Composting

Composting is the controlled process by which organic materials (those with plant and animal origins) are aerobically decomposed by organisms to produce a nutrient rich soil amendment.  

At our Hawk Ridge Compost Facility, our special recipe is created using a carbon source (e.g. wood chips) a nitrogen Source (e.g. biosolids), oxygen and water.  The most rapid composting occurs when the carbon to nitrogen ratio is between 25 and 30 to 1 by dry chemical weight.  High carbon sources are needed for energy, while high nitrogen sources provide the most concentrated protein.  This mixture is then placed in an environment such as a vessel, row or pile where it begins the process.  Once the material has reached specific time and temperature requirements in order to kill pathogens and weed seeds and deter vermin, it is removed from the vessel and further cured.  This curing process allows the material to stabilize and reduces decomposition.  The highest market grade compost is dark brown or black in color and has a soil-like, earthy smell.

Compost can be used as a soil amendment or as a direct medium for plant growth.  It can also be used to prevent erosion, construct wetlands, to cover landfills, and remediate soils.  For more general information on the composting process visit www.epa.gov/compost.  

We have decades of experience composting a variety of materials, in a number of locations.  We're always looking for more "stuff" to add to our piles, provide expertise and technical support, and even help with operations.