With organic waste regulations tightening, businesses have to look for alternative treatment options for their organic waste. Landfill costs are increasing, and municipal authorities are clamping down on businesses producing large volumes of organic waste and sending it to landfill.
BiobiN South Africa discusses why on-site composting units are a very feasible alternative waste treatment solution that can process large volumes of any type of organic waste. First, let’s look at the most common types of commercial organic waste:
Agricultural citrus and other fruits: This is a large agricultural sector in South Africa with a booming citrus market and wine production sector. With food and product quality standards, a large portion of fruit does not go to market or into production. There is also a lot of bi-product waste (peels and offcuts). Having an on-site composting unit is a great opportunity to convert this waste stream into a soil amendment product and use it for land application, replacing synthetic fertiliser.
Agricultural livestock by-products and mortalities: Treating this organic waste stream is important as it is classified as ‘hazardous’ according to our waste regulations. Untreated animal waste is biohazardous and can carry pathogens that pose a significant threat to livestock and human health. BiobiN composting units create conditions internally that neutralise pathogens treating the biohazardous component.
Retail food and organic waste: At the consumer market stage, retail produces large volumes of food product waste (edible and non-edible). Many retail outlets are opting for on-site composting units as this is a versatile, clean and efficient option for processing large volumes of food and organic waste. Consumers are also choosing to support the shopping centres and restaurants that offer composting as a solution.