For the last 18 months, Chichester-based Woodhorn Group Ltd has been working with composting technology firm GOC Technologies using a special process that adds nutrients to organic waste being treated.
The company said GOC's “506” system keeps the composting process moist without having to resort to the use of extra water in hot weather.
 The GOC 506 system is used at the Woodhorn Group's site near Chichester, West Sussex |
The process involves a combination of amino acids, nucleic acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins and natural carbohydrates which help micro-organisms to break down the organic waste. Maidstone-based GOC says the process works best when the compost is not disrupted too often by turning the windrow.
Heatwave
The Woodhorn Group, which produces 20,000 tonnes of green waste a year, said those composters that have experienced problems during the recent heatwave may have flaws in their existing operating practices.
The drought has forced many composters in the UK to pump more water onto the compost and turn windrows more frequently (see letsrecycle.com story).
John Pitts, managing director of The Woodhorn Group said: “Our windrows are moist and moisture levels have fluctuated marginally despite the long warm spell. We’ve used our normal watering regime throughout this period. Since incorporating 506 our watering needs have been greatly reduced. Maximum temperatures in our windrows during this intense heat are as normal.”
Turning
David Moyce, managing director of GOC Technologies warned composters: “Turning windrows too frequently merely releases many of the things you want to retain – volatilizing nutrients, odour and moisture, as well as carbon dioxide. All of the steam released during turning is moisture that the microbes need to survive and reproduce.”
The Woodhorn Group began its relationship with GOC as part of an odour management programme, but has seen a variety of additional benefits including decreased operating costs, fewer rejects and the achievement of the PAS 100 standard for its final product.
The GOC “506” process is approved by both the Soil Association and the Organic Farmers and Growers Association.
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