Edmonton Composting Facility

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MRF Composter03

Edmonton Composting Facility

The Edmonton Composting Facility was a large-scale composting plant located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was one of the largest facilities of its kind in North America, designed to process organic waste and convert it into compost for agricultural and landscaping use.

History

The facility was opened in 2000 as part of Edmonton's waste management strategy to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The city aimed to achieve a high rate of waste diversion through composting and recycling programs.

Operations

The Edmonton Composting Facility processed organic waste collected from households and businesses. The facility used a combination of aerobic digestion and mechanical sorting to break down organic material. The composting process involved several stages, including:

• **Pre-processing:** Organic waste was sorted to remove non-compostable materials.
• **Primary composting:** The waste was placed in large, aerated piles where it decomposed over several weeks.
• **Secondary composting:** The partially decomposed material was further processed to ensure complete breakdown.
• **Curing:** The compost was allowed to mature and stabilize before being screened and packaged for use.

Closure

In 2019, the Edmonton Composting Facility was closed due to structural issues and the high cost of necessary repairs. The city has since explored alternative methods for organic waste processing, including the development of a new anaerobic digestion facility.

Environmental Impact

The facility played a significant role in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By converting organic waste into compost, the facility contributed to soil health and reduced the need for chemical fertilizers.

See Also

• Composting
• Waste management
• Recycling
• Anaerobic digestion
• Landfill