Demonstration Pilots 2010-2011
Since its inception in 2001, FORCE has filled the need for environmentally sound, economically feasible methods, and practical and applicable solutions for recycling and utilizing organics and agricultural wastes. FORCE activities during 2010 and 2011 included two (2) research and demonstration projects to explore the feasibility of composting different blends of organic feedstocks to include animal manure, yard and food waste including meats.
The On-farm composting project demonstrated proper design and operational procedures for on-farm composting. The specific focus was (a) use of off-farm vegetative waste to optimize composting of yard trash or manure generated on the farm, and (b) use of off-farm yard trash as part of manure management operations regulated under Chapter 62-670, F.A.C.
This project served both research and demonstration objectives. Materials handling and composting activities were closely monitored, and data regarding operational procedures, best practices, feedstock and compost quality, and economics was gathered. The information obtained and the operation itself demonstrated and helped to promote efficient and environmentally-sound on-farm composting.
Click [here] to access the project final report.
The Pre-consumer Food Waste Demonstration Project was designed to serve as a model for what can be accomplished under the revisions to Chapter 62-709 F.A.C. The purpose was to (a) demonstrate proper design and operational procedures for composting source-separated food material; (b) evaluate operations, economics, environmental parameters, and compost quality; and (c) share project results with the Florida composting community. In addition, the Project served double duty as a demonstration site for the Compost Education and Training component of the FORCE project.
The Project’s specific focus was to incorporate source-separated pre-consumer food scraps from supermarkets into a registered County yard trash operation. There are several benefits of combining food waste and yard trash together in a composting operation. Most importantly, food waste tends to be rich in moisture and nitrogen, while yard trash naturally provides structural porosity and a source of carbon. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of using these two materials made them excellent feedstocks for composting.
Click [here] to access the project final report.