New Composting Assurance Standards
© Geoffrey Ian Miller
Composting Standards
The US Composting Council provides test methods for the examination of composting and Compost (TMECC). This project signifies protocols for compost manufacturers. Details covered include the physical, chemical and biological state of composting materials in the production through to the point of sale. Material analysis testing is required to ascertain worker safety and market claims.
Standards are needed to maintain compost quality, state regulatory authorities, compost marketing specialists, government and private testing labs, agriculture, horticultural and other consumer areas.
Compost Ingredients
Compost is made from many organic materials which fall into the following areas:
- Food Manufacture Leftovers - compost residues following fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts and meat consumables.
- Manure and Agricultural Residues - collected from racecourses, intensive feedlots, on farm or horticultural enterprises. Valuable residues can be readily recycled on location, by large amounts can produce problems with storage with recycling and waste disposal.
- Forestry residues - includes bark, sawdust and fibre residues created by manufacturing paper. Bark and sawdust are a carbon source when combined with manures.
- Sewage sludge - the solids created by the biological treatment in sewage and wastewater plants. The sludge can also be recycled to be used as a fertliser.
- Garden Wastes - consists of leaves, grass clippings, plant prunings and other plant residues. Previously, this was collected by municipalities and dumped in landfills or incinerated. Many communities are now separating green wastes from other material in order for it to be recycled.
- Source Separated Organic Waste (SSOW) - involves the compostable portion of a municipality's solid waste. For example, materials such as garden and food wastes, wet and soiled paper, nappies and satinary products and pet wastes.
The use of standard protocols for sampling, analysis, reporting and clarification of test results will ensure manufacture and promotion of quality materials to a set standard.
Seal of Testing Assurance
- This improves customer satisfaction that the compost product meets a high quality standard.
- Regular product testing maintains customer confidence.
- The product test data is available to customers on request.
- Educational instructions are provided to customers.
Reasons for the Standards
There are a number of reasons behind the development of the Quality Assurance Program. Compost is produced under standard, controlled production process, hence also improving the image of compost. Promotes more towards those composters who direct their product towards customers, than those who do not. Composters will undergo a test analysis. Analysis covers pH, soluble salts, nutrient levels, moisture content and organic matter. Testing for pathogen (Fecal Coliform or Salmonella) and heavy metals is also conducted.
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The copyright of the article New Composting Assurance Standards in Organic Gardens is owned by Geoffrey Ian Miller. Permission to republish New Composting Assurance Standards in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
