Composting On A Large Scale

[ruthandsam]

Hi

I've just started working for a gardens and grounds landscaping company and I quickly noticed that they are not composting the green waste (grass, leaves, hedge cuttings). We pay for a local skip company to dispose of this - the price is the same for green waste as it is for general waste.

I mentioned it to my area manager and obviously he had discussed this before but nothing had come of it. Therefore, what points need to be considered when setting up a composting area on site. We have plenty of room and I had thought the perfect place for it to be situated, however, thinking about it, it would smell dreadful especially being so close to offices. Also, fire risk would have to be a consideration.

I want to present this info to him but with some answers rather than just suggestions.

Many thanks

[New Judge]

all that's needed is a few large enclosures (perhaps three or four) possibly constructed from old packing pallets. The idea of having a few is that compost can be "turned" from one to the other as it decomposes. (It should be turned every two or three months).

Compost in open bins will not smell and I have never heard of a compost heap catching fire. (Try setting fire to a pile of damp grass).

[woofgang]

if you only or mainly have grass cuttings to put on it then it won't compost well.

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=444

large compost heaps can catch fire
http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/forums/p/30328/84506.aspx

especially if they are big and contain a high percentage of soft green material
http://mygarden.rhs.org.uk/forums/p/30328/84506.aspx

its the same principle as spontaneous combustion in haystacks but it would be a huge heap
http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Spontaneous-combustion-risk-storing-wet-straw/story-13148033-detail/story.html#axzz2jzbnhWBm

[ruthandsam]

Thanks guys. The amount of steam/smoke? coming from a compost heap and the smell of methane can be unbearable. But I will find an answer some how as it's got to be cheaper than having the skips emptied several times a week!

[boxtops]

I don't understand about compost smelling. We have two large bins and it doesn't smell at all, nor did my friend's when she had an allotment and a huge compost enclosure. If it's only got vegetation in it, what's to smell?

[Mosaic]

I thought compost only ponged if you put food waste in it. Maybe I'm wrong.

[ferlew]

"Good" compost smells sweet.
You need a good mixture, never put in cooked food waste.
Add twiggy stuff, and torn cardboard/scrunched paper.
Man wee helps loads. Do not put a compost heap in the shade, it needs warmth.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

We have 2 bays each about 6 feet cube ...full of everything from the garden....and no smell

[woofgang]

if you try and just compost mostly grass cuttings and sappy green stuff you get a mouldy slimy mess and the smell is appalling...been there, done that.

[woofgang]

ruthandsam, you might try talking to the RHS at Wisley, or one of the local councils who has a composting scheme. the New Forest District Council's waste contractor does it, you might start at the NFDC website?

[diddlydo]

Properly made compost heaps never smell - but you need a mix of twiggy and green stuff.