John is a self-proclaimed novice when it comes to composting and running a micro-hauling company. That didn’t stop him from starting New Earth Farm’s community composting initiative in St. Louis, MO. He asks the right questions, and doesn’t jump into decisions. Although, community composting is a passion, for it to be successful, you can’t think of it as a hobby, and John is doing a great job.
Episode #9. Suncoast Compost - Tampa, Florida
Listen to the latest community composting podcast as Charlie chats with Kali, the owner of Suncoast Compost in Tampa, FL. Our composting neighbors in Central Florida address the challenges and success of running a small business focused on diverting food scraps from the landfill.
Episode #4. Compost Crew, How To Set-up a Municipal-wide Curbside Composting Program
Ben Parry, is the CEO of Compost Crew, the community composter taking care of the DC area’s organic waste. Recently, the Compost Crew was featured in a high-profile Biocycle article. Please enjoy the episode and rate and subscribe on whichever podcast platform you listen to podcasts on.
Composting Continues
Well guys, we've made it to the middle of April.
We're still operating (food waste collection services are considered waste haulers, and that is considered an essential service).
Food waste is being created now more than ever (we hear folks asking for MORE buckets because they are cooking more frequently).
Some of you are gardening (it’s a good time to create a victory garden and stay resilient to shocks in the food system like this .
Amazing connections are occurring (keep up the good work, everyone!).
We send all our best to the O-Town community -
Featured
NEW SERVICE! - On-farm Composting
The equine industry has a significant presence here in Central Florida, and with a great number of horses comes a great deal of manure to be managed. At O-Town Compost we specialize in the collection and processing of people’s food scraps, but since the COVID19 pandemic started, we’ve decided to venture into a new areas and diversify our business offerings. Introducing our “On-Farm Composting Service,” where a wasteful byproduct is transformed into a valuable resource.
The average horse generates 45 pounds a day of manure, and closer to 55 pounds if you include the bedding! When I first read this statistic, I was shocked! Where does all this organic material go? Does it just remain on the farm or get hauled to the landfill?
Different stable owners do different things, but typically smaller stables spread their raw manure onto the pastures in hopes that it’ll fertilize and grow more grass for their horses to graze on. Whereas, larger stables, lacking the proper time or heavy machinery to spread manure, will opt for renting a dumpster to fill and send to the local landfill for disposal. One dumpster load can cost a couple hundred of dollars to haul, and contributes to the ever growing mountain of organic waste that notoriously comprises 40 percent of all landfill waste.
It just so happens that horse and cow manure are the perfect consistency to make a crumbly and earthy compost. Manure alone has around a 25:1 Carbon to Nitrogen ratio being perfect for the active composting process. No outside feedstock is necessary to achieve a quality final product, but something, such as food waste, can be added without negatively affecting the result. The longer you let the manure dry out, the higher its carbon content becomes and it becomes better to add a nitrogen-heavy food waste.
Excitingly, O-Town Compost has begun construction on our first Aerated Static Pile (ASP) compost bin at Scala Stables located in East Orlando near University of Central Florida. Additionally, our services include regular weekly monitoring and upkeep, screening and transport of the finish compost, and technical assistance. Stable owners are left with a comprehensive instructional packet, and the ability to call anytime they’re experiencing a problem or have a question.
Advantages of choosing our composting method:
Eliminate the time and expense of off-site disposal
Produce finished compost in 60 days or less without turning the pile
Destroy parasites, pathogens and weed seeds in the finished product
Stop offensive odors
Significantly reduce flies, rodents and other pests
Improve your animals’ health
Create nutrient-rich compost product that is safe to use on pastures and gardens
Utilize the finished compost for an absorbent stall bedding
Earn revenue by selling your finished soil amendment and create a return on your investment
Enhance the appearance and value of your farm or stable.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this easy-to-use and environmentally friendly solution for on-farm waste management, please send us an email at info@o-towncompost.com.
Silly horse rolling around in the dirt.