Composting Assessment for Organic Solid Waste at Fort Polk, Louisiana

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate composting as a means of increasing waste diversion at Ft. Polk, LA. Wastes were evaluated from a range of activities, and the authors found that a number of materials currently landfilled are suitable for composting, including: vegetation, food wastes, pulverized paper (which is not suitable for recycling), consumer-contaminated paper (not suitable for recycling), damaged wood pallets, and sludge from the wastewater treatment plants. Waste records from Ft. Polk suggest a composting operation producing at least 2200 tons per year (from a food waste/vegetation strategy) is feasible. This would represent considerable solid waste diversion, consistent with meeting Net Zero Waste Goals. Between the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM), the Directorate for Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (DFMWR) (golf course, athletic and drill fields), and smaller groups, there are enough users to consume all the compost that could be generated from an on-site operation. A suitable area for on-site composting is available. There are also other alternatives to on-site composting, including current management, which is outlined in this report; other means of waste diversion (including direct soil application of certain waste materials and anaerobic digestion of food wastes); and the possibility of developing partnerships with composting facilities offsite. Although this project is focused on Ft. Polk, the assessment could be-in a broad sense-applicable to other Army installations. In addition, the issues found at the Joint Training and Readiness Center (JTRC) might have applicability to contingency environments and deployed operations. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.

Energy and Resource Recovery from Wastewater Treatment: State of the Art and Potential Application for the Army and the DoD

“…Sludge disposal costs are a large energy consumer. On-site land application of sludge (either direct application or in a compost operation) can reduce energy needed for sludge transport while eliminating disposal costs (Medina et al 2014a).…”

“…Food wastes in particular have high gas production value (Medina et al 2014b) and are produced at large quantities at Army installations. Furthermore, an effective management approach for foodwastes is needed (Medina et al 2014a). By coupling sludge digestion with treatment of other wastes, it might be feasible to produce energy in excess of the wastewater treatment process, which can be used to offset energy within the base.…”