Large-Scale Composting

Large-scale composting can be an excellent way for communities to become more environmentally friendly, meet waste reduction goals, and popularize composting practices with residents.

When handled correctly, municipal composting can also be a profitable endeavour. It typically relies on waste materials that are already freely available (such as yard waste or tree prunings) and turns them into a marketable product. Sometimes it is also used to process problematic materials like roadkill or diseased livestock that would otherwise be difficult to handle.

One of the most common forms of large-scale, commercial composting is windrow composting, in which organic matter is piled in long rows (windrows) which are carefully managed for nitrogen, carbon, and moisture content. Heavy machinery is used to turn the piles to introduce additional oxygen.

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The SWRC organizes an annual composting field day directed toward municipalities and companies interested in larger scale composting operations. In 2016 our field day was held May 25th in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

• The 2016 Composting Field Day

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For a fee, the SWRC can also help municipalities establish their own Master Composter Program of trained volunteers to promote household composting in the community.