After utility hookups for the composter are completed during the next month, the program will get under way. This time around, all four dining halls as well as the other eateries will be involved. The entire composting process takes place within the in-vessel system which turns food and yard waste into a rich soil amendment. The unit measures 35 feet long by 8 feet wide and 8 feet high and handles up to 1,500 pounds of food waste and other material per day. An automated cart dumper, attached to the unit, dumps 64-gallon wheeled carts of waste into the mixer on top of the vessel.
Probes monitor the temperature and signal fans to circulate air as needed.
Moisture levels are maintained with spray nozzles and a fan sends odorous gas to the bio-filter.