Analyzing yard waste for contaminants
Article Abstract:
Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Resources conducted a study on yard waste from nine composting sites of various material types. Compost material samples were subjected to a sewage sludge standard test. Uncomposted samples were analyzed for pesticide residues, as this would assure the composts for household and commercial consumption. Results show that yard waste compost is ideal as soil additives, as it provides nutrients for the growth of plants. Metals concentration values were of a negligible amount. In uncomposted grass samples, pesticide residues were non-existent, except for one typein which residues are within the allowable range.
Publication Name: BioCycle
Subject: Environmental services industry
ISSN: 0276-5055
Year: 1992
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Standardized test for evaluation of compost self-heating
Article Abstract:
The effectiveness of compost lies on the stability and maturity of the residual organic fraction remaining after decomposition in the end product. A reliable measure of compost stability can be obtained through a compost self-heating test such as the Dewar self-heating method, which enables users and producers to identify the stability of compost by providing an accurate measure of compost temperature. The procedures for using the Dewar self-heating test kit and analyzing its results are presented.
Publication Name: BioCycle
Subject: Environmental services industry
ISSN: 0276-5055
Year: 1995
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Balancing benefits and costs of backyard composting
Article Abstract:
Precise cost-benefit analyses of home composting programs are difficult to conduct due mainly to differences in individual recycling behavior and the varied ways of composting. The National Backyard Composting Program was established to determine the costs and benefits of home composting. Preliminary data indicates that home composting programs spent $12 per ton of waste diverted in 1993-94 and 1994-95. Each home composting program saved about $55-56 per ton of material composted.
Publication Name: BioCycle
Subject: Environmental services industry
ISSN: 0276-5055
Year: 1996
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