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).