In sustainable waste management, Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM)) in British Columbia, Canada, stands out for its cutting-edge approach to organic waste processing.
From the Campbell River Waste Management Centre, CSWM serves more than 30,000 single-family homes, managing up to 14,500 tonnes of organic waste each year. This waste is transformed into Class A compost.
CSWM’s commitment to sustainability, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship positions it as a leader in the composting industry.
Stringent compliance
The regulatory framework governing the CSWM operations is set by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. These regulations mandate that composting activities occur within enclosed buildings to mitigate environmental impacts, particularly concerning odour management and other emissions, including a clear separation of stormwater from leachate and process water.
CSWM has embraced these challenges, incorporating innovative solutions into its facility design to ensure compliance and to minimise its environmental footprint.
Next generation technology
Central to the CSWM’s success is the implementation of six SG Bunker Systems from Sustainable Generation (SG), featuring GORE Covers.
SG’s Advanced Composting Technology at CSWM is designed to handle an input capacity of 14,500 metric tonnes of food and yard waste annually while providing superior environmental protection, odour management, and meeting stringent regulatory compliance requirements. The system is also robust enough to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow, ensuring year-round operation.
Scott Woods, Sustainable Generation’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, says economic and process control efficiency are the two most significant advantages of using Sustainable Generation’s CASP (covered aerated static pile) technology instead of in-tunnel.
In-tunnel technologies often short-cycle the process by reducing the processing time to achieve hygenisation only, rather than a stable, mature compost. Therefore, the compost is frequently hot and has the potential to emit odours when removed from the tunnels into outdoor curing or storage areas.
“Compared to in-tunnel composting, Sustainable Generations CASP systems offer an elevated level of performance for hygenisation and controlling odours, producing a stable and mature compost,” Scott says. “With lower capital costs and ongoing operational costs, this approach means SG Systems have the lowest total cost of ownership over the facility’s lifetime.”
Innovation and efficiency
The composting process at the CSWM facility is structured into a 10-week treatment period, divided into three phases – primary, secondary and maturation. During this period, food and yard waste undergoes controlled processes to ensure optimal compost quality. The process is controlled using the SG Bunker System with GORE Covers.
Applying a 10-week treatment process ensures the end product is mature, so odours are not an issue. Tunnels typically have a seven-to-21-day treatment time followed by windrow turning to finish composting. Scott says windrow turning increases the already expensive capital and operational costs required for the tunnel process.
In-floor trenching with water traps is employed for aeration and leachate capture while facilitating proper airflow and moisture control. Positive aeration with oxygen monitoring and control ensures that the composting material receives adequate air, which is crucial for microbial activity and compost maturation.
The facility has temperature and oxygen probes that continuously monitor and regulate the composting environment to maintain ideal conditions, ensuring the composting process is efficient and effective.
Environmental impact
Since becoming operational, CSWM has yielded impressive results. The compost produced is notably clean, with low contamination levels thanks to the CSWM service’s composting education program in partnership with its member muncipalities, making it suitable for agricultural and landscaping applications.
This quality compost supports sustainability goals by improving soil health, reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers, and promoting organic farming practices.
Additionally, the inbuilding design of the SG Bunker System meets all permitting requirements and minimises potential impacts on the surrounding community and ecosystem. This enclosed system mitigates environmental concerns, enhancing the project’s overall environmental benefits.
Model for sustainability
Brian Fuchs, Global Business Specialist at Gore Cover System –W. L. Gore & Associates, says CSWM’s creative composting project sets a new efficiency and environmental responsibility benchmark.
“It is an inspiration and a blueprint for others looking to improve their waste management practices,” Brian says. “CSWM’s success demonstrates the power of advanced technology and collaboration in achieving sustainability goals.
“By leveraging the latest composting technology, CSWM has addressed critical ecological challenges and made significant advancements in waste management.
“The project contributes to a cleaner, greener future by diverting organic waste from landfills and transforming it into a valuable resource.”
Scott says the Comox Strathcona Waste Management composting facility is a testament to innovation and environmental stewardship in the composting industry.
The project advances the region’s sustainability goals and highlights the potential for other communities to adopt similar strategies, driving a global shift towards more sustainable waste management solutions.
“By diverting about 30 per cent of collected organic waste from the regional landfill, CSWM is making significant strides toward achieving its waste diversion goal,” Scott says. “The quality compost supports sustainable agriculture, improves soil health, and reduces the reliance on chemical fertilisers. CSWM’s success story underscores the importance of integrating advanced technology and regulatory compliance in waste management practices.”
For more information, visit: www.sustainable-generation.com
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