An individual American produces an estimated 1,300 pounds of trash per year. About 40% of that is paper, 20% yard waste, 10% food wastes, 10% glass, 10% metals, 10% plastic and miscellanous. At present, about 83% of America's waste is landfilled, 8% burned or incinerated, and 9% recycled, (OTA. 1989.)In response to the interest in composting there are now over 1000 facilities in America that compost yard waste, 120 plants compost sewage with 100 more in the works, and nine plants compost mixed municipal solid waste,(Glenn, J. , 1990.)

Alternatives to composting are expensive. Tipping fees to incinerate waste generally exceed $40/ton. Landfill fees can vary, and in some areas are less than $10/ton. The Northeast, however, leads the nation in landfill cost. Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York average $70/ton, (Glenn, J., 1990.) 80% of the landfills in America are projected to close over the next 20 years as government regulations become more strict. Landfill and incineration costs will increase dramatically, (USEPA, 1989.)

Technology-From Industry to Backyard

Intermediate-scale composting is confined to smaller communities and farms, and primarily uses conventional farm-scale machinery to make compost in long windrows: front-end loaders, manure-spreaders, perhaps tractor-driven turners. Less new machinery or innovative engineering is reported at this level. The goals of intermediate-scale composters seem to be minimization of labor, cost, and odors generated rather than maximization of production efficiency.

Finally, small-scale composting is the realm of homeowners who deal with yard wastes: grass clippings, leaves, food, woody materials, and weeds. In the past, municipalities have collected these materials and disposed of them as landfill or stockpiles. Backyard composting is increasingly encouraged as a way to reduce waste volume. There is a thriving retail market for compost containers, starter inoculum, tools, and information. However, the technology of small-scale composting in aerobic piles is largely unchanged.

Rodale Trials

1) A feasibility study in two Pennsylvania counties of on-farm composting combining manures with urban and industrial wastes. The study inventoried compostable waste materials, farm-scale compost technology, state regulations, and local compost markets. Three hypothetical on-farm compost scenarios were developed, (Dreyfuss, D. 1990).

2) A research trial to demonstrate and assess the viability of on-farm composting farm wastes with a portion of the municipal waste stream. Poultry litter and leaves were composted using farm-scale machinery and methods during the winter months of 1989-1990. In addition, trial windrows were constructed of shredded newspaper and poultry litter, (Gresham, C. et al, 1990).

3) A research trial to compare corn yields and soil nitrate levels with six treatments (replicated four times): low rate of compost, high rate of compost, raw poultry litter, control, conventional fertilizers, compost plus sidedress fertilizer (In progress).

4) An ongoing project to study innovative designs for community development, focussing on energy conservation and waste management (In progress). In addition, two Pennsylvania state grants have been awarded to support education and outreach on backyard composting. On-site demonstration of composting options for homeowners will be developed, educational materials prepared, and outreach through state workshops implemented.

Assessment

1) Marketing and use of compost end product
2) Regional inventories of compostable products. Linking of waste producers with waste "consumers".
3) Establishment of compost quality standards.
4) Control of odors.
5) Recycling of human waste and separation of contaminants from the sewage stream.

Escalating disposal costs are fueling an expansion in composting of organic wastes, along with a surge in research and technological developments. Rodale will continue its longstanding commitment to compost as a cornerstone of waste recycling and soil health.