Innovative Approach to Aerated Static Pile Composting Innovation is achievable through dedication, commitment and strong alliances Greater Taree City Council, JR Richards & Sons, Robert Bailey Consulting, Custom Composts, Resource Organics Unit and the MAF Maestro - Martin Hauke formed this alliance to deliver innovation in organics processing for Rural Regional Councils An AWT for small Rural Regional Councils??? Ahhhh not just alternate waste technology BUT affordable waste technology! Sharon Mitchell and Andrew Gulliver 2nd May 2012

What is MAF? This is a picture of MAF Unit being loaded I love this photo as it demonstrates that you don’t need to purchase new or high tech plant to use the MAF system. Business as usual! Blower Timer Manifold Air delivery pipes

What is MAF? Mobile Aerated Floor Developed in Germany by Martin Hauke Aerated Static Pile Composting System First introduced to South Australia ~ 5 years ago Larger scale development in WA, 2010 We currently use 3 MAF units. 1 Master and 2 sub units. Recently purchased another master and 2 sub units We currently process .......... Tonnes of garden organics (kerbside collection and self haul) annually

Why did Greater Taree City Council Choose MAF? Better risk management of current organics process Cost effective and proven method of processing food and garden waste Meets benchmarks for odour, leachate, litter and vermin Point 1 – Better risk Current practise was to : Shredd Greenwaste Trucked off site by a 3rd party There is no contract in place for this process making it unsustainable (what happened if they didn’t want the product anymore???) Point 2 – Cost effective Council developed a WM’ment strategy to reduce waste to landfill MAF is a cost effective method of removing organics out of the waste stream. Point 3 – Meets benchmarks Of EPA composting guidelines......Looked at them and how process met or exceed these requirements

Why is MAF Innovative? First Local Government in Australia to use MAF Been adapted to process food waste that doesn’t conform to the accepted and established enclosed composting systems Our aim was to introduce and trial a system that was proven and affordable for Rural Regional Councils and their communities. And to ‘Think outside the box’ and trial something new. MAF is affordable waste technology with low capital costs and has the mobility to be relocate on operational landfill sites. Established enclosed systems are inflexible and expensive. MAF also challenges the EPA composting guidelines as to ‘what is defined as enclosed’ – The MAF pile is covered with 150mm of compost opposed to a membrane or structure

How do we incorporate food waste into MAF? Step 1- Develop and implement a “Proof of Concept” Source food waste Great photo..........lucky lunch was a while ago A good cross section of all food types to replicate a food organics collection service Fruit/veges Meats Food scraps The bags are compostable and were supplied by JR Richards for this exercise

How do we incorporate food waste into MAF Cont’d? Measure inputs Blend with kerbside garden waste Apply to MAF Unit Monitor Moisture, Temperature, Oxygen and environmental impacts Again to replicate the percentage of product found in a food organics collection service Used non shredded kerbside garden waste (cost saving ) Monitoring is a key factor to creating good compost

How do we incorporate food waste into MAF Cont’d? Step 2 Develop and implement Full Trial Developed a methodology with Angus Campbell of ROU Monitoring and measuring environmental factors Use existing kerbside organics including food waste Evaluation period and consultation period with the EPA Publication will be promoted in early 2013 Methodology important as we need to seek EPA approval for the methodology to be used with the MAF Organics processing system by other organisations and Councils....SETS AN APPROVED STANDARD Gas monitoring etc Obtain product from adjoining council

Innovative Features of MAF Financial Operational Technical Regulatory

Innovative Features of MAF - Financial Low capital cost Minimal civil works Efficient use of area Utilise existing area Low operating cost

Innovative Features of MAF - Operational Mobile, flexible Simple to use Modular design, easily scaled up Adaptable to changes in process or feedstock

Innovative Features of MAF - Technical High level of process control in an ‘open’ pile Works partially loaded ‘Fit for purpose’ products (e.g. Fungal composts) Outer layers act as biofilter

Innovative Features of MAF - Regulation Odour control GHG emission control Methodology for GHG “Carbon Tax Ready”

Innovative Features of MAF Designed by composters Used by composters Training and support by composters MAF – A complete package