In-vessel Composting: Difference between revisions
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[[Category:Technologies & Solutions]] | [[Category:Technologies & Solutions]] | ||
[[In-vessel Composting]] ([[IVC]]) is a means of treating [[Food Waste]] and [[Green Waste]] in an enclosed environment which has accurate temperature control and monitoring<ref name="ivc">ttps://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/what-vessel-composting</ref>. IVC uses naturally occurring microbes which feed on organic material and require oxygen. IVC is therefore a form of [[Aerobic Digestion]] and where the process utilises [[Animal By-product Material]], it must comply with the [[Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2011]] requirements. | |||
[[File:Invessel composting pic - tunnels.png|300px|left|In-vessel composting plant (tunnel type) showing ventilation fans - source Hytech-Water Ltd]] | [[File:Invessel composting pic - tunnels.png|300px|left|In-vessel composting plant (tunnel type) showing ventilation fans - source Hytech-Water Ltd]] | ||
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==Types of Systems== | ==Types of Systems== | ||
In-vessel Composting can occur in a variety of systems (pictures run top left to right) | In-vessel Composting can occur in a variety of systems, which typically process 20,000 to 40,000 tonnes per year for the larger systems, including (pictures run top left to right): | ||
*Containers | *Containers | ||
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*Enclosed halls<ref name="ivc" /> | *Enclosed halls<ref name="ivc" /> | ||
Statutory Guidance for composting in enclosed systems can be found here<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sr2021-no-3-composting-in-closed-systems-waste-recovery-operation?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=618bb190-6c9e-4843-a360-4d5e968b093b&utm_content=daily SR2021 No.3: composting in closed systems - waste recovery operation]</ref><ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sr2021-no-4-composting-in-closed-systems-installations?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=3c6574f4-5d76-4d13-b25d-e5a8b337325a&utm_content=daily SR2021 No.4: composting in closed systems - installations]</ref> | |||
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==Stages of an IVC<ref name="ivc" />== | ==Stages of an IVC<ref name="ivc" />== | ||
For the process to produce a soil conditioner to be used by farmers and others it must meet [[End of Waste Criteria]] and, in the majority of the UK, this is demonstrated by meeting the [[PAS100|Quality Protocol]] for compost and the associated Quality Standard [[PAS100]]. | |||
===Stage 1:=== | ===Stage 1:=== | ||
The [[Food Waste]] which has either been collected separately or with [[Green Waste]] is delivered to an enclosed reception area. Any contamination such as plastic bags, bits of metal etc are removed and the remaining material is shredded to a uniform size and consistency ([[Green Waste]] may be added to ensure the mixture has a structure to allow air to pass through the material during the treatment process). From there it is loaded into a first ‘barrier’ which will be a bay/tunnel etc depending on the system used. All the material delivered to a facility, plus the first barrier stage, is considered a ‘dirty area’ under [[ABPR]]. The regulations ensure that strict procedures are in place to prevent cross-contamination of ‘clean areas’ (where product is processed and stored) from ‘dirty areas’. | The [[Food Waste]] which has either been collected separately or with [[Green Waste]] is delivered to an enclosed reception area. Any contamination such as plastic bags, bits of metal etc are removed and the remaining material is shredded to a uniform size and consistency ([[Green Waste]] may be added to ensure the mixture has a structure to allow air to pass through the material during the treatment process). From there it is loaded into a first ‘barrier’ which will be a bay/tunnel etc depending on the system used. All the material delivered to a facility, plus the first barrier stage, is considered a ‘dirty area’ under [[ABPR]]. The regulations ensure that strict procedures are in place to prevent cross-contamination of ‘clean areas’ (where product is processed and stored) from ‘dirty areas’. | ||
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===Screening:=== | ===Screening:=== | ||
Screening usually takes place pre or post maturation, to produce a range of product grades suitable for various end uses such as soil conditioning<ref name="ivc2" />. | Screening usually takes place pre or post maturation, to produce a range of product grades suitable for various end uses such as soil conditioning<ref name="ivc2" />. | ||
The resulting product to come out of the process is a compost/soil improvement material | The resulting product to come out of the process is a compost/soil improvement material. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||