Using a modular containerized aerobic composting system developed by Engineered Composting Systems and distributed in Ontario by WCI Waste Conversion Inc., the Composting Facility will process approximately 4,500 tonnes per year of source separated organic waste.

A total of eleven mobile containers will be provided. After being weighed, loads of source-separated organic waste will be dumped on a tip floor inside a 750 m2 receiving building where non organic waste will be removed manually and mechanically. The organic waste will then be loaded into a mixer with various amendments (primarily wood chips and water) for blending of the biomass (also referred to as feedstock) to acheive the desired carbon to nitrogen ratio, moisture content, structure, particle size, and pH.

Once the feedstock has been blended, it will be loaded by a conveyor directly from the mixer into the composting containers. The loaded containers will then be transported to an exterior pad and connected to an aeration and control system. Aeration piping is connected to the top and bottom of each container for complete control over process air and odour emissions.

Each container has a raised perforated floor to facilitate uniform distribution of air flows and collection of leachate.
After approximately 14 days in the container, the biomass will have undergone thermophilic decomposition and pathogen kill will have been acheived. The containers will then be moved by a roll-off vehicle and dumped onto a curing area pad. The biomass, which will be relatively stable at this point, will be formed into windrows for a 50-60-day curing period necessary to reach stabilization and maturing.

After the curing period, the compost will be moved to a storage area for final marketing preparation. The final preparation will include screening to produce a higher-value finished compost.

Source separation of the organic waste is expected to result in a relatively contaminant-free feedstock, allowing for the production of a Class A Compost.

Environmental controls include the discharge of air from the eleven containers and receiving building through a biofilter to control odours. Leachate from the containers and the curing pad will also be collected and stored in a holding tank for use in the composting process.