environmental impact statement kilmainhamwood compost facility ...

5361- Kilmainhamwood Compost Facility Extension- EIS
(Waste Information Management System). The details are cross-referenced with the approved waste
contractor list prior to allowing the vehicle to progress to the waste reception area. Similarly, the tare
weight of waste delivery vehicles is recorded following tipping of the waste. The net weight of waste
delivered by each vehicle is hence recorded.
Vehicles, owned and operated by Thorntons Recycling, currently deliver the majority of waste received
and processed at the facility. Other contractors or operators delivering waste to the facility must be
holders of a waste collection permit. The facility does not accept waste from the general public.
Waste is only accepted from Contractors who have a contract with Thorntons Recycling. This ensures
that all contractors have been assessed in advance and waste characterisation profiling has been
carried out. Any contractors who arrive on-site without such a contracted agreement are refused entry
and turned away.
All incoming wastes are tipped into the waste reception area at the facility building. There is no waste
stored or processed outside the facility building. All processes take place within the building. Following
tipping on the reception floor, the waste is inspected by an operator for compliance with supposed
feedstock category and level of contamination. If the load is non-compliant in terms of feedstock
category or level of contamination then the waste load is removed off site and returned to a Thorntons
Recycling licensed facility for further processing or onward disposal.
Prior to leaving the waste reception area of the facility, the rear of the vehicle and the vehicle wheels
are steam washed.
2.5.3 Feedstock Blending
Moisture and carbon to nitrogen ratio are important factors in determining the correct composting
conditions suitable for high rate aerobic composting. As a result the incoming feedstock, following
shredding (if deemed necessary), is mixed with seed compost and other amendments including
sawdust and woodchip. These supply a readily available carbon energy source to the micro-organisms.
Experienced operators at the facility assess the composition of each load of incoming waste with regard
to moisture content, porosity and C:N ratio, and accordingly determine the quantities required for
blending to produce an optimum feedstock for composting.
All blending/mixing is performed in doors on the floor of the reception building by loading shovels. A pile
of feedstock and amendment is turned a number of times by loading shovel in order to ensure uniform
mixing.
2.5.4 The Composting Process
For inspection purposes only.
Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
Following the mixing and blending process, the feedstock is moved by loading shovel and placed in the
composting bays for the initial phase of composting (typically a one week process) where the level of
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