The Newfoundland and Labrador (N.L.) government's Multi Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), in partnership with Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic, has launched the first industrial composting initiative of its kind in N.L.
Through this initiative, an industrial-scale composter has been installed at Memorial University's Grenfell campus in Corner Brook.
Once operational, the composter, which can manage up to 100 metric tonnes of organic waste annually, can help Memorial University's Grenfell campus and College of the North Atlantic divert 20 per cent of their total waste from landfills.
Industrial-scale composters can handle meat, dairy, fats, and oils, and are able to break down organic matter more quickly.
In addition, the industrial compost process generates heat and allows composting to continue year round.
The technology has applications for hospitals, restaurants, farms, supermarkets, and other players who generate significant volumes of organic waste.
To help finance the capital costs, training and education associated with the industrial composter, the MMSB invested $100,000 through the Waste Management Trust Fund.
Once the composter is successfully up and running, the MMSB will look to add other clients, including the Western Health Authority.
This news item first appeared in EcoLog News (11/25/11). To learn how to subscribe, visit www.ecolog.com