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Greenhouse
Gas Emissions and Aerobic Compost Facts
-EPA and USCC conclude aerobic composting does not contribute to CO2, emissions, the main contributors to greenhouse gas response
and global warming
-Any emissions from aerobic composting are considered part of
the natural carbon cycle
-Aerobic composting eliminates methane and nitrous oxide
production
-Aerobic composting appears to be the safest way of
converting organic waste streams into a stable value added product
acting as a natural water filter when applied to land
-Aerobic compost can be used as a landfill cover to reduce
and eliminate methane emissions and odor as a result
-Our method of composting promotes carbon sequestering,
creating more humus, helping stabilize larger amounts of carbon into
long term storage while encouraging greater microbial activity for
further carbon sequestering
-Aerobic compost creates a “sink”- (long term storage in
the soil) helping reduce emissions in the atmosphere by sequestering
(locking up) the carbon in the soil
-Carbon is essential for soil stability and fertility
-Current estimates 20 million tons of carbon are stored
annually in the US soil with the potential to store an estimated 180
million tons annually or 12 –14 % of annual emissions in the US,
approximately 1.7 billion metric tonnes per year, there is an estimated
167 million acres of farmland in Canada
-Compost can also work as a bio filter for removing 80 –90
% of volatile organic compounds from gas streams substantially reducing
odors
-The amount of structure in the windrow has a direct relation
to the volume of CO2 emissions. Poor structure with excessive density
requires additional turning and usually results in higher CO2 readings.
-Converting organic waste into aerobic compost provides us
with the potential to enhance the growth of beneficial micro organisms
in the soil, new or existing vegetation, allowing for more respiration
in our atmosphere, which results in a reduction in CO2 levels and
reduced fertilizer requirements
Spreading aerobic compost helps
promote microbial activity in the soil
which improves the growth of vegetation, resulting in greenhouse gas
emission reduction.
When the structure of the windrow is
correct air flow is improved allowing the organic material being
composted
is to breathe, reducing the levels of CO2 emissions. Compact windrows
restrict access to oxygen,
increase CO2 levels and promote methane production. C/N ratios are
very important.
When the C;N ratio is out of balance with excessive N,
Nitrous oxide emissions may become an unwanted by product causing odor
issues.
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