Natural Recovery Systems Operations
Waste Receival and Pre-processing
Garden wastes are received out of doors for manual removal of contaminants such as plastic bags etc prior to being processed through a shredder.
Food wastes are received within the main processing building and then mixed with the shredded garden waste using a front end loader.
Mixing and Vessel Loading
The shredded garden and food waste mix is loaded into a vessel within the processing building using a front end loader.
Once the vessel is loaded with compost pre-mix the door is put into place and the membrane cover drawn over the vessel to provide a totally enclosed system.
In-vessel Composting
The sealed vessel is then placed under the management of the process control system with the air recirculation system automatically maintaining optimum composting conditions within the vessel.
Compost Screening
Compost is screened using large rotating wire mesh screens (trommel screens). Different sized mesh can be used on these screens to give composts of varying particle size. This activity is conducted within a completely secure building to minimise litter and dust.
Compost Maturation
Compost from the in-vessel system can be screened immediately upon removal from the vessel for use in specific applications such as soil manufacture and agricultural uses.
Mature compost for a broader range of applications is required to age for a period of at least 4 weeks after removal from the vessel. This can be done in conventional windrows that do not need to be turned during the process.
Compost Markets
Quality accredited organic compost from the NRS facility is sold to many different industries including: garden supply yards, soil manufacturers and the horticultural industry.
For soil, compost provides organic matter, which enhances the living microbes of the soil as well as improving soil structure and water holding capacity. It also improves the utilisation of nutrients which reduces fertiliser needs.
Did you know?
For the Sydney 2000 Olympics Veolia Environmental Services won the contract for managing waste during the construction of the Athletes’ Village and its subsequent modification after the games into a residential development.