A third of the food raised or prepared does not make it from farm or factory to fork. Producing uneaten food squanders a whole host of resources—seeds, water, energy, land, fertilizer, hours of labor, and financial capital—generating greenhouse gases at every stage, including methane when organic matter lands in the global rubbish bin. The food we waste is responsible for roughly 8 percent of global emissions. Greg McCarron discusses how composting and anaerobic digestion turn organic waste into a beneficial product in Waste Management & Research, Volume 43, Issue 4.
The trend in the United States is towards using ASP systems to process food scrap materials. Recent examples by private companies involve the composting of food processing residuals. One company implemented a turned windrow compost project for sustainability reasons and to produce organic fertilizer to grow organic food products, which continue to grow in demand. Another company is pursuing an ASP compost project as land application regulations are changing, which are affecting America’s farms and farmers, and requiring enhanced organic management practices.
Anaerobic Digestion (AD) involves decomposing organic waste in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, producing methane-rich biogas. Historically, AD has been used to process low solids/wet organic materials, such as manure, biosolids, and liquid industrial waste. To manage food waste, three types of AD facilities are increasingly being utilized in the United States: (1) stand-alone food waste digesters, (2) on-farm digesters that co-digest food waste and manure, and (3) digesters at water resource recovery facilities that co-digest food waste and biosolids.
About the Author: As a Vice President, Greg McCarron oversees SCS Engineers’ nationwide organics management initiative, which includes edible food rescue, composting, and anaerobic digestion. Greg is SCS’s National Expert on Organics and works closely with national, regional, and local clients. His experience includes the design, planning, permitting, regulatory support, construction oversight, system start-up, economic analysis, and technology assessment projects for municipal and private clients. His turn-key projects typically involve feasibility studies, due diligence evaluations, facility siting, site investigations, environmental studies, permitting, design, and construction and operation services. Facilities include compost facilities, landfills, landfill gas control facilities, and support facilities (e.g., roadways, stormwater, utilities). Other projects include waste composition studies, compliance reports, and preparing various procurement documents. Reach out to Greg at or on LinkedIn.
Additional Composting Resources:
Join SCS Engineers at the 2025 Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference (WIRMC) on February 26-28, 2025, at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
SCS Engineers will be presenting on a range of topics, offering expertise and fresh perspectives to help shape the future of integrated resource management. Make plans to attend and connect with industry professionals while exploring the latest advancements in the field. We look forward to seeing you at the Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference!
The amount of organic waste produced in North America burdens waste management systems and, when placed in landfills, creates methane and uses up valuable landfill space. In response, municipalities and private companies are diverting organic waste from landfills and recycling them into high-quality compost. While food waste composting is theoretically simple, real-life success requires attention to detail. There is a logical series of processes and parameters, some specific to each site, to work through for communities and solid waste management organizations to avoid pitfalls and achieve their goals.
Design & Operation Considerations for Accepting Food Waste at Compost Facilities
Betsy Powers of SCS and Marcus Gamoke of Busy Bee Composting discuss the design and operation considerations critical for successfully implementing food waste composting facilities at WIRMC. Facilities with well-thought-out strategies that leverage composting technologies and engineering practices will create a sustainable and economically viable operation. We will share creative solutions to address some limiting factors private and municipal clients have faced, including feedstock and finished product transportation, equipment investments, and site staffing.
Betsy Powers
Betsy Powers is a Project Director and Professional Engineer with SCS Engineers with over 26 years of experience in the public and private solid waste management. Her expertise includes landfill, MRF and compost facility design, permitting and construction; waste characterizations; and site development.
Marcus Gamoke
Marcus owns Busy Bee Compost and is a UW-Stevens Point graduate with 9 years of experience owning and operating a composting business with four locations across the state. His facilities produce WDNR Class A standard and OMRI-certified organic compost. Marcus has experience with diverse feedstocks, composting equipment, and compost applications. In addition to being an expert composter, Marcus operates his own hauling and mobile composting services as part of his business model and is experienced with material handling, costs, and logistics.
Join SCS Engineers at SWANA Young Professionals Green Drinks, August 23rd 6-8 pm at San Pedro Square Market, where you can explore an exciting and impactful career path in sustainability and learn more about the circular economy. This is your chance to network with industry experts, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and discover unique career opportunities that make a difference in our communities by reducing waste and combating climate change. Whether you’re just starting out, considering a career transition, or simply looking to connect with others in the field, this event offers valuable insights and connections to help you engage with the circular economy. Hear from speakers representing the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA), Enthalpy Analytical, SCS Engineers, Mainspring Energy, and more. Bring a friend and get ready to explore the diverse career paths this industry has to offer! Register today!
FREE LIVE WEBINAR & Q/A
We hope you can join SCS Engineers for our next client webinar. Feel free to share this invitation with others who may be interested!
Live on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time for 1 hour
You will receive a unique Zoom link to join the event. SCS Engineers never shares or sells your information.
The amount of organic waste produced in North America burdens waste management systems and, when placed in landfills, creates methane and uses up valuable landfill space or gets incinerated. In response, municipalities and private companies are diverting organic wastes from landfills and recycling them into high-quality compost. While theoretically simple, there is a logical series of processes and parameters, some specific to each site, to reach the goals communities and solid waste management organizations hope to achieve.
As with all SCS Client Webinars, we’re here to answer your questions throughout the forum and afterward. Our panelists take us through the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority’s (SCRRRA) proposed compost facility. This facility reflects a well-thought-out strategy that leverages advanced composting technologies and engineering practices to create a sustainable and economically viable operation.
Join SCRRRA Executive Director David Aldridge and Professional Engineer Greg McCarron as they step through the Design, Siting, & Permitting of SCRRRA’s Municipal Compost Facility. The live educational presentation is on Thursday, July 18th, at 2:00 pm (Eastern) and includes an open Q&A forum.
Recommended for These Audiences
This educational, non-commercial webinar with Q&A is free and open to all who want to learn more about composting programs. We recommend this month’s discussion for private and public solid waste management, municipal government, and agency staff looking to begin or refine a composting program as part of their waste management strategy. It also provides insight to processors, compostable product manufacturers, haulers, citizens, retailers, and businesses interested in reusing what was once considered waste into a valuable commodity with environmental benefits.
A Certificate of Attendance is available on request following the live session.
You will receive a unique link to join the event. Do not share the link. SCS Engineers never shares or sells your information.
CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE SESSION? NO PROBLEM.
At USCC 2024 Dave Aldridge of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority and Greg McCarron of SCS Engineers present Planning and Development of a Public Compost Facility based on a compost facility and programs when disposal capacity is nearing its limit.
The Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority (SCRRRA) is the waste management and recycling authority for its twelve member municipalities. Since 1984, SCRRRA has been responsible for implementing solid waste recovery systems, and coordinating recycling and disposal services. Due to the closure of a major waste-to-energy facility in July 2022, Connecticut has a shortfall in disposal capacity that has resulted in an estimated 860,000 tons of municipal solid waste being shipped out of state for disposal, mostly to landfills. SCRRRA estimates that disposal tipping fees will exceed $100 per ton in the near future.
The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy recommends implementation of organics collection programs and processing facilities, in an effort to manage waste within the state. Aldridge and McCarron’s presentation covers the planning and development steps taken by SCRRRA to permit and build a regional compost facility that will accept food and yard waste. The proposed facility will accept organic material from all of its member towns and regional businesses, and produce a high-quality soil amendment for farmers and gardeners. SCRRRA will also provide finished compost, at reduced cost, to disadvantaged communities in the region, for community gardens and beautification projects.
Planning and Development of a Public Compost Facility covers the following topics:
1. Regional waste landscape.
2. Permitting and execution of an aerated static pile (ASP) pilot test.
3. Preparation of a feasibility study and pro forma.
4. Site options and considerations.
4. Local site permitting, and,
5. Next steps, including design and construction.
About Aldridge & McCarron: David Aldridge is the Executive Director of the Southern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority responsible for implementing solid waste recovery systems, recycling, and disposal services in twelve Connecticut municipalities with a population base of 230,000. Dave has been the Executive Director of SCRRRA for over 12 years, responsible for all financial, administrative and operational functions of the Authority using his 25 year background as a logistics industry executive responsible for transportation and distribution with expertise in process improvement and operational efficiency.
As a Vice President, Greg McCarron is responsible for overseeing SCS’s nationwide organics management practice. He works closely with SCS’s national and regional clients, completing projects covering all aspects of solid waste management, including composting and anaerobic digestion. Typical these include designing, permitting, constructing, and operating compost and anaerobic digestion systems and facilities for public and private clients. His experience includes operations, project management, design, permitting, regulatory support, construction oversight, system start-up, economic analysis, and technology assessments. Reach out to Greg at m or on LinkedIn.
Both speakers are engaged with many associations, coalitions, and committees focusing on leading edge waste management in the U.S. including the US Composting Council.
This informative day will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, networking, a catered lunch, and exhibitors. Attendees will benefit from a variety of themed breakout sessions providing education on composting related to the basics, home, farm, municipal, schools, and medium to large scale operations. The event will highlight how composting can benefit local communities, businesses, the environment, and improve climate resiliency.
SCS experts plan to attend – come find us and talk about your composting needs!
Click for more conference details and registration information
SCS Engineers is a Silver Sponsor of the 2024 Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, February 28-March 1.
WIRMC is a great local opportunity for continuing education and networking opportunities. The conference offers a great mix of technical discussion, emerging technologies, practices, and networking with other industry professionals, such as SCS Engineers (visit us at Booth 41).
AROW-Associated Recyclers of Wisconsin, SWANA-Solid Waste Association of North America, and WCSWMA-Wisconsin Counties Solid Waste Management Association jointly host the statewide conference.
Look for this highlight session featuring SCS Project Manager Chris Jimieson:
This session covers environmental equity, recovery of more recyclables, composting education and outreach, waste reduction/zero waste in recycling, and recycling education. Active participation and engagement in waste reduction efforts increase recycling. Three projects highlight the role of engaging education strategies, workshops, and community events in empowering Latinx, school, and neighborhood communities. Learn how the tools and behavioral communications strategies can be replicated in your waste reduction efforts, spreading the ripple effect of impact.
There’s plenty more on the Wisconsin Integrated Resource Management Conference agenda! Check here for the latest.
SCS Engineers is a proud sponsor of the New Mexico Recycling & Solid Waste Conference, September 19-20, at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown.
The conference, themed “The Value of Materials & Relationships,” will include plenary sessions, breakout sessions, an awards ceremony, exhibitors, networking opportunities and more! The conference is jointly hosted by The New Mexico Recycling Coalition and the New Mexico SWANA Roadrunner Chapter, and will cover such topics as recycling, composting, landfill operations, transfer stations, and much more!
SCS professionals are presenting at the conference, including
Find out more and register today!
We hope to see you there!
Learn from nationally-recognized instructors at the Compost Research & Education Foundation’s Compost Operations Training Course (COTC), September 11-15, 2023, at Booth Labs, NC State University, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The COTC provides in-depth training from nationally-recognized instructors, and provides practical experience through hands-on activities. Content is continuously updated to reflect location conditions and up-to-date industry practices. Attendees can also tour local facilities to see theories put into practice. The Training is intended for anyone who needs comprehensive instruction on commercial-scale compost production and marketing, including compost facility managers (municipal, commercial, or farm), environmental and agricultural consultants, regulators, and equipment vendors. This week-long course provides the knowledge needed to run a composting facility successfully.
The mission of the Compost Research & Education Foundation is to advance composting technologies, practices, and beneficial uses that support resource conservation and economic and environmental sustainability. The CREF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Meet SCS Engineers professionals at the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations (ISOSWO)’s Recycling & Solid Waste Management Fall Conference, October 2-4, at the Waterloo Convention Center in Waterloo, Iowa.
The conference will feature networking opportunities, a solid waste tour and a sustainability walking tour, exhibits, and auction, and educational sessions.
Click for more details and registration information
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