Composting Assistance

Compost is the controlled, biological process of decomposition of organic material into a humus rich material.  Just about any industrial, agricultural, commercial, institutional or residential organic waste can be recycled into compost, though the resulting compost may not be an optimum product for plant production.

Outreach assist companies with the use of compost as erosion control for construction sites.  Berms and blankets made from compost or compost/mulch mixtures have proven to be very effective in reducing and filtering storm water run-off.  If you have questions, about the use of compost for erosion control, please contact Jason Governo at jgoverno@engr.uga.edu

Market Development for Compost
Outreach is working to expand potential markets for compost utilization by linking up potential users and generators.  All to often, just making connections between clients results in beneficial relationships that present new and interesting opportunities.

Vermicompost
Outreach provides assistance to the small but growing vermicomposting industry in Georgia. Vermicomposting, or the use of earthworms to degrade organic matter, can provide a good return for growers if a good combination of sales between both worms and castings is achieved.

Compost Wizard
Is a computer program that addresses windrow compost facility design questions. It provides information like how much land, labor, equipment, and investment are required to begin an operation. To purchase this software, contact Jason Governo at (706) 542-6119.

- The Georgia Compost White Paper for large scale composters
- Georgia Takes Many Routes to Recycle Food Residuals
  (Biocycle Magazine, September 2000)
- Lowly Earthworms Gaining Popularity for all They Can Do
  (Online Athens, March 2001)
- Compost Utilization Through Erosion Control (August 2001)
- Compost Wizard: Modeling Compost Facility (2002)
- Evaluation of Aerated Container Composting of University Preconsumer & Postconsumer Food Waste (January 2000)
- Food Waste Composting: Institutional and Industrial Applications (March 2000)
- A Comprehensive Survey of Georgia's Compost Industry