Iowa Waste Exchange Reduce A Confidential, Non-Regulatory, No Cost Program of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Reuse Recycle
IDNR FABA FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GROUP P2 POLLUTION PREVENTION SERVICES SWAP SOLID WASTE ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM IWE IOWA WASTE EXCHANGE
Iowa Laws Yard Waste Yard Waste Collection Local Governments responsible for offering a yard waste collection program (i.e. curbside or drop-off). Yard Waste Collection requirement is met through municipal compost facility.
Compost Facility Requirements Permitting Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 105. Written notification of intent must be received by IDNR and must include: Location/legal description. Landowners name, telephone number and mailing address. Name, telephone number and address of responsible party Annual capacity of the facility Method of composting to be used (windrow/digestion, etc.) Source of yard waste and bulking agents.
Compost Facility Requirements Siting When siting a new compost facility it must be located: 500 feet from any existing residence 200 feet from public wells 100 feet from private wells 100 feet from ponds, streams, lakes or rivers.
Compost Facility Requirements Surfaces All weather surface is required including: Compacted soil or clay Compact granular aggregates Concrete Asphalt Compact asphalt millings Facilities must be designed to prevent water run-off
Procedure Large or small operation Adding ingredients Maintaining proper temperature (140-160 F) Turning Maintaining moisture Harvesting Aerating (maintaining oxygen)
Compost Facility Resources Needed Capital Investment (land, impermeable surface, equipment). Administrative (permitting, compliance, reporting) Onsite labor (loading/unloading residents, or pick-up of materials, turning, grinding, etc.) Public education and marketing. Outlets for finished compost product municipal use, residential use or selling of materials (If selling must report to ADALS).
Encouraging Residential Composting Benefits Reduce amount of yard waste going to the municipal facility thus reducing overhead. Also reduces other organics (food waste) from going to the landfill. Assists residents in creating a value added, high quality soil amendment that can be utilized in aesthetically pleasing pursuits (beautifying your community). Vibrant gardens with no chemicals (reduces air and water contamination and saves money). Environmentally responsible/promotes environmental stewardship.
Encouraging Residential Composting Sponsor/host vermicomposting/composting workshops. Distribute vermicomposting/composting information. Partner with other entities in encouraging residential and even business composting. Sponsor/host bin sale or a make your own demonstration.
Encouraging Residential Composting
Encouraging Residential Composting
Types/Design Static piles Lasagna composting Bin composting Tumbler composting Vermicomposting www.rainbarrelsiowa.com
Procedure Large or small operation Adding ingredients Maintaining proper temperature Turning Maintaining moisture Harvesting Aeration OR Do Nothing
Static Pile Easier to obtain optimal temperatures over bin and tumbler composting Nothing to build No expense Moveable
Lasagna Composting/Sheet Composting Layers of Browns and Greens Tilled into garden Difficulty in winter months Limited on materials
Bin Composting Can be expensive Can make your own Limited capacity Good if space is an issue Difficulty in turning Optimal temperatures www.gdmhabitat.org
Custom Bins Three bins are best One to fill One for curing One to turn others into or to draw from
Tumbling Composters Can be expensive Can make your own Limited capacity Good if space is an issue Simple turning Optimal temperatures
Custom Tumblers Need more than one Kick the Can Composting
Vermicomposting Can make your own Limited capacity Optimal temperatures Higher maintenance
Materials Recommended Yard waste Kitchen scraps Paper Cardboard/Chipboard Air Water The smaller the pieces the faster the process i.e. shredded paper vs. whole sheets of paper
Materials Not Recommended Meat scraps Bones Dairy products Pet waste Diseased plants Invasive weeds Whole Coconuts
C:N ratio Should be 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen by weight Equal weight of each would give you approximately 30:1 ratio for pile I shoot for 60% Carbon and 40% Nitrogen
Browns and Greens Browns (Carbon) Leaves Dirt Paper/Cardboard Wood chips Straw Greens (Nitrogen) Grass clippings Plant clippings Fertilizer Food waste Manures
Maintenance Active Turn often (aeration) Keep moist Have proper ratio of C:N (60/40) 1 2 months (depending on ingredients) Passive (Do Nothing) May take up to 6-12 months (depending on ingredients)
Applications Enriches soils with nutrients and minerals Improves health and yield of plants/crops Helps with moisture retention Improves tilth Assists in balancing ph in existing soils Eliminates/reduces commercial chemical applications
How Much? For Mulching spread 1-3 inches of compost on beds in fall or spring As a Soil Amendment before planting new beds, use 1-3 inches dug or tilled into the soil. (Use 3 inches to improve sandy soils, or 1-2 inches for heavy clay soils)
Troubleshooting Odor Not heating up Visits from vermin Too much moisture Too many greens Not enough water Not enough greens. Food waste exposed Meat and/or dairy in compost Turn the pile Reduce water Add browns Add water Add greens No meat or dairy Bury food wastes
Questions? Contact Information Shelene Codner Area Resource Specialist (319) 404-1942 scodner@region12cog.org