1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Innovative Features of MAF
Financial
Operational
Technical
Regulatory

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

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

12. 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

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

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