Northeast Biosolids Residuals Assocation - Biosolids Compost in New England

Questions and Answers ï Benefits of Biosolids ï How Are Biosolids Used in New England? ï History of Biosolids Use ï New England Research

Recycling Biosolids in Agriculture, Reclamation, and Forestry ï Biosolids Compost in New England ï Biosolids Fertilizer Pellets ï Pulp & Paper Mill Residuals

Composting is a natural process by which insects, bacteria, fungi, molds, and other micro-organisms break down organic wastes. Composting occurs naturally everywhere near the surface of soils where plant and animal remains decompose and become part of the topsoil.

When biosolids are composted, people establish ideal conditions for compost organisms. Compost facility operators carefully manage the amounts of air, moisture, food, pH, and the temperature in the compost system. In New England, biosolids are composted by mixing them with wood chips, chipped yard waste, wood ash, and/or sawdust. These materials provide bulk and carbon, and they absorb moisture.

In New England, biosolids composting operations are performed either outside in controlled piles, or in a variety of kinds of closed buildings or containers. During the composting process, which can last two or more weeks, the activity of the organisms creates heat. Through careful management, the entire compost pile is exposed to temperatures high enough to kill pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Thus, after final testing, biosolids compost is safe for general use.

Biosolids compost is much like any other compost: it looks and acts like the dark, humus-rich topsoil found in nature. Biosolids compost is mostly organic matter and has about 1% nitrogen, some phosphorus, and numerous trace elements and plant micronutrients.

Contact Information

NEBRA
P.O. Box 422
Tamworth, New Hampshire 03886-0422 USA

Ned Beecher - Executive Director
Phone: 603.323.7654
FAX 603.383.7666
Email: info@nebiosolids.org