Compost Piles or Windrows

Piles of organic waste that allow the solids from primary treatment to dry out, heat up and decompose by aerobic means.

Treatment Level:  Secondary
Relative Cost:  low
Amount of Maintenance Interaction:  medium – high
Beneficial Byproduct:  some – lots (compost)

Advantages

• Very little maintenance needed if only used as waste solids treatment.
• Creates high nutrient compost for re-use or sale.
• Can also treat kitchen and garden waste.
• Can be done on a small or large scale, depending on the supply of material to be composted

Disadvantages

• Can take up a lot of space, depending on primary treatment method and other inputs.
• Must keep piles aerated by either layering with hay, straw, etc or by manual or mechanical turning.
• Care needed to avoid potential exposure to pathogens during O&M.

Operation & Maintenance

• Add sludge, kitchen compost, and/or animal waste as often as needed for disposal.
• Either layer each new input with straw, hay, or dry leaves, or turn pile monthly to add oxygen.
• Allow compost to age a minimum of 12 months before using for health safety.