industry professionals from a wide variety of specialized fields at this event. Jeff Gage, GMT’s Director of Consulting, is presenting his knowledge and experience on the panel titled “Facility Management Perspectives: Organics Trends and Changes” on Thursday April 20 at 9:10am. Click here for the full conference program. The SWANA Evergreen Chapter is among the more active and diversely represented chapters in the nation. We invite all attendees to stop by our booth in the exhibit hall to learn more about our unique compost facility design services and technologies. #### Visit Us at the NYS Organics Summit in April 2023 Green Mountain Technologies (GMT) is exhibiting and presenting at the NYS Organics Summit April 3-5, 2023 in Syracuse NY.  Jeff Gage, Director of Consulting for GMT, and recent winner of the US Compost Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award, is presenting on the panel titled “The Nitty Gritty: Managing Mid to Large Scale Compost Facility Challenges” at 1:30pm on April 3. Michael Bryan-Brown, Founder of GMT, is also attending. He looks forward to speaking with the current and future leaders of composting in New York state at our booth in the exhibition hall.  This year’s event will be hybrid, offering both in-person and virtual access. With a specific focus on wasted food and food scraps, the NYS Organics Summit is an excellent opportunity to connect with more than 175 materials management professionals to share success stories, learn about emerging issues, develop networks and partnerships, and discuss creative solutions to help advance sustainable organics management across New York State. Green Mountain Technologies is a well respected leader in designing facilities and systems for the best practices of composting food waste at facilities of all sizes. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and learning from our colleagues at this event.  Learn more about the summit. #### Washington State University ASP Composting Operator: Washington State UniversityLocation: Pullman, WAFeedstock: Green & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 20,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2007Project Components: Facility Design Permitting & Compliance Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Odor Control Aerated Static Pile Client’s Requirements As a leader in agricultural research WSU was searching for a flexible on-site solution to convert their waste streams in compost and recycled bedding. In 2007, Washington State University contacted GMT to convert their existing windrow compost operation to an Aerated Static Pile (ASP) facility to reduce odors, improve product quality and expand their existing operations capacity.Our Solution GMT designed and commissioned a 12-zone ASP system, processing 20,000 tons per year of material with two zones dedicated entirely to mortality composting. The ASP process requires no turning and less land area than their old windrows. The overall cost of the system was less than $200,000 and was installed in 3 days. In 2024 WSU reached out to GMT to upgrade the control system and transition the pipe on grade solution below grade.Learn More About ASP Systems #### Washington State University Expands Their Windrow Operation System Install: 2007 System Expansion: 2015 CLIENT CHALLENGE Green Mountain Technologies installed a 12,000 ton per year Aerated Static Pile (ASP) composting system for Washington State University (WSU) in 2007. The facility takes in agricultural waste from the research farms and food waste from the campus. The finished compost is used for sterile bedding and landscaping. After eight years of successful composting with their ASP system, the school decided to expand their operation to accommodate an increase in capacity and to also add a zone exclusively for mortality composting. GMT SOLUTION GMT expanded the existing ASP manifold and control system to the existing 90’x120’ ASP pad. This addition helped to reduce odors and expand capacity for their existing windrow operation. The pad is divided into 8 zones, each 15×90’ with 300 cubic yards of compost on each zone. The ASP process requires no turning and less land area than windrows. The feedstocks are blended in a stationary mixer and water added to create a compostable mix prior to loading on the ASP pad. Then the material is stacked on top of perforated pipe sucks air down through the pile to maintain aerobic conditions and blown through a biofilter to minimize odors. A computer controller regulates airflow and temperature. The equipment cost of the entire ASP system was less than $200,000 and was installed in 3 days. #### Waste 360: Interest in Organics Diversion Grows From Waste360.com: Interest in Organics Diversion Grows “Although controversy continues to swirl around traditional recycling, with regard to both its value and its cost, interest in organics diversion, particularly food waste, continues to grow. Despite depressed commodity prices and higher recycling rate targets, zero waste goals are proliferating. And more states–and more particularly, municipalities–are looking at food waste recovery and landfill diversion.” Read the full article at – [Waste 360] #### Waste Expo 2024 On May 7, 2024, GMT exhibited and presented at the largest waste management conference of the year, Waste Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. Some highlights included Orion Black-Brown's talk on Mechanical Biological Treatment and Jeff Gage's presentation on the Site Built Earth Flow as a new model for decentralized food waste composting. It was inspiring to network with leaders in the waste & recycling industry, especially during International Composting Awareness Week. #### Welcome to GMT’s New Website Our new website is full of educational resources including training videos, composting facility illustrations, overviews for various industry types and many new case studies. Our goal is to empower and inspire more organizations to harness the economic and environmental benefits of advanced composting technology. Over GMT’s 32 years designing and building commercial composting facilities, we’ve learned a lot through continuous process improvement. Our new website aims to distill everything we’ve learned into educational and inspirational content that shows the full spectrum of the most advanced commercial composting processes and technologies available.Our Facility Design section of the website shows detailed summaries of the primary proven processes and technologies for all types of commercial composting facilities, from small community composting sites and in-vessel systems up to the largest industrial facilities. The Cut Sheets page features detailed information about each of the composting equipment types and facility designs that we offer. Our In Vessel Composting section gives a detailed overview of GMT’s Earth Flow, CompTainer and CompoBox Tunnel composting systems, which are industry-leading platforms for automated odor-controlled composting.The Compost Covers section shows new fabric compost cover systems now available through our partnership with Compost Systems. Our PFAS-free fleece covers and geomembrane covers offer two effective and economical solutions to preventing odors and managing moisture content of ASP composting facilities. The Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) page introduces a relatively new concept to the N. American market, which has become a standard practice in Europe.Turned Aerated Pile (TAP)In-Vessel Earth FlowCompoBoxGMT’s partnership with Compost Systems GmbH of Austria is now bringing the MBT process to municipal and industrial facilities across North America. MBT is an aerobic composting process to treat mixed municipal solid waste to aerobically compost the organics portion before the material is sorted into recyclable components. This dramatically reduces landfill volumes, eliminates methane greenhouse gas emissions from the material and enables sorting of the other recyclable contents.”Green Mountain Technologies is grateful for the many staff members and others who contributed to the design and development of our new website, especially Destiny Hollis of the The Pixel Pantry, our webmaster. Special thanks go out to Sam Krakur who developed our new illustrations, Marika Rundle our lead graphic designer and Gaelan Brown who led the site architecture and compiled the new content. #### What is Compost Curing? URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/what-is-compost-curing/ #### What is Mineralization in Compost? URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/what-is-mineralization-in-compost/ #### What Makes Cannabis Composting Unique? The rapid legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use in the U.S. raises questions about how to aerobically compost this waste effectively.  To understand this process we should first look at what makes composting this plant so unique. Cannabis as a Leafy Green First of all, we can notice that cannabis overall is a leafy green.  Therefore, cannabis composting is similar to composting other types of green waste. Cannabis leaf itself has a relatively low carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio (e.g., about 15:1).  However, by adding in fibrous stem waste, the C:N ratio is close to ideal for composting (e.g. about 30:1). Cannabis as a leafy green Major Parts of the Cannabis Plant Often Available for Composting Some common components of cannabis plant waste product include: Fan leaves. low in cannabinoids and therefore typically a waste product.  High nitrogen, low carbon. Sugar leaf/flower waste – the residuals from processing the female cannabis flowers.  These wastes may not be allowed to be composted in some states.  High nitrogen, low carbon. Stem – the fibrous support structures of the cannabis plant.  High carbon, low nitrogen Cannabis Fan Leaves Processed Cannabis Flower Residuals Grinding Cannabis Waste Since the grinding of all cannabis waste is often a requirement for state regulations, many aspiring composters of cannabis will need to contend with these grinding requirements. This is particularly a challenge for those generators who produce a small amount of cannabis waste on a daily basis.   Cannabis stems are perhaps the most challenging cannabis feedstock to grind. If the stems must be included in the compost mix, the grinding of stems is critical for effective composting.  The stems should be shredded to a fiber length of ideally 1” or less. Unshredded Cannabis Stems Shredded Cannabis Stem (using a Chipper/Shredder) Grinding Technologies Two of the most commonly available tools for grinding cannabis waste include: Chipper/shredders Slow-speed grinders Chipper/shredders are high-speed shredders that tend to throw chopped materials and generate loud noises while grinding.  These shredders are also tend to clog when shredding green or wet waste.  Therefore, these grinders typically are slow and laborious for cannabis waste.  However, for generators of small amounts of cannabis waste, this may be one of the few affordable types of shredders available. Typical Chipper/Shredder A more ideal grinding technology for cannabis is a slow-speed grinder.  These grinders excel at grinding of wet feedstocks and material that is difficult to shred such as fibrous stems. Plus the particle size is often smaller, which facilitates fast composting and creates a more attractive and consistent looking compost. The downside with slow-speed grinders is cost.  They tend to relatively expensive, compared to garden-style chipper/shredders. Slow-Speed Grinder Soil/Root Balls/Growing Media The remaining cannabis feedstocks often include root balls and growing media such as coir or peat moss.  These are all fine contributors to a compost recipe and represent a good source of carbon and porosity. Cannabis Root Stock and Soil Mix There are also often inorganic materials such as soil, vermiculite, and rock wool. These constituents do not biologically decompose and therefore do not directly contribute to a biological composting process but may contribute (or inhibit) porosity depending upon density, moisture content and particle size. The 50%-50% Rule Many state regulations for the disposal of cannabis waste require the cannabis to be mixed at least 50%-50% by volume with non-cannabis waste in order to render the cannabis waste unusable.  While this rule requires composters to source non-cannabis waste, these non-cannabis feedstocks may also help produce a balanced recipe. Common sources of carbon-rich bulking agent include: wood chips, leaves, chopped straw, horse manure and bedding, shredded cardboard.  Common sources of nitrogen-rich feedstocks include: shredded green-waste or  grass clippings. Our Compost Calculator Results for Cannabis Residuals The follow is a screenshot from GMT’s Compost Calculator software illustrating a typical starter compost recipe for cannabis waste by itself.  This recipe assumes a ratio of 3 parts fan leaves to 1 parts chopped stem by volume.  Compost Calculator Results for Cannabis Waste Only Next, we built at a starter recipe assuming a 50%-50% mix requirement with non-cannabis waste.  This recipe is: 3 parts fan leaf, 1 part shredded stem, 2 parts wood chip, 2 parts grass clippings. Overall, this is a 5:3 recipe by volume, 5 parts “greens” (cannabis leaves and grass clippings) to 3 parts “browns” (shredded stems or wood chip). Compost Calculator Results for a Sample Cannabis Recipe (assuming a 50%-50% non-cannabis mix) In conclusion, composting cannabis is not tremendously different than composting other types of green-waste.   However, state regulations for grinding and blending 50-50 with non-cannabis waste create challenges for the aspiring composter, particularly at a small-scale.  If you would like assistance your cannabis composting project, please contact us at sales@compostingtechnology.com. Read more about our cannabis composting clients here! Written by Van Calvez, System Designer, Engineer, Sales & Customer Service #### When Does Compost Curing End? URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/when-does-compost-curing-end/ #### Where to Take Temperature Readings in Your Compost Pile URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/where-to-take-temperature-readings-in-your-compost-pile/ #### Which is Better; Pipe At Grade or Sparger Aeration Floors? Check out Orion Black-Brown, Green Mountain Technologies mechanical engineers’ latest presentation at Virtual Compost 2021! In this video presentation, Orion explores the aeration design of an Oregon-based aerated static pile (ASP) composting facility, specifically seeking to answer the question: Which is better; pipe at grade or sparger aeration floors? Orion was one of a series of speakers chosen to present at this annual US Composting Council event! As a first time virtual conference experience, Green Mountain Technologies was very excited for the opportunity to exhibit, present, and learn more about the world’s latest composting initiatives!  Interested in seeing more wonderful speakers from Virtual Compost 2021? Visit their website here for more info!The composting fun is only getting started, join us next year! #### Why Choose ASP Over Windrow? In the US, windrow systems are the most popular form of industrial composting. And it’s no secret why. Windrows have relatively low start-up cost. In fact, for small to moderate sized compost operations, all you need is a front-end loader or a turner and a truck to start composting. And while windrow is a great way to start composting, it’s just that: a starting point. Whether you’re ready to scale up or maximize your efficiency, an aerated static pile (ASP) is the best choice when you’re looking to upgrade from a windrow. So, What is the difference between Windrow and ASP? As anyone who compost knows, nothing is more important than oxygen. So when we’re discussing the differences between windrow and ASP, it all comes down to how the compost gets its O2. With windrow systems, piles of compost are physically turned which means you have to pick the whole pile just to reoxygenate the pile. In an ASP system, the piles of compost are placed directly over an air source so all you have to do is turn on the blower. And that’s it! While this small change might not seem like a lot, it makes a big difference in how you compost. Why Should I Upgrade to ASP? While windrow works fine for many people, there are several ways that ASP has windrow beat. Faster Turnaround At its best, a windrow takes 90 days to create a finished product. However, many windrow systems take much longer than that. Some systems take as long as a year. In comparison, ASP’s are much faster. A properly managed ASP can create high-quality compost in as little as 45 days. Less Labor Windrow piles need to be turned at least every 3 days because they have such poor ventilation. Some ASP systems never need to be turned, while others only need to be turned every two weeks. So, while ASP may seem more expensive, it’s important to factor in the saved labor costs. Less Odor At Green Mountain Technologies, we hear the same complaint about windrows time and time again: THEY STINK! But isn’t that just the nature of the beast? After all, doesn’t all compost smells? Not necessarily. With an ASP, you can apply a finished layer of compost or wood chips over the pile. This can reduce odors by up to 90%. And stink free compost isn’t just good for you, it’s good for your neighbors. Because of the smell, many communities regulate windrows locations. However, ASP’s have far fewer restrictions. Less Space Needed Windrow systems need to be put out to pasture. Literally. They stink and take up large amounts of space, making them most suitable for isolated pastures and fields. With windrows, you are constantly turning and moving the piles. This means you need a lot more space to work with. Also, the height of the pile is restricted based on the type of equipment you have to turn it. ASP’s however, require 75% less space than most windrow operations. That’s a lot of saved space that can increase your composting production. Going From a Windrow to ASP System Transitioning from a windrow to ASP isn’t as daunting as it seems. In fact, many people start with a slow transition by starting with an ASP/windrow hybrid. With this solution, you simply add aeration in front of your existing windrow piles, cutting processing time in half. At Green Mountain Technologies, we’re big fans of upgrading to ASP systems. Each site is different, so there is no one right way for converting to ASP. That’s why we create a custom solution for each customer. If you’re interested in learning more about turning your Windrow into an ASP, give contact us at sales@compostingtechnology.com and one of our engineers will be more than happy to discuss the best composting solution for your site. #### Why is Compost Black? URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/why-is-compost-black/ #### Wikholm AS In-Vessel Composting Operator: Wikholm ASLocation: Wikholm, NorwayFeedstock: Green Waste, Food Waste, & Agricultural WasteCapacity: 150 T/yearYear Installed: 2016Project Components: Earth Flow IM 20 Biofilter Odor Control Client’s Requirements Stein Wikholm, owner of landscape design firm “Wikholm AS”, visited GMT’s Earth Flow installation in downtown Manhattan at Battery Park in 2015. Soon after his visit, he approached GMT in search of an in-vessel composting system that could be easily transported via sea freight to his offices in Norway. Wikholm wished to use the composter to process landscape waste from their business operations.Our Solution GMT proposed an EF-20 Intermodal Earth Flow to meet Wikholm’s needs. The intermodal vessel is a 20’ high-cube standard shipping container that can be easily transported by truck, train and sea freight. The Earth Flow composts food scraps in about three weeks with its high-performance mixing and aeration technologies. The Earth Flow incorporates multiple engineering controls to prevent pests and odors. These controls combine automated mixing, bulking agents, positive aeration and bio-filtration in GMT's award winning in-vessel system.Learn More About In-Vessel Systems ### Pages #### Aspen Hattabaugh meet our team Aspen HattabaughTechnical Project Consultantbiography Aspen is a Technical Project Consultant at Green Mountain Technologies, bringing 5+ years of compost operations expertise to compost design solutions. She holds an M.S. in Crop and Soil Science from the University of Georgia, where her research revolved around what else but compost. A previous Master Gardener, she’s currently working on a  Certificate in Native Plants so she can spout even more fun plant and soil trivia. Outside the compost site, you’ll find her traveling anywhere and everywhere for music (the furthest being Bulgaria), relentlessly hoping this year is the year she actually gets to ski again, practicing yoga, trail running around Chattanooga, avidly participating in the 7th Inning Stretch at her local baseball stadium (go Lookouts!), and spending every other minute with her rescue dog, Aardvark. Fun Fact: Aspen is working on visiting all MLB stadiums and is at 14 out of 30! #### Betsy La Force meet our team Betsy la forceSales & Business Developmentbiography Betsy La Force is a Sales & Business Development Manager for GMT. She has nearly a decade of compost industry experience from the realms of hauling, environmental advocacy, and project management. She has testified at many public hearings on the topic of composting over the years, including at the Charleston South Carolina County Council and she was interviewed in the Public Concern podcast.  Betsy is a longtime compost enthusiast, passionate home gardener and author of various articles on the topic including at the The Post & Courier newspaper. A native of South Carolina, she is a graduate of the College of Charleston, Betsy has since earned relevant certifications in Permaculture Design from the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center in California, Master Naturalist training from Clemson University, and & Climate Leadership training from the Al Gore Climate Reality Project. She has also completed the 2024 Compost Operator Training certification with the US Composting Council.  Outside of work, you can find Betsy at the beach, doing yoga, or riding her bike to the farmers market and local breweries. Her favorite compost recipe is a 2:1 C:N ratio using bagged leaves at the curb and/or wood chips from local tree care companies layered with kitchen food scraps in her backyard pile. #### Blog URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/blog/ #### Cameron Snow meet our team cameron snowEngineerbiography Cameron is an Engineer at GMT managing the technical elements of the Earth Flow product line and provides storm water and CAD design for ASP systems. Cameron graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering. At GMT Cameron works designing, constructing and commissioning the Earth Flow and supporting design for the ASP systems. Prior to joining GMT, Cameron worked in conservation with Northwest Watershed Institute and at the UI Industrial Assessment Center. Outside of work Cameron spends his time with family, enjoying the outdoors, and rooting for the Hawks! #### Cart [woocommerce_cart] #### Case Studies case studies Facilities around the world, designed by operators for operators Our award-winning team has provided equipment, engineering, and design services to hundreds of facilities around the world. Use the filters below to sort through examples of these systems.Filters: (reset filters)System TypeAerated Static PileCompoBox TunnelsComptainer™ CCSEarth Flow™Turned Aerated PileFeedstockAgricultural WasteBiosolidsFood WasteGreen WasteMunicipal Solid WasteFacility Size0 - 500 T/year500 - 5,000 T/year5,000 - 60,000 T/year60,000+ T/yearIndustryCommercial & MunicipalCommunity CompostingCorrectional FacilitiesEquestrian & AgriculturalFirst NationsHemp & CannabisMilitary CompostingResort & HospitalitySchool & UniversityAllwood RecyclersTroutdale, ORAnnen BrosMt. Angel, ORArchway EquestrianWoodinville, WAArlington CountyArlington County, VABeaufort CountyBeaufort, SCBillings Public WorksBillings, MTBlack Earth GrotonGroton, MABlack Earth Manchester by The SeaManchester by the SeaBloedel ReserveBainbridge Island, WABlu Sky FarmsOcala, FLBoost OrganicsAbbotsford, BCBoulder County ColoradoBoulder County, COBrady TruckingShelton, WABridlewood EstatesSanta Ynez, CACariboo Regional DistrictWilliams Lake, BC CanadaChasing the Muse FarmSonoma Country, CAChinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, ChinaCity of PhoenixPhoenix, AZColorado State UniversityFort Collins, COCompost ColoradoDenver, COCompost Systems AustriaAltenburg, AustriaCowlitz Valley CompostLongview, WACreekside SoilsHutchinson, MNCrop CircleSacramento, CADirt HuggerDallesport, WAElwoz Eco Poland MBTChlewnica, PolandENSO SolutionsOklahoma City, OKEnvirosmartDelta, BCFilthy Organics Broward County, FLFlying Change FarmsLoomis, CAFort LeavenworthFort Leavenworth, MOFull Circle SolutionsWaimānalo, HawaiiFull Cycle BioplasticsMountain View, CAGrand Portage TrustGrand Portage, MNGreenacres FoundationCincinnati, OHGrimm’s FuelTualatin, ORGrupo PuntacanaDominican RepublicGustavus Adolphus CollegeSt. Peter, MNHeadwaters ResortGlenorchy, NZHeiltsuk NationBella Bella, B.C. CanadaHeyday FarmBainbridge Island, WAIOS RanchBainbridge Island, WAIsland WoodBainbridge Island, WAKa Waihona O Ka Na’auao Public Charter SchoolO’ahu, HIKalaupapa National Historical ParkMoloka’i, HIKids Food BasketGrand Rapids, MIKing County LOOPRenton, WAKnik TribePalmer, AKKok Fah Technology FarmSingaporeKōkua Hawaiʻi FoundationHawaiiKootenai NationBonners Ferry, IDLafayette CollegeEaston, PALeilehua High SchoolO’ahu, HILittle Bit Therapeutic Riding CenterRedmond, WALog NorwayBergen, NorwayLos Alamos LaboratoryLos Alamos, NMMiami NationMiami, OklahomaMililani High School O’ahu, HIMumbai KanjurMumbai, IndiaNecker IslandNecker Island, BVI, CaribbeanNew AiyanshNew Aiyansh, B.C. CanadaNew Organic SolutionsAppleton, WIOld MassettOld Massett, B.C. CanadaOlympic OrganicsKingston, WAPrince Edward IslandBrookfield, PEIRecology AumsvilleAumsville, ORRecology Blossom ValleyVernalis, CARecology North PlainsNorth Plains, ORRecology Ostrom OrganicsVernalis, CARegional District of Similkameen (RDOS)Oliver, BCRemington FarmDuvall, WARhode Island Investment FirmSmithfield, RIRon LeFore Apple FarmMilton-Freewater, ORRutgers UniversityNew Brunswick, NJSalinas ValleySalinas, CAShenandoah National ParkLuray, VASkidegateSkidegate, B.C. CanadaSolid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)Franklin County, OHSpokane TribeWellpinit, WAStickland FarmsRed Deer, AlbertaThe Food Bank DaytonDayton, OHTimber Creek Recycling NampaNampa, IDTraverse CityTraverse City, MITripoli PeloponneseTripoli, GreeceUniversity of DaytonDayton, OHUniversity of IdahoMoscow, IDUniversity of KentuckyLexington, KYUniversity of MaineOrono, MEUniversity of South FloridaTampa, FLUniversity of Southern MississippiHattiesburg, MSUniversity of WisconsinGreen Bay, WIUtah State UniversityLogan, UTVirginia Corrections DeptWhite Post, VAVision RecyclingLivermore, CAWashington State UniversityPullman, WAWikholm ASWikholm, Norway #### Checkout [woocommerce_checkout] #### Clover meet our team CloverPug-in-Residencebiography Clover provides inspiration, compost testing services, and compostable material.  Clover also specializes in relaxation and snoring. #### Compost Facility Design Info Commercial Composting Solutions Optimization is Our Specialty We provide commercial composting solutions and compost facility designs that maximize space and operating efficiency, with technology and equipment that maximizes throughput and minimizes odors.30+ years designing innovative composting facilities Municipal, agricultural, and commercial composting facilities of all sizes Systems that pay for themselves through operating efficiency Ready to Learn More? Contact Us! Facility Types Aerated Static Pile (ASP)Turned Aerated Pile (TAP)Earth Flow + Secondary ASPEarth FlowTunnel SystemsPipe on Grade ASPSparger Aerated Static Pile (ASP)Request a ConsultationAerated Static Piles (ASP) Odor Control Capacity Process Time 2,000+ T/year60+ DaysOdor Control Capacity 2,000+ T/yearProcessing Time 60+ DaysAerated Static Pile composting is a simple and efficient way to compost challenging feedstocks like food waste, biosolids, and manures. Well-designed aerated composting systems manage the oxygen and temperature levels in the piles to speed up the process while reducing material handling costs and controlling odors. We offer a variety of ASP systems for the full spectrum of composting facilities and budgets.Learn More About ASPTurned Aerated Pile (TAP) Odor Control Capacity Process Time 2,000+ T/year45+ DaysTurned Aerated Piles (TAP) are the fastest way to achieve large scale composting. Advanced aeration combined with specialized turning equipment increases material handling speeds by roughly 10 times and homogenizes material, resulting in a faster more efficient process.Odor Control Capacity 10,000+ T/yearProcessing Time 45+ DaysLearn More About TAPTunnel System Odor Control Capacity Process Time 2,000+ T/year60+ DaysThe CompoBox™ Tunnel System is a completely enclosed Aerated Static Pile composting system, with all emissions captured and treated in a biofilter or geomembrane cover. Automated irrigation and hydraulic doors simplify operations and speed up the composting process.Odor Control Capacity 2,000+ T/yearProcessing Time 60+ DaysLearn More About TunnelsEarth Flow Odor Control Capacity Process Time 50 - 5,000 T/year45+ DaysOdor Control Capacity 50 - 5,000 T/yearProcessing Time 45+ DaysThe Earth Flow™ composting system is an award-winning automated compost mixing and aeration system built into a 20ft or 40ft shipping container or a larger site built vessel, proven for over 15 years to be effective, long-lasting, and easy to operate.Learn More About Site Built Earth FlowMechanical Biological Treatment Odor Control Capacity Process Time 2,000+ T/year30+ DaysOdor Control Capacity 2,000+ T/yearProcessing Time 30+ DaysAs landfills fill up and become increasingly difficult to permit, many facilities throughout the United States are following in the footsteps of Europe, turning to Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) to recycle and reduce landfill use by as much as 80%.Learn More About MBT ProcessingFacility Design Case Studies Dirt Hugger City of Phoenix Salinas Valley All Case Studies"I first met Jeff around 1992, when my agency assigned me to find out why a major composting operation in our jurisdiction was creating odors that could be smelled 11 miles away. At that time Jeff was the manager of the LRI facility in Gig Harbor, WA. Jeff took me under his wing and taught me the basics of composting, and how to do it odor free. As the last two decades have gone by, Jeff became the go-to guy in the State of Washington, whenever I needed to learn something about composting not yet covered in the literature. My agency has never had to write a nuisance ticket on ANY of the facilities he was involved with. Lenz Composting, the composting factory at LRI Puyallup, and LRI Gig Harbor facility all have clean records with us. If you have two dozen suddenly deceased cattle to compost, (all in one pile), there is no one else I would trust to do the job. A couple of winters ago Jeff did just that at Lenz Composting, ODOR FREE! I’ve seen it, I’ve smelt it, and my agency has pictures to prove it.” - Claude Williams, PE; Puget Sounds Clean Air Agency, Seattle WA, psclearair.orgRequest a Consultation #### Composting Digestate from Anaerobic Digester Facilities Commercial & municipal composting Challenges of Digestate Composting Composting the digestate from anaerobic digester (AD) facilities involves similar challenges as biosolids and commercial composting facilities: facilities need to operate efficiently and produce valuable pathogen-free compost products while managing environmental factors such as stormwater, leachate and odors. GMT’s partnership with Compost Systems GmbH of Austria brings decades of experience and many successful integrations of industrial composting facility design at AD facilities, combined with GMT’s experience designing and equipping many of the largest industrial composting facilities in N. America.  Composting the digestate outputs of AD facilities presents a compelling economic and environmental opportunity. Most AD facilities in N. America do not generate significant income from the sale of the digestate materials coming out of their AD process. In many cases, disposal of digestate is a cost factor for AD facilities.  Digestate is typically a heavy liquid material that cannot be economically transported to farms for field application, and the material has low value in terms of a soil amendment. In some cases digestate is piped to sewage plants for pathogen-treatment before it ends up in our waterways, wasting valuable nutrients and causing potential nutrient-loading harm to watershed ecosystems. Some states, such as Texas, have outlawed the spreading of untreated AD digestate on farm fields.  Digestate does contain valuable but unstable nutrients that when processed in an aerobic composting facility can produce compost products with high market value.  Another compelling reason for AD facilities to co-locate composting infrastructure on-site is this enables them to accept compostable packaging and biodegradable plastics. These materials cannot be effectively processed via anaerobic digestion, however many AD facilities are processing large volumes of food waste that often come co-mingled with compostable packaging and flatware.  For more information about how anaerobic digester facilities can best integrate composting read this White Paper in Waste Advantage Magazine. This white paper explains in detail how co-location of aerobic composting infrastructure at AD facilities offers significant operational efficiencies and compelling economic and environmental upside. While composting of digestate has become a standard practice in Europe and other markets, in N. America the majority of AD facilities are not yet composting the digestate outputs.Stormwater Management With PFAS and groundwater concerns on the rise, it has become more pertinent to ensure contaminated runoff is contained and properly treated. Our reliable and cost-effective solutions ensure that all contact water is controlled and either treated prior to discharge, or reused in the composting process.Pathogen Destruction GMT’s deep understanding of aeration requirements, compost recipes, and temperature monitoring ensures outstanding pathogen destruction, with automated temperature tracking in exportable csv files.Odor Management The number one reason for facility closure is odor violations. We’re proud to report that none of our clients have been shut down due to odors. Our systems allow you to operate even in the most densely populated regions.Permitting and Public Relations Commercial and municipal composting facilities require extensive permitting. Through decades of experience, we have learned how to work with regulators to permit facilities that protect both the environment and objectives of our clients.Our Solutions We provide composting technology, facility design and consulting services to hundreds of commercial and municipal composting facilities of all sizes around the world. Comprehensive planning and operational consulting are core to every project.Solutions Comparison Chart Odor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapexTurned Aerated Pile (TAP)Aerated Static Pile (ASP)Aerated Static Pile (ASP) + GeomembraneTunnel SystemSolutions Comparison Chart Turned Aerated Pile (TAP)Odor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapexAerated Static Pile (ASP)Odor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapexAerated Static Pile (ASP) + GeomembraneOdor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapexTunnel SystemsOdor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapex1. Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) The Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) process is the fastest way to make compost on a large scale. A six acre TAP site with two equipment operators can process over 300 tons per day (100,000 tons per year) from the initial grinding process to the final loadout making this the most streamlined and profitable system available today.LowOpexSmallFootprintHigh QualityCompost3+ WeekActive ProcessLearn More About TAP Composting2. Aerated Static Pile (ASP) ASP composting eliminates the need for mechanical turning of the material, while speeding up the composting process to just 30 days, plus 4-8 weeks curing time (compared to 6+ months with turned windrow composting). Our ASP systems can reduce footprint and material handling costs by as much as 75% when compared to windrow composting.LowOpexWebMACsControlsLow Handling Costs4+ WeekActive ProcessLearn More About ASP Systems3. Aerated Static Pile (ASP) + Compost Covers ASP technology combined with our PFAS-free geomembrane covers can eliminate 90%+ emissions and VOC’s from the composting process. Our Fleece cover systems offer less odor control than geomembrane covers but are much less expensive and offer higher breathability for the increased volume of moisture loss desired when composting AD digestate.MediumFootprintHighOpexLowOdor6+ WeekActive ProcessLearn More About Compost Covers4. Tunnel Composting System The CompoBox Tunnel System is the most cost effective in-vessel composting system on the market. Each CompoBox is enclosed within a hoop house and accessed through hydraulic load doors. Once filled the CompoBox tunnel system processes the feedstocks in positive, negative or reversing aeration capturing and treating all exhaust air.LowOpexFullyEnclosedMinimalOdor4+ WeekActive ProcessLearn More About Tunnel SystemsRelated Projects Tripoli AD-Composting Facility Composting the Outputs of Anaerobic Digesters Recology Blossom Valley ASP Learn More About Digestate Composting Contact Us“Phoenix has authored one of the most remarkable sustainability turnaround stories in the country, and our new composting facility starts an important new chapter. This award is a testament to our partners and their commitment to make Phoenix one of the most sustainable and resilient cities in the world.” Greg Stanton, Mayor, City of PhoenixContact Us #### Contact Us contact us Our team is available Mon-Fri from 9-5 PST Complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!Contact us by phone at 1-206-319-7102 during business hours, or complete the form below. Please note: when you call our headquarters, we will ask the same questions that are on the inquiry form in order to determine how we can best help you. The inquiry form below is your fastest path to a solution to your particular situation.Email Us Stay in Touch, Follow Us on Social The Dirt Join The Dirt, our monthly newsletter packed with compost facts, giveaways, client spotlights, industry news, and more! #### Cut Sheets Cut sheets Facility Design Aerated Static PilePre-Engineered Aerated Static PileRadial Static PileTurned Aerated Static PileMechanical Biological Treatmentin-vessel systems Intermodal Earth FlowSite Built Earth FlowContainerized Compost SystemCompoBox Tunnelsasp equipment Aeration ControlsAeration ComponentsTemperature ProbesOxygen ProbesTURNERS & COVERS Side Discharge TurnersTow Behind TurnersCoversNeed Help With Something Else? Contact Us #### Dirt Hugger dirt hugger case study TAP Composting Operator: Dirt HuggerLocation: Dallesport, WAFeedstock: Green/Food WasteCapacity: 60,000 T/yearYear Installed: 2015Project Components: Facility Design Aeration Controls Probes Aeration Components Facility Overview VideoDirt Hugger Aeration Pad ConstructionDirt Hugger Facility AerialClient’s Requirements Dirt hugger was looking to upgrade their existing pipe on grade operation to a below grade aeration system capable of handling a diversity of feedstocks, on a small footprint, and “bootstrap budget.”Our Solution GMT provided the design expertise and controls equipment while Dirt Huggers performed the CAD work, construction management, and general contracting. The result was a Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) mass bed pad handling 60,000 tons of Source Separated Organics and countless gallons of liquid waste at an extremely affordable price.Learn More About TAP Systems“Green Mountain Technologies offers simple, cost effective solutions that are practical to implement. They’re really there to work with you and make a solution that fits with your site and your process and your feedstocks. They bring a ton of experience to the table, and that balance of cost versus technology…really finding the sweet spot that worked for us and our site.” - Pierce Lewis, Co-Founder of Dirthugger TAP Composting Facility, Dallesport WAContact Us #### Financing & Grants GRANTS & FINANCING US Federal Grants US Grants Database USDA Invests Approximately $11.5 Million USDA Composting Cooperative Agreements USDA CFWR Pilot Project Funding USDA Solid Waste Mgmt Grants by State EPA Grants for Food System Sustainability EPA SWIFR Program USDA SARE Grants US State & Municipal Grants Alaska Grants Arizona DEQ Grants CalRecycle Grants & Financing Colorado State Grants Connecticut Waste Management Grants Georgia Grants Hawaii Grants Illinois Composting Grants Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grants Maryland Animal Waste Technology Fund Maryland School Waste Reduction and Composting Program Massachusetts DEP Grants & Loans Massachusetts Dept of Ag Composting Improvement Grants Massachusetts Government Grants Michigan Organics Infrastructure Grants Missouri Grants Nevada Grants New Hampshire Composting Grants New Jersey DEP Incentive Program New Mexico Grants New York State Grants North Carolina Grants Ohio EPA Grants Oregon Materials Management Grants Program Oregon Metro Investment & Innovation Grants Pennsylvania DEP Grants South Carolina Grants Tennessee Organics Management Grants Texas Regional Solid Waste Grants Vermont Compost Capacity Grants Virginia DEQ Grants Washington State NextCycle Accelerator Canadian Federal and Provincial Grants Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Program (CETAC) Circular Economy Grant Program in Canada Community Interaction Program Environment & Climate Change Canada Funding Programs Environmental Technology Verification Food Waste Prevention and Diversion: Research and Capacity Building Fund Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative Green Municipal Fund - Federation of Canadian Municipalities Indigenous-led Natural Climate Solutions Industry Canada - Financing Industry Canada - Waste Treatment and Disposal Directory Infrastructure Canada Lake Winnipeg Basin Program Low Carbon Economy Fund Sustainable Development Technology Canada Debt & Equity Financing Ascentium Capital Closed Loop Partners Newlane Finance Northland Finance NGO Financing Support 1% for the Planet 47 Organizations Fighting Food Waste Institute for Local Self Reliance Composting Grants Kiss the Ground ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund United Nations Environment Program Grants Looking for Something Specific? We’re Here to Help! Contact Us #### First Nations Composting First Nations Composting Challenges of Composting at First Nations Communities Many First Nations communities are located in remote regions that do not have regional access to composting infrastructure. Many tribal communities in North America are also faced with challenging conditions including severe winters, desert conditions, wildlife and other factors that make composting difficult.Food sovereignty and local self-reliance in agriculture are usually top priorities in First Nations communities, making compost an important factor in expanding waste management and agriculture practices. As stewards of the land for current and future generations, many tribal communities are focusing on composting as a key strategy for economic and environmental sustainability.Construction Cost We love working with First Nations communities who are focused on sustainability in the short term and in the long term. For communities that need to expand their composting infrastructure on a tight budget, we offer economical solutions and hands-on support, allowing communities to get composting infrastructure in place that meets their needs and budgets.Pathogen Destruction GMT’s decades of experience and knowledge about compost aeration requirements, compost recipes, and temperature monitoring ensures outstanding pathogen destruction, with automated temperature tracking in exportable CSV files.Labor Costs Fortunately, composting doesn't need to be complicated. Many of our solutions require minimal effort beyond what communities were previously doing for disposal of compostable waste streams.Compost Quality Any community that prioritizes food sovereignty needs high quality compost that will actually result in improved agricultural production levels. Composting isn’t just about avoiding the economic and environmental costs of disposal of compostable waste streams. In First Nations communities, the quality of the compost produced is a key factor in their agricultural success. GMT’s solutions and decades of experience offers tribal communities proven ways to produce high quality compost.Our Solutions We provide facility design and consulting services to First Nations and tribal communities for composting facilities of all types and sizes. For large composting facilities needing space efficiency, we offer a variety of Aerated Static Pile (ASP) systems with outstanding process control with minimal material handling costs. We also offer tractor-pulled windrow turners for on-farm composting when time and space constraints do not justify an ASP system. For smaller composting facilities in remote or challenging environments, an Earth Flow composting system is often an ideal solution.Solutions Comparison Chart Odor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapexAerated Static Pile (ASP)Turned Windrow CompostingEarth Flow CompostingSolutions Comparison Chart Aerated Static Pile (ASP)Odor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapexTurned Windrow CompostingOdor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapexEarth Flow CompostingOdor ControlProcessing SpeedOpexCapex1. Aerated Static Pile (ASP) ASP composting eliminates the need for mechanical turning of the material, while speeding up the composting process to just 30 days, plus 4-8 weeks curing time (compared to 6+ months with turned windrow composting). Our ASP systems can reduce footprint and material handling costs by as much as 75% when compared to windrow composting.LowOpexWebMACsControlsLow Handling Costs4+ WeekActive ProcessLearn More About ASP Systems2. Turned Windrow Composting Using a tow-behind windrow turner is one of the least capital intensive ways to make compost. It allows you to leverage existing tractors to turn your compost effectively and efficiently, turning once per week for 3 months, and once or twice a month for the subsequent 2 months. While fuel and labor intensive, this approach can make sense if you are not concerned about odors, footprint or processing speed.LowCapexHighOpexLargeFootprint12+ Week Active ProcessLearn More About Windrow Turners3. Earth Flow™ Composting The Earth Flow system makes composting fast and easy, with a process time of just two to three weeks to produce ready-to-cure compost with minimal labor. The composting system is completely enclosed giving excellent control over odors and stormwater while being immune to interference by wildlife, making it a great solution for those in challenging climates and remote regions.LowOpexFullyEnclosedMinimalOdor2+ WeekActive ProcessLearn More About Earth Flow CompostingRelated Projects Old Massett Earth Flow Facility Heiltsuk Nation Earth Flow Facility Miami Nation Earth Flow Facility Learn More About First Nations Composting Solutions Contact UsGene Larsen, the Earth Flow operator at Bella Bella in Heiltsuk Nation, British Columbia, Canada, reports a streamlined and efficient composting process compared to the previous system. When asked about the Earth Flow composter, Gene said he was “very happy with it - it is more streamlined and efficient.”Contact Us #### GMT in the News gmt in the news 2026 Beaufort County Turning Scraps Into Soil - August 2026 South Carolina County Turns Food Scraps Into Soil, Eyes $1 Million in Tax Payer Savings - August 2026 Composting Initiative to Reduce Food Waste and Support Urban Agriculture in St. Petersburg - July 2026 Planning a On-Site Compost Facility - June 2026 SWACO and City of Columbus Open Food Waste Facility - April 2026 Class II Composting Facility Opens in Central Ohio - April 2026 Albuquerque’s Composting Capacity Expands - April 2026 Green Mountain Technologies Joins 1% for the Planet - April 2026 Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Deepens Community Impact with In-Vessel Composting - April 2026 Lautenbach Recycling Expands in Bellingham with New Regional Recycling Facility - PR Newswire - April 2026 "We're Creating Life" - The Columbian - April 2026 Kitsap Business - March 2026 Issue Florida Equestrian Directory - March 2026 Operator-Driven Approach to Commercial Composting - Environmental Business Review - 2026 2025 Earth Flow Composting in the Dominican Republic - The Composter Podcast - December 2025 Creekside Soils Show How Industrial Recycling Could Look in Rural Communities - November 2025 Organics Recycler Grows in Idaho - November 2025 Programs Pioneering Food Waste Collection Across the US - October 2025 Around the Industry Q&A with GMT’s Gaelan Brown - October 2025 Green Mountain Technologies Wins Bid for New ASP Composting Facility for Gallatin County Montana - September 2025 Ocala, Florida Equestrian Facility Installs New Composting System, August, 2025 Grupo Puntacana Resort Scales Up Composting in Dominican Republic, July 2025 Denver’s First Urban Food Waste Composting Facility, Powered by Two Earth Flow Composters from GMT, July 2025 Grupo Puntacana Launches Large Scale Organic Composting System - Dominican Today, May 2025 Grupo Puntacana Inicia Operaciones de Compostaje a Gran Escala Para Residuos Orgánicos - El Dinero News, May 2025 Minnesota City Commissions Composting System - Waste Today, February 2025 Traverse City Composting System Praised by Neighbors - Waste Advantage, May 2025 New Biosolids Composting Facility Billings Montana - February 2025 Hutchinson MN Commissions New Municipal Composting Facility - February 2025 GMT Client Black Earth Compost “Composting atop Closed Landfill” - February 2025 A Tale of Two Cities - January 2025 Passing the Food Scraps Collection Torch - January 2025 GMT Client Dayton Foodbank wins USCC Small Facility of the year Award - January 2025 2024 New Food Waste Composter Approved for Williams Lake December 2024 Flying Change Farms To Begin Composting with Earth Flow - November 2024 Billings, MT Commissions Engineered Composting Facility To Reduce Landfill Volumes - November 2024 Traverse City Launches Compost and Waste Reduction Pilot Project - September 2024 Traverse City Tries a New Way to Compost - September 2024 Traverse City Launches Compost Pilot, September 2024 "Holden Village, WA and Their New In-Vessel Composting System from GMT" - Wentache World Newspaper, August 2024 "Remote Mountain Village Recycles 100% of Food Waste," - Waste Advantage Magazine, August 2024 "Glamour View Farm in Maryland Gets an Earth Flow Composter” - Maryland Dept. of Agriculture, August 2024 "How Composting Food Waste Can Ensure Healthy, Absorbent Soil That Reduces Flooding" - The Post & Courier, July 2024 “Upgrading Mulch Facility to Accept Food Waste Streams” - BioCycle, May 2024 “COMPOnews 2024, From Carbon to Nitrogen” - Compost Systems GmbH, April 2024 “Mechanical Biological Treatment: A Solution for America’s Landfill Challenges” - Waste Advantage Magazine, April 2024 “All of Lafayette’s Food Waste Is Heading Here, Then on to the Campus Farm” - Lehigh Valley News, March 2024 2023 Lafayette College Has a New, $150K Commercial Composter, November 2023 Trucking Firm Turns Food Waste Into Compost at its Shelton Mulch Plant, November 2023 Washington Trucking Company Opens Composting Facility, October 2023 Brady Trucking Opens New Food Waste Composting Facility in Shelton, WA, October 2023 Trucking Firm Seizes Compost Business Opportunity, October 2023 Washington Trucking Company Opens New Food Waste Composting Facility, October 2023 BI Business Develops Composting System, October 2023 Beyond Wasted Food, Ohio Organics Council, September, 2023 Foodbank’s Composting Program Creates Food from Food, September 2023 Regenerative Farming Organization Goes In-Vessel For Composting, September 2023 Composting System Returns to Dining Halls, September 2023 Recology Ostrom Organics Receives Organics Management 2023 Facility of the Year Award, August 2023 Rutgers University’s EcoComplex Receives Earth Flow Composting System, June 2023 University Starts Up Food Waste Composter, June 2023 Breaking Down Compost with Earth Flow, April 2023 This Neighborhood Wants to Compost Your Dog Poop, April 2023 Rutgers EcoComplex Improves Campus Sustainability With Earth Flow™ Automatic Composting System, April 2023 Community Composters Grow Into A Movement, March 2023 Composting Council Annual Awards, February 2023 BI Compost Firm Allies with Austrian Business, January 2023 2021 One of the Dirtiest Jobs in San Francisco is Dealing with Food Waste, September 2021 Grinding and Composting Cannabis Wastes, June 2021 A Primer on Composting Cannabis Residuals, June 2021 Wasted Food Solutions in Southwest Ohio, March 2021 California Solid Waste Authority’s SB 1383 Compliance Blueprint, March 2021 2020 Composting Duo Hits Its Stride, December 2020 Composting Cannabis Waste at Production Facility, November 2020 Dirt Hugger Wins Recycler of the Year Award, November 2020 Composting Closes the Loop at Food Bank, September 2020 Learn More About Green Mountain Technologies About Us #### Home commercial composting solutions Our Mission Our mission is to help organizations around the world realize the economic and environmental gains that can be achieved by a well-designed composting system.Family owned and operated since 1992 Committed to a lifetime of customer success Cutting edge technology and services Get in TouchComposting Systems Customized For You Earth Flow IntermodalLearn MoreTurned Aerated PileLearn MoreEarth Flow Site-BuiltLearn MoreAerated Static PileLearn MoreAeration ComponentsLearn MoreTunnel SystemsLearn More10% of our profits go back to the composting community!GMT Compost Facilitiesaround the world30+Years Composting2.5M+T/Year installed capacity1.1M+T/year Diverted CO2400+composting facilitiesClient Spotlight Rutgers University In-Vessel Facility Brady Trucking cASP Facility City of Phoenix TAP Facility All Case StudiesGMT in the News Green Mountain Technologies Joins 1% for the Planet - April 2026 Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Deepens Community Impact with In-Vessel Composting - April 2026 Class II Composting Facility Opens in Central Ohio - April 2026 “I haven’t taken a moment to thank you and your team for all of the diligent work you all put in for helping us get our vessel back on track. I truly appreciate your groups ability to problem solve, stay calm, assist us in staying calm, and providing solutions. In a fast paced world that is very impersonal at times, you all are reminders that (some) people still care!” - Enso SolutionsContact Us #### Industries industries Learn Which Solution Is Best For You With hundreds of facilities around the globe, we have solutions catered to your industry.Over the past 30 years we have helped clients in nearly every sector of the organics industry. While each site presents its own constraints (proximity of neighbors, local regulations, etc...) there are certain trends that are industry-specific. This section explores these challenges, suggesting a few common solutions from Green Mountain Technologies to addressing each of them.Biosolids Composting is a great way to transform biosolids (human sewage) into a class A compost product that can be sold. GMT has developed a suite of products that manage stormwater, mitigate odors, and create high quality pathogen free compost from biosolids. CompoBox™ tunnels for ease of permitting and excellent emissions control Earth Flow™ and CompTainer™ for small facilities looking for plug and play ASP systems for low Capex and Opex Learn MoreCommercial & Municipal Municipalities and commercial composting facilities around the world use GMT’s composting systems to process organic residuals in a responsible and efficient way, with minimal odors and maximum efficiency. TAP systems for finished product quality and footprint reduction ASP systems for minimal operating costs CompoBox™ tunnels for 90%+ odor and emissions control Learn MoreAnaerobic Digestate Composting Composting the digestate outputs of AD facilities presents a compelling economic and environmental opportunity. Most AD facilities in N. America do not generate significant income from the sale of the digestate materials coming out of their AD process. In many cases, disposal of digestate is a cost factor for AD facilities. GMT’s partnership with Compost Systems GmbH of Austria brings decades of experience and many successful integrations of industrial composting facility design at AD facilities, combined with GMT’s experience designing many of the largest industrial composting facilities in N. America. As has been proven in Europe, low value digestate can be converted into high value compost products while improving the overall economic and environmental impact of AD facilities. TAP systems for finished product quality and footprint reduction ASP systems for minimal operating costs CompoBox tunnels for 90%+ odor and emissions control Learn MoreCommunity Composting A composting system can give community organizations a solid foundation to build sustainable local food systems and create social impact. The Earth Flow in particular offers community organizations a practical and easy way to build new layers of community engagement and local food self reliance.  Earth Flow™ for urban composters and educators ASP for larger communities with sites distanced from neighbors CompTainer™ for those that need a mobile solution Learn MoreCorrectional Facilities GMT has decades of experience providing composting solutions to correctional facilities.  Eliminating the disposal costs of food waste creates significant savings and job training for inmates. With food waste disposal costs at prisons three times over the national average, composting is a no-brainer. Earth Flow™ systems for rapid odor-free automated processing ASP for facilities processing over 5,000 tons per year. CompoBox™ for large facilities that need odor control Learn MoreEquestrian Disposal of horse manure can be costly, and turned windrow composting can be odorous and time-consuming. GMT has been providing advanced solutions for equestrian facilities for many years.  Earth Flow™ systems for rapid odor-free automated processing Pre-engineered ASP systems for simple cost-effective processing Tow behind turners for those with tractors and lots of land Learn MoreFarm & Agriculture On-farm composting of manure, food waste and other farm residuals boosts crop productivity and improves the bottom line. With the rising cost of fertilizer farmers are choosing composting to improve soil nitrogen uptake, microbial activity and water retention. ASP’s for minimal operating costs Tractor pulled windrow turners for low entry cost Earth flow™ for high quality compost and automation Learn MoreHemp & Cannabis Cannabis waste disposal is often strictly regulated, expensive, and time-consuming. GMT has proven we can simplify this process and meet cannabis seed destruction and mixing requirements. Earth Flow™ proven automated solution ASP for large scale processor Tow behind windrow turners for those with less regulations Learn MoreMilitary GMT provides military bases with the tools to implement high performance on-site composting while controlling odor and pests.  Earth Flow™ for automation and odor control CompoBox™ tunnels for large facilities requiring excellent odor control Comptainer™ for those requiring solutions that are mobile Learn MoreResort & Hospitality Resorts and recreational areas are often located in pristine remote locations, where off-site composting is very expensive or not feasible. On site In-Vessel composting systems are an ideal way to eliminate disposal costs and convert food and landscaping waste, along with compostable bioplastics and paper, into valuable compost.   Earth flow™ for plug and play solution ASP for facilities processing more then 5,000 TPY  CompoBox™ Tunnels for large facilities requiring excellent odor control Learn MoreSchool & University Each year, US colleges throw away an estimated 22 million pounds of food. That’s millions of dollars spent on hauling away valuable soil-building resources, money and nutrients that would be better kept on campus growing educated students and healthy plants. Fortunately, more and more campuses are choosing to close their ecological loop by bringing composting on campus. Earth Flow™ for low operating cost and odor control ASP for schools processing large amounts of waste Tow behind turners for agricultural programs Learn MoreFirst Nations Composting A composting system can give First Nations Communities a key foundation to build sustainable local food systems, reduce disposal costs and create long term social and environmental impact. The Earth Flow in vessel composting system has become a popular tool for tribal communities as a practical and easy way to create compost in challenging environments with limited infrastructure. Earth Flow challenging climates or remote communities ASP composting systems for larger communities handling more than 1000 tons per year of compostable material Turned windrow equipment for communities with available open space and existing tractors available. Learn MoreLearn MoreLearn More About Industries That Compost Contact UsGMT Compost Facilities and Products are located all throughout the world. #### James Hoffer meet our team James HofferComposting Soilutionistbiography James serves as a Composting Soilutionist at Green Mountain Technologies, where his primary responsibilities include developing composting infrastructure and supporting Earth Flow operators. He possesses extensive professional experience across urban agriculture, construction, community development, and finance, complemented by a lifelong dedication to composting and horticulture. He holds degrees in Organizational Leadership and Youth & Community Engagement from Wright State University, in addition to multiple professional certifications, including Master Gardener and Master Recycler. Over the past decade, James directed the conceptualization, design, construction, and management of an urban agriculture and food waste composting facility for The Foodbank, Inc., a Feeding America affiliate located in Dayton, Ohio. This tenure included seven years operating their Earth Flow In-Vessel Composting System. In recognition of his achievements, he was named the 2024 Small Scale Compost Manufacturer of the Year by the US Composting Council, alongside accolades from the Garden Club of America and local food councils. Beyond his professional commitments, James participates extensively in volunteer initiatives focused on hunger relief, agricultural production, adult literacy, and environmental advocacy. He is a board member of the Ohio Organics Council—a state chapter of the US Composting Council—and continues to provide mentorship to numerous individuals across his diverse fields of expertise. #### Jasmine Kamdar meet our team jasmine kamdarEngineerbiography Jasmine is an engineer for Green Mountain Technologies, designing improvements to the Earth Flow through CAD, prototyping and testing. She also assists with production, including wiring, welding, and assembly. Jasmine graduated from Olin College of Engineering with a BS in Mechanical Engineering where she learned the importance of designing systems that work with both the environment and the people living in it. She has seen first hand the effects of inefficient waste management on communities’ health and quality of life while living and traveling in Ghana and India.  Jasmine is on the Board of Directors at the Washington Organics Recycling Commission (WORC). Additionally, through hiking the Appalachian trail and camping on farms and glaciers, she’s connected deeply with nature and is committed to using engineering for the betterment of the environment we have to share. She thru-hiked the entire 2000+ mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine and previously lived and worked on a glacier in Alaska as a dog handler for dog sledding tours. She also worked with a non-profit in Ghana, QueenTech, that provides cassava processing machines to women entrepreneurs. She enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking and loves adventures in the outdoors. Her favorite compost recipe includes lots of mango peels. #### Jeff Gage meet our team jeff gageDirector of Consultingbiography Jeff is the Director of Consulting at Green Mountain Technologies and a Certified Composting Professional. He was given the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award by the US Composting Council in recognition of his outstanding contributions to this industry over the past 40 years.  He has designed, upgraded and/or operated over 70 composting facilities throughout the world. Jeff has a Bachelors in Advanced Environmental Studies / Energy Systems from The Evergreen State College. He has published composting research, filed multiple compost-related patents, and served on multiple composting/recycling boards and regulatory committees. He was President of the Washington Organics Recycling Council Board of Directors for six years, and served for seven years on the Board of Directors at the US Composting Council, as well as being a Board Member at the Compost Manufacturer’s Alliance. He has personally marketed over 1 million cubic yards of finished compost, and earned multiple awards throughout his 4 decades in the industry.  For GMT, Jeff provides large scale facility designs, cost estimating, permit applications, construction management, system commissioning, operator training, environmental compliance, safety programs, process optimization, and on-site service and repair. He also holds several composting related patents. Outside the office you can find Jeff composting, playing violin, and exploring the world on his bike.  "I have seen the mountain, and I have composted it. In 2023 I’m moving into my 38th year of composting adventures. I have seen and worked on a pile of facilities of all types, and I continue to enjoy every project.” His favorite compost recipe is 2 parts Paunch Manure, 1 part chicken manure and 4 parts shredded coconut husks, which he calls “my Pauna Chickalada recipe.” US Composting Council Membership Profile #### Kyle Porter meet our team Kyle PorterFabrication Technicianbiography Kyle Porter is a Fabrication Technician at Green Mountain Technologies, bringing hands-on craftsmanship and technical expertise to the production of GMT’s composting systems.  Kyle is excited to be part of a company that aligns with his values and lifestyle, combining his passion for sustainability, conservation, and connection with the natural world. As a biophile, he enjoys being part of a tight-knit team that cares for each other and the environment. Outside of work, Kyle is an avid outdoorsman, backpacker, and amateur mycologist who enjoys hunting, fishing, and exploring the ecosystems around him. Alongside his family, Kyle embraces an off-grid, self-sustaining lifestyle centered around living in harmony with nature. Fun Fact: Kyle is always up for a good Greek gyro. #### Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) Redefine Waste As landfills fill up and become increasingly difficult to permit, many facilities throughout the United States are following in the footsteps of Europe, turning to Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) to recycle and reduce landfill use by as much as 80%.How It Works MBT involves taking municipal solid waste (MSW), and sorting it into different streams such as metal, nylon, plastic recyclables, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), and organic materials. The recyclable portion can be sold for a profit, the RDF sold at a slight loss, and the organic fraction composted prior to being used as non-emitting landfill cover or low value finished compost. GMT has numerous cutting edge solutions for composting the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), specifically tailored to the difficulties of processing heavily contaminated and acidic waste streams.Why MBT? As landfills fill up and become increasingly difficult to permit throughout North America, many waste management professionals are turning to MBT. With hundreds of MBT facilities throughout Europe, the technology has proven itself to be a financially and environmentally viable option.Download the MBT Cut SheetCollaboration for Impact Through our partnership with Compost Systems, Green Mountain Technologies is bringing advanced MBT technology to the United States. With over 30 successful MBT facilities around the globe, our process is proven to help municipalities save money while keeping waste out of the landfill.MBT Facility Case Studies Epirius Epirus, Greece Ecorpain Le Mans, France Bihor Bihor, Romainia All Case StudiesContact Us to Request a MBT Facility Design Consultation Contact Us #### Michael Bryan-Brown meet our team michael bryan-brownFounder / Director of Engineeringbiography Michael is the Founder and Director of Engineering at Green Mountain Technologies. He has been designing and installing state of the art composting systems for over 35 years. Michael has a Bachelors in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University. After working in the consulting world for several years, started Green Mountain Technologies in 1992 to develop composting systems for the US market.  He holds 4 patents related to composting, has authored multiple technical papers, and was a contributing author for The Compost Handbook. He also has led many dozens of educational conference presentations and webinars for the US Composting Council, and various state level chapters over the years.  When not working, Michael enjoys gardening, sailing and hiking in the mountains. US Composting Council Member Profile #### My account [woocommerce_my_account] #### Nicholas Shiflet meet our team Nicholas ShifletFabrication Leadbiography Nicholas Shiflet is GMT’s Fabrication Lead, responsible for building the mechanical systems behind our composting technologies. He also helps commission new systems and supports maintenance at customer sites, making sure everything runs smoothly and correctly. Nick is known for his high energy, can-do attitude, and ability to get things done. Whether he’s in the shop or out in the field, he’s always willing to jump in and help wherever he’s needed.Outside of work, Nick enjoys helping out on his neighbor’s farm, spending time with family, and working on his ever-growing collection of cars and bikes. #### Nick Andrews meet our team Nick AndrewsLead Software Engineerbiography Nick is the Lead Software Engineer at Green Mountain Technologies. With 20+ years of experience in the IT industry, his extensive background encompasses a wide range of technologies and methodologies, enabling him to tackle complex problems with innovative solutions. At GMT, Nick develops software and provides customer support for a line of products including WebMACS, Earth Flow, CompDACS, and Compost Calculator. Nick is passionate about streamlining processes through automation, sharing his knowledge with others, and fostering a collaborative and creative work environment. Outside of work, you may find him in the Great Smoky Mountains, spending time with family,  watching sports, dancing, or mixing music. #### Orion Black-Brown meet our team orion black-brownPresidentbiography Orion is the President of Green Mountain Technologies. He brings his product development background and passion for composting to help clients successfully design, construct and operate composting facilities. Orion graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Since joining GMT in 2019, Orion has helped clients successfully design, construct and operate dozens of facilities. He has spoken at numerous composting conferences including the US Composting Council annual conference full day Food Waste Composting Workshop, and holds several composting related patents. Prior to working at GMT Orion spent several years in new product development, where he learned the importance of empathy and communication to successful project execution. Outside of the office you can find Orion surfing, meditating, and exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Fun Fact: Compost was his first solid food! US Composting Council Member Profile #### Peter Haun Meet our team Peter HaunCivil & Environmental Engineer (P.E.)biography Peter is a Project Manager and Environmental/Civil Engineering Consultant at Green Mountain Technologies. With over 14 years of environmental/civil engineering and consulting experience, Peter provides GMT’s clients with facility design and environmental permitting to bring projects from concept to final design, construction, and operation.  Peter has a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Environmental Engineering from Montana State University. He is a licensed engineer specializing in planning, design, permitting, and management of environmental and civil engineering projects.  Outside of work, Peter is usually enjoying the mountains of southwest Montana rock climbing, backcountry snowboarding, and foraging.  His favorite recipe for his backyard compost pile is sticks, leaves, and clippings mixed with a variety of food wastes, including an unhealthy amount of coffee grounds from each morning’s french presses. #### Privacy Policy privacy policy Who We Are Our website address is: https://www.compostingtechnology.com Which Personal Data We Collect & Why We Collect It Cookies If you leave a comment on our site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year. If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser. When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year. If you select “Remember Me”, your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed. If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day. Embedded Content from Other Websites Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website. These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website. Who We Share Your Data With Google Our website uses Google Analytics, a web analysis service of Google, Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA, www.google.com (“Google Analytics” or “Google”). Google Analytics employs cookies that are stored to your computer in order to facilitate an analysis of your use of the site. The information generated by these cookies, such as time, place and frequency of your visits to our site, including your IP address, is transmitted to Google’s location in the US and stored there. In using Google Analytics our website employs the extension “anonymizeIp”. In doing so, Google abbreviates and thereby anonymizes your IP address before transferring it from EU/EEA member states. Google uses this information to analyze your use of our site, to compile reports for us on internet activity and to provide other services relating to our website. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law or where such third parties process this data on Google’s behalf. Google states that it will in never associate your IP address with other data held by Google. You can prevent cookies from being installed by adjusting the settings on your browser software accordingly as noted elsewhere in this Privacy Policy. You should be aware, however, that by doing so you may not be able to make full use of all the functions of our website. Google Analytics also offers a deactivation add-on for most current browsers that provides you with more control over what data Google can collect on websites you access. The add-on tells the JavaScript (ga.js) used by Google Analytics not to transmit any information about website visits to Google Analytics. However, the browser deactivation add-on offered by Google Analytics does not prevent information from being transmitted to us or to other web analysis services we may engage. Google Analytics also uses electronic images known as web beacons (sometimes called single pixel gifs) and are used along with cookies to compile aggregated statistics to analyze how our site is used. You can find additional information on how to install the browser add-on referenced above at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en. For the cases in which personal data is transferred to the US, Google has self-certified pursuant to the EU-US Privacy Shield (https://www.privacyshield.gov/EU-US-Framework). How Long We Retain Your Data If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue. For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information. What Rights You Have Over Your Data If you have an account on this site, or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us. You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes. #### Rebecca Baracco meet our team Rebecca BarracoAdministrative Assistantbiography Rebecca Baracco is the Office and Administrative Assistant at Green Mountain Technologies.Rebecca brings more than 10 years of customer service and support experience to help ensure smooth day-to-day operations and provide responsive, reliable support for clients and team members. She takes a holistic approach to her work, recognizing that strong communication, organization, and customer care all contribute to successful outcomes for clients, partners, and colleagues. Rebecca is passionate about creating positive experiences and supporting GMT's mission of advancing innovative composting and environmental solutions.With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Rebecca is excited to contribute to a company whose work aligns with her interest in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Prior to joining GMT, she built a strong background in customer service and administrative support, where she developed a reputation for clear communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail.Outside of the office, Rebecca enjoys dancing, exploring new cities and local food scenes, and finding inspiration through art. She also loves spending time with her cat and taking advantage of the many opportunities for adventure, creativity, and connection that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. #### Reed Davis meet our team Reed DavisElectrical Engineerbiography Reed is an Engineer at GMT working on mechanical design and quality control for the Earth Flow products. Reed has an undergraduate degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Southern California. Prior to joining the team at GMT Reed worked for an electric boat startup in Alameda CA. Outside of work Reed likes to fish and ski in the pacific northwest. #### Referral Program Earth Flow Referral Program The Earth Flow is America’s leading industrial in-vessel composting system, with more than 15 years of successful on-site composting for campuses, community organizations, municipalities and farms. The Earth Flow is ideal for sites that need to process between 15 to 200 tons of material per month.How the Earth Flow Referral Rewards Program Works Since 1992, our business has grown primarily through word of mouth and referrals from happy customers. We want to thank everyone for helping us grow our impact, and accelerate it going forward. As of May 2025, we are now offering a significant reward to people who send us new Earth Flow referrals. If you know someone who might be interested in composting with the Earth Flow, GMT will offer you a $1,000 cash reward, or a $1,500 purchase credit for a referral that leads to a sale!How to Send Referrals to GMT Simply send an email introduction to the person you are referring to GMT with referrals@compostingtechnology.com copied on the email. Please include the person’s full name in the email body and give them a quick summary of why you think they should consider an Earth Flow.We will then follow up with them by email to see if they are interested in more information. We will not spam them, they can opt-out of receiving e-newsletters from us at any time. When they purchase an Earth Flow, you will be rewarded for introducing us to them. It's that easy, just a simple email introduction is all it takes.“The Earth Flow In-Vessel composting system is one of the first of its kind in Hawai‘i and will alleviate problems of odors, emissions, and leachate commonly associated with composting. The compost machine can process up to 1,000 pounds of food scraps and green waste per day. Even better? With this machine, we are able to produce rich, healthy compost twice as fast as the traditional method!” - Rafael Bergstrom, Executive Director, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii #### Rik Langendoen meet our team Rik langendoenDirector of Environmental Servicesbiography Rik is the Director of Environmental Services and permitting specialist at Green Mountain Technologies. He has more than 30 years of operations, client account management, and environmental consulting experience, including environmental approvals for a variety of project types. Rik graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelors in Geology, and during his 30-plus year career has focused on environmental consulting, project to program management, operations, team building, and client account management. His technical expertise includes project to program management for a wide variety of project types and sizes that are often multidisciplinary in nature, with specialties in the fields of environmental engineering and approvals. Rik has demonstrated expertise as a problem solver / troubleshooter for both projects and operations. Outside of work Rik is an avid yoga practitioner who also enjoys all forms of recreation the Pacific Northwest provides. US Composting Council Member Profile #### Shop URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/shop/ #### Side Discharge Turner Side Discharge Turner A Go-To Turner The TracTurn is the result of over 20 years of dedicated development, The result a reliable, highly efficient, low speed turner which loosens, aerates, mixes and stacks material in one step. Side-discharge means there is no need for a travel lane between windrows and that material naturally moves through the process significantly reducing development and operations costs.Windrows or TrapezoidalPilesAutomated MaterialHandling20+ yearsof R&DLow SpeedMillingFree TracTurner ConsultationHow It Works Remove the Tracturn from any standard trailer with either a hook lift or a drop deck, then connect it to your tractor's PTO and in less than ten minutes you are ready to start turning.Your Needs OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCYEliminates the need for a travel lane between windrows, without the cost and maintenance of a self-propelled straddle-turner.TURNING AT HIGH CAPACITYTurns up to 2,500 Cubic Yards per hour; 12 feet wide, 8 feet tall, with flexibility to work with any pile shape including mass-beds; requires a tractor with a minimum of 230 HP and a reverse creeper gear.CONTAMINATION MILLINGUnlike most other turners the Tracturn uses a low speed drum to turn the compost, designed to not mill plastics. If handling contaminated waste streams this is critical, otherwise you may be doubling your contamination problem on every turn.Download the Cut SheetFind Out if the TracTurn Side Discharge Turner is Right for You Contact Us #### Testimonials Testimonials Green Mountain Technologies has been a leading provider of composting technology, facility design and consulting services for commercial, municipal, institutional and on-farm composting clients since 1992. Our company’s success has been largely based on the steady flow of referrals and testimonials we’ve gotten from happy clients over the years. Below is a sample of recent client testimonials we have received. Commercial & Industrial Facility & Consulting Client Testimonials: “Tyler and I started Dirt Hugger in 2010 and have bootstrapped the company into a 90,000 ton per year organics recycling business today with 23 employees. Dirt Hugger has been working with Green Mountain Technologies since 2013 and they have been an integral part of our success. In 2014 Dirt Hugger was forced to relocate and had to start from scratch on a new site. We hired GMT to guide us through the permitting, design and construction of the project. They helped us with the site master plan and traffic routing to make sure our overall operations would be as efficient as possible. We knew we wanted to use below grade aeration on a concrete pad and we had to get it done right. GMT had the experience with air pad design and their expertise was essential in getting the pad aeration and drainage to work properly. The pad worked great so last year we hired them back to design an expansion pad to more than double our production capacity. As a startup, we had little cash flow to pay consultants, GMT openly shared their expertise and kept the costs to a minimum to help us get going. It was more of a mentor relationship which provided us the confidence to take some really big risks. In short, they gave us the creative solutions that fit our site and our budget and allowed us to succeed as a company. We highly recommend GMT covering the range of technical, interpersonal and financial aspects of a working relationship.” - Tyler Miller & Pierce Lewis, Co-founders of Dirt Hugger, Dallesport WA“I first met Jeff Gage around 1992, when my agency assigned me to find out why a major composting operation in our jurisdiction was creating odors that could be smelled 11 miles away. At that time Jeff was the manager of the LRI facility in Gig Harbor, WA. Jeff took me under his wing and taught me the basics of composting, and how to do it odor free. As the last two decades have gone by, Jeff became the go-to guy in the State of Washington, whenever I needed to learn something about composting not yet covered in the literature. My agency has never had to write a nuisance ticket on ANY of the facilities he was involved with. Lenz Composting, the composting factory at LRI Puyallup, and LRI Gig Harbor facility all have clean records with us. If you have two dozen suddenly deceased cattle to compost, (all in one pile), there is no one else I would trust to do the job. A couple of winters ago Jeff did just that at Lenz Composting, ODOR FREE! I’ve seen it, I’ve smelt it, and my agency has pictures to prove it.” - Claude Williams, PE; Puget Sounds Clean Air Agency, Seattle WA, pscleanair.gov“Green Mountain has been a magnificent partner for us, responsive to our needs, building in cost effective future improvement and diversification opportunities right out of the gate, providing industry knowledge to ensure systems operate at optimal capacity and the biggest issue is standing behind the product sold with a high level of responsive technical support. Not to mention Green Mountain is a service provider that does truly care about its clients. One must go through a devastating situation (such as a wildfire...) to fully recognize the support and compassion that is offered. The company is built around great people.” - John McCabe at Revolution Organics“During GMT’s facility design process, they went beyond just helping us complete our successful permit applications. They also helped us build relationships with our regulating agencies. These relationships have been a key part of getting our facility permitted and running smoothly since start-up. This resulted in compressing the project from an estimated three to five years for just the permitting alone to completing the entire design, permitting and construction to two years and one week.” - Evan Brady, Co-owner of Brady Trucking ASP Composting Facility, Shelton, WA“Five stars! Black Earth Compost has worked with Green Mountain Technologies for our 2 indoor compost facilities.  GMT's engineering team has long experience operating actual facilities.  I wouldn't trust an engineer in this field who wasn't an operator.  GMT continues to support us when we have questions or new ideas.” - Andrew Brousseau, Co-founder of Black Earth Compost“Our compost quality is much better and we are producing it quicker.” - Daryl Goodwin, Envirosmart Composting Facility, Delta, BC Canada“Phoenix has authored one of the most remarkable sustainability turnaround stories in the country, and our new composting facility starts an important new chapter. This award is a testament to our partners and their commitment to make Phoenix one of the most sustainable and resilient cities in the world.” - Greg Stanton, Mayor, City of Phoenix“Green Mountain Technologies offers simple, cost effective solutions that are practical to implement. They’re really there to work with you and make a solution that fits with your site and your process and your feedstocks. They bring a ton of experience to the table, and that balance of cost versus technology…really finding the sweet spot that worked for us and our site.” - Pierce Lewis, Co-Founder of Dirt Hugger TAP Composting Facility, Dallesport WA“Allwood Recyclers has been talking with Green Mountain Technologies for several years prior to teaming up with them to install our new ASP system at our composting facility. They have helped guide us in the best way to move forward with our project… I have worked with a lot of engineering firms over the years that will not really help you until they have a contract to proceed. Green Mountain Technologies has proven their expertise and professionalism, and they are always just a phone call away and offer their assistance promptly. Allwood Recyclers, Inc. was an existing facility for over 20 years prior to working with GMT to design our ASP system… I was very impressed with how they worked with our challenges and made adjustments to their design to make everything work for our facility… I have enjoyed working with the GMT team and would recommend them to anyone looking for a composting system design." - Mark Wubben, VP of Allwood Recyclers, Inc. Fairview ORIn-Vessel Composting System Client Testimonials: “For over three years we as the owners and the trainers as the operators had intensely studied all the composting systems that might possibly meet our needs and finally selected the Earth Flow as the most suitable. Regarding the quality of the end product, we are very pleased as it exceeds our expectations. For re-use in the stalls we require the end product be of a certain consistency and moisture content and be free of pathogens, while hopefully retaining healthy minerals since the horses necessarily ingest some of it from their stall floors. Our latest laboratory test results on the product show those requirements are being met and our barn farrier and vet are pleased with the resulting impact on our horses' health and hooves. To sum up, our experience has been so far so good. Michael Bryan-Brown their founder and CEO has been fully responsive to us and is a pleasure to work with from putting together a purchase order to handing Crescent wrenches back and forth as we tuned up the installation together.” - Bill Weaver Owner of Archway Land, LLC“I haven’t taken a moment to thank you and your team for all of the diligent work you all put in for helping us get our vessel back on track. I truly appreciate your groups ability to problem solve, stay calm, assist us in staying calm, and providing solutions. In a fast paced world that is very impersonal at times, you all are reminders that (some) people still care!” - Colton Burris, Enso Solutions, Oklahoma“The program is built for the ease of the operator. Technical support is very good…the working relationship with Green Mountain is excellent. It’s probably the best we’ve had from most of the contractors since we started building our new plant here.” - Mike Kitchell, Superintendent, Westport Wastewater Treatment Plant, Westport WA"Food waste is a resource we can't simply dump into the landfill. We need to replenish the soil with organic content. The Earth Flow maintenance is minimal and easy, the whole system is reliable and very durable." - Alfred Tse, FoodCycle Plus Co. Ltd. Sheung Shui, N.T. Singapore“With our previous turned windrow systems we had a hard time keeping up. That stress has been alleviated with our site built Earth Flow. The long-term investment in the system has a return on both labor and operating costs. I am no longer spending 16 hours a week in a skid steer and have the opportunity to spend more time in the field and greenhouse. We are also producing more compost than our old turned- windrow process, which helped us quickly transition into a no till farm.” - Nate Bundy, Compost Manager at Greenacres Farm“Composting provides an environmentally friendly way to process the organic matter produced by the (cannabis) industry. Oklahoma outlines the approved means of destruction for the cannabis plant, with options like incineration or burning. Composting was a no brainer. Without the Earth Flow in-vessel composting system our business would look much different because the in-vessel allows us to operate indoors. Our facility is located only 4 miles from downtown Oklahoma City. This would not be possible using a Windrow or Static for permitting, cost, and environmental reasons. The Earth Flow allows us to monitor and control potential hazards such as gases and leachate/water runoff. The Earth Flow method gives the operator control over almost everything. This lets you create and maintain the best conditions for composting, producing a premium compost/product in a fraction of the time. ” - Colton Burris, Enso Solutions, Oklahoma “We are introducing a project that has been years in the making – one of the first-ever permitted food waste composting systems in Hawai'i. The Earth Flow In-Vessel composting system is one of the first of its kind in Hawai‘i and will alleviate problems of odors, emissions, and leachate commonly associated with composting. The compost machine, housed at FULL CIRCLE FARM in Waimānalo, can process up to 1,000 pounds of food scraps and green waste per day.” - Rafael Bergstrom, Executive Director, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii“Islandwood wanted to process food waste from the dining facility and use the compost in their organic garden. To accommodate the facility’s waste volume Islandwood selected the Earth Flow from Green Mountain Technologies.” “Since mixing, aeration and moisture addition is automated, the system requires little beyond loading and unloading. The Earth Flow provides excellent control over moisture, odors, vectors and leachate. Island Wood has created compost using the Earth Flow since 2001.” - Islandwood, an Environmental Education NGO“I have absolutely loved working with the team from Green Mountain Technologies. Their type of work ethic and attention to detail is a lost art in our society.” - Steve Talbott, owner Blu Sky FarmsSee More Reviews on Google Excellent rating Based on 14 reviews Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very supportive of a sunsetted product (Earth Tub) from 2015. The founder sent us the owners manual PDF and has checked in on us several times! It is at a High School in San Rafael, CA. Debbie Lawson February 27, 2025 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Green Mountain has been very supportive getting our system set up and the right people trained! We are ecstatic about our Earth Flow in-vessel composter! Megan Alexander November 6, 2024 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have requested advise from GREEN MOUNTANIN TECHNOLOGIES thru their website about size of the blower required for an small pilot Static Aerated compost Pile under tropical conditions in Colombia, South America. Their response was almost inmediate and with the appropiate answer regarding the equipment I should look locally. I am very grateful for their generosity and if things advance enough Will be calling on them to help in a larger compost Project. Thanks again Mr. Orion Black-Brown, Director of Operations. SAUL EFREN CAMACHO BUSTOS March 29, 2024 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great people to work with! Baxter Black January 31, 2024 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Using the compost calculator and it's really detailed and thorough. It's great to have data on the materials I'm using. When it comes to compost, these folks really know their stuff! Julian Duncan November 2, 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great in vessel composter for large generators of organics waste! Jairo E. Gonzalez September 16, 2023 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very pro! First guys at it in the business I reckon and the experience shows Taliesin Black-Brown September 11, 2023 Ready to Work with Our Team? Contact Us #### Tow Behind Turners tow behind turners Tractor Powered Compost Turners We sell a unique range of tractor powered compost turners built by Europe's leading manufacturer compost systems. All our tow behind turners can be equipped with compost cover roller attachments and coupled with an aeration system for improved odor and moisture control.CostEffectiveReliableMechanics30 Yearsof R&D20% MoreFuel EfficientRequest More InformationWindrow Turners for All Sizes and Types of Facilities Tow behind turners are simple to operate and maintain and are available in a wide range of sizes and capacities.CMC ST 200 Affordable entry-level compost turner for tractors 15 HP and up with super creeper gear or hydrostatic transmission Based on 30 years of fine tuning this technology, the CMC ST 200 is now available as a Plug and Play option or delivered as a kit Turning capacity of 500 yd3/hr Download Cut SheetCMC ST 230 Entry-level compost turner for tractors 30 HP and up with super creeper gear or hydrostatic transmission The CMC ST 230 offers all the advantages of its bigger brother such as the side-pull stabilization, quick coupling and decoupling, and it is easily transportable Turning capacity of 750 yd3/hr Download Cut SheetCMC ST 300 Standard sized compost turner for tractors 70 HP and up with super creeper gear or hydrostatic transmission The leading tow behind turner in the composting industry for 20 years Turning capacity of 1200 yd3/hr Download Cut SheetCMC ST 350 Industrial compost turner for tractors 100 HP and up with super creeper gear or hydrostatic transmission Rotor can be lifted from the heap at any time similar to the smaller CMC-models Turning capacity of 1500 yd3/hr Download Cut SheetLearn More About Windrow Turners Including Pricing & Availability Request More Information #### Training Videos Training videos Product Informational Videos In-Vessel Composting Systems35 Second "How Earth Flow Works”How the Site-Built Earth Flow Works with Aerated Static Pile (ASP) CompostingRutgers Earth Flow ContainerizedSustainable Coastlines Hawaii Earth Flow ContainerizedGreenacres Farm Site Built Earth FlowDayton Ohio Foodbank Earth Flow ContainerizedHeyday Farm Site Built Earth FlowFull Circle Farm Earth Flow Containerized35 Second Rutgers Earth FlowCommercial, Municipal, and Agricultural Composting FacilitiesHow Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) Systems WorkRadial ASP Facility Design OverviewCity of Phoenix TAP Facility,Vision Recycling ASP FacilityDirt Hugger TAP FacilitySalinas Valley ASP FacilityIndustrial Containerized Compost SystemCompTainer Composting System OverviewPre-Engineered Pipe On Grade ASP FacilityFundamentals of Compost for FacilitiesHow Turned Aerated Pile (TAP) Systems WorkHow To Calibrate an Oxygen & Temperature ProbeComparison of Sparger Aeration to Pipe At Grade ASP SystemsThe Stages of CompostingThe Role of Moisture in CompostingWhat is Compost Curing?When Does Compost Curing End?About Composting Composting 101: A Guide for BeginnersThe Stages of CompostingWhere to Take Temperature Readings in Your Compost PileHow Do You Keep Compost from Stinking?The Role of Moisture in CompostingWhat is Compost Curing?When Does Compost Curing End?Videos Listed: INSIDE A COMPOST PILE STAGES OF COMPOSTING WHY DO WE COMPOST? WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT COMPOSTING WHAT ARE FEEDSTOCKS? WHERE TO TAKE TEMPERATURE READINGS IN YOUR COMPOST PILE HOW TO TAKE A TEMPERATURE READING HOW DO YOU KEEP COMPOST FROM STINKING? IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING MOISTURE MEASURING THE BULK DENSITY OF WOOD SHAVINGS THE ROLE OF CARBON WHAT IS CURING IN THE COMPOSTING PROCESS? WHEN DOES COMPOST CURING END?The Biological and Mineral Science of CompostingWhy Is Compost Black?What is Mineralization in Compost?Bugs in CompostThe Chemical Composition of CompostVideos Listed: JEFF MEETS A COMPOST PILE HOW DO MICROBES MOVE? SECRET LIFE OF A MICROBE WHAT DO MICROBES EAT? WHY COMPOST IS BLACK UNIVERSITY OF MAINE OXYGEN STORY WHAT IS MINERALIZATION IN COMPOST? BUGS IN COMPOST THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF COMPOST WHAT ARE MICROORGANISMS? ARE MICROORGANISMS ANIMALS OR PLANTS? WHY ARE MICROORGANISMS GOOD FOR THE PLANET? WHAT MICROORGANISMS DOLooking for Something Specific? We’re Here to Help! Contact Us #### Van Calvez meet our team van calvezEngineerbiography Van (aka V) is a Composting Systems Engineer at Green Mountain Technologies specializing in developing in-vessel composting technologies for smaller communities and organizations. Van loves to share his 20+ years of composting expertise to help organizations successfully compost. Van provides systems design/engineering, technical support, sales, installation, training and customer service for our in-vessel systems.  Van has an MS in Systems Engineering/Human Factors Engineering and a BS Human Factors Engineering from Wright State University. At home, V manages multiple community-based composting systems and enjoys making compost and building community and soil fertility. He has also authored many papers and articles on composting best practices for publications like BioCycle Magazine and the Institute for Local Self Reliance.  V is a major composting toilet enthusiast.  He has managed composting toilets for festivals under the name Holy Sh*t!. V also creates artwork related to compost and has a community art project called the Compost Mandala that involves painting with compost.  V also dance, improv sound making, painting, performance, and arts of all flavors. V's favorite compost recipe is 1 part food scraps followed by 1 part humanure/sawdust followed by 1 part everything from the garden/landscape! #### Written Resources written resources Online New York Times Compost News The New York Times provides a section topic for composting.Global Recycling Network GRN is a free-access public site dedicated to recycling-related information. They offer all companies involved in the Recycling Industry a wide exposure.How to Compost.org This site is a hub of information for anyone interested in the various aspects of composting.Amazing Environmental Organization Web Directory Environment Search EngineCORNELL Composting Page This website provides access to a variety of composting educational materials and programs developed at Cornell University.Food to Fertilizer: Compost Counts at Zion Lodge Xanterra Parks and Resorts® composts all of its food wastes, lawn clippings, and shredded paper at Zion Lodge in Zion National Park.EPA Plain English Guide to the 503 Rules The EPA Plain English Guide to the 503 Rules available on-line in PDF format.Rot Web Home Composting Information Site Basic information about home composting.Philly Compost Helping Philadelphia achieve a zero waste future by keeping food and yard waste out of landfills through composting in our neighborhoods.Compost A to Z: Complete Guide to Composting Complete home composting guide to what type of composter and method to use, what to compost, benefits of composting, composting 101, FAQs, mistakes and troubleshooting. By GAIAM Life.National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Founded in 1989, its student outreach programs, campus consulting, natural resource reduction competition, and educational events and resources reach about a thousand campuses each year.College and University Recycling Coalition Mission: To advance recycling and sustainable materials management at colleges and universities.A Guide to Conducting and Assessing a Food Waste Assessment Food waste data, research, toolkits, educational information, and community solutionsBooks, PDFs, Periodicals BooksThe Practical Handbook of Compost Engineering Author: Roger T. Haug Publisher: Lewis Publishers CRC Press, Inc.On-Farm Composting Handbook  Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Services Cooperative Extension Editor: Robert RynkSludge Composting and Utilization A Design and Operating Manual Authors: Mark E Singley, Andrew J. Higgins, Michelle Frumkin-RosengausThe Science of Composting Author: Eliot Epstein Publisher: Technomic Publishing Company, Inc.Composting and Recycling Municipal Solid Waste Authors: Luis F. Diaz, George M. Savage, Linda L. Eggerth, Clarence G. Golueke Publisher: Lewis PublishersTest Methods for the Examination of Composting Co-Editors: Philip B. Leege, Wayne H. Thomson Published by: The United States Composting CouncilWestern Fertilizer Handbook Produced by: Soil Improvement Committee California Fertilizer Association Order from: The Interstate Printers & PublishersPDFsSmall to Medium Scale Composting of Food Wastes Cornell University & City Green, Inc.Compost – A Guide for Evaluating and Using Compost Materials as Soil Amendments By William Darlington, Consultant, Soil & Plant Laboratory, Inc. Orange OfficeCompost Quality: Performance Requirements By California Integrated Waste Management BoardComposting Guide for Beginners: Helpful Tips to Make Great Compost  From BillyOh.comPeriodicalsBioCycle (published monthly) Journal of Composting & Recycling Published by: The JG Press, Inc. ISSN 0276-5055Compost Science & Utilization (published quarterly) Published by: The JG Press, Inc. ISSN 1065-657XResource Recycling (published monthly) North America’s Recycling and Composting Journal Published by: Resource Recycling, Inc.MSW Management (published seven times annually) Published by: Forester Communications Inc.Articles Enviro-Smart Composting Facility First Of Its Kind in B.C.Four tips to effectively divert organic wasteCSU athletics uses Eco-Products disposables for gamesEarth Week brings attention to environmental issues and UMaine’s sustainability effortsAlternatives to Roundup: Safer Ways To Control Weeds and PestsRoundup: Controversy, Health Risks & Industry FailuresMore Composting Tips and InformationComposting with Food Waste Green Mountain Technologies' presentation from the U.S. Composting Council's 2023 Conference. Compost Facility Odor Management Green Mountain Technologies’ Jeff Gage’s PowerPoint presentation on Compost Facility Odor Management at the U.S. Composting Council’s 2013 Conference. Tools of the Trade Green Mountain Technologies’ Jeff Gage’s presentation on composting tools at the U.S. Composting Council’s 2013 Conference. (3.5 MB) Michael Bryan-Brown, Green Mountain Technologies: “Composting in the Big Apple” Green Mountain Technologies’ Michael Bryan-Brown’s presentation on urban composting pioneer Battery Park at the U.S. Composting Council’s 2013 Conference. (2.3 MB) On-Farm Composting Handbook In this handbook, Cooperative Extension, provides an overview of composting as it is practiced on the farm. Effects of organic matter amendments on net primary productivity and greenhouse gas emissions in annual grasslands Rebecca Ryals and Whendee L. Silver, University of California, Berkeley, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, 130 Mulford Hall No. 3114, Berkeley, California 94720 USA “Food Forward: SOS: Save our Soil” courtesy of PBS.org This PBS feature program shares an insightful look at the precious ecosystem of our soil, it’s link to the food we eat, and how we can go about saving it.Looking for Something Specific? We’re Here to Help! Contact Us ### Portfolio #### Prince Edward Island URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/portfolio-item/prince-edward-island/ ### Galleries #### Agricultural Composting – Section URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/envira/agricultural-composting-section/ #### In-Vessel Composting System URL: https://compostingtechnology.com/envira/in-vessel-composting-system/