Research into Municipal Composting, Cardiff University

"The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the factors affecting the design and implementation of a municipal composting scheme. The report forms part of a series of research projects, undertaken by Cardiff University, which are intended to assist Cardiff Council in developing its municipal waste management strategy."

Our view is that the description above, which is given in the opening paragraph belies the comprehensive nature of this report. The fact is that in a series of six downloadable chapters, the authors explain the UK/Welsh regulatory scene and organic "waste to landfill reduction targets" as far as these affect composting. They analyse and discuss available waste types suitable for composting. They also review a wide range of proprietary composting systems of all sizes, and give recommendations for the implementation of composting in Wales.

The following are links to each chapter. The information is of use to all readers, whether interested in composting in Wales, or generally throughout the UK and beyond.

Composting in Wales

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Current Recycling and Composting Initiatives within Wales
Chapter 3 Legislation and Policy
Chapter 4 Collection Methods, Waste Generation, Participation, Quality Standards
Chapter 5 Composting Systems- Simple windrow to Cliff Quay Sewage Sludge
Chapter 6 Collection Methods, Planning, Economics, Recommendations

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Above: A modern compost facility referred to in the report.