In simple terms composting is the decomposing of organic material in a controlled manner.  The composting process is caused by naturally occurring bacteria.  To function effectively the bacteria in the composting material has to be exposed to air and moisture.  In order to maintain adequate airflow through the compost the material it is commonly laid out in windrows.  Bulking agents such as wood waste are also added to the compost mix to help air circulation.

These windrows are turned periodically to ensure good air circulation.  Depending on the volume of material to be composted either an ALLU Bucket or ALLU AS26/38 self-propelled windrow turners can be used.  By the end of the composting cycle the bacteria has waste material into a rich natural fertilizer resembling soil.
  
In some cases it is necessary to pass the composted material through a Finlay Trommel to remove any large pieces of bulking agents.  Wood waste from saw mills could also be composted to produce a bark mulch material used for landscaping purposes.
  
Composting technology can also be used to process soils contaminated by hydrocarbons where bacteria is introduced to the soil to consume the contaminants.

ALLU SM3-23 turning compost windrows.

ALLU SM3-17 aerating domestic organic waste for composting.
 
Organic compost covered windrow system.

ALLU AS38 Windrow turner processing compost windrow.

ALLU SMH 4-17 crushing/aerating wood waste for composting for sale as bark mulch.

Finlay 790 Trommel screening compost material

©  June 2001, M.H. Screening