- In 1989, Illinois banned yardwaste from landfills.
- Illinois landfill space is running out.
- Landfill costs continue to rise.
- Yardwaste accounts for 17% of the total wastestream.
- Yardwaste can be turned into a usable product and kept from using up valuable landfill space.
- Composting makes environmental and economical sense.
When material arrives at the site, it is spread out, watered, and stacked into piles called windrows; 7 feet high, 18 feet wide at the base and approximately 200 feet in length.
The compost will reach temperatures in excess of 140 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the inside of the pile. This will assure that all pathogens and weed seeds are destroyed.
The windrows are turned weekly with a machine designed to aerate windrows called a Scarab.
Depending on the temperature of the pile, moisture content, rotation frequency, type of material composting, the process can be complete in as little as three months.
- Improves soil structure
- Improves water retention
- Provides greater soil aeration
- Results in better plant growth
Composting can be used for the following:
- Topdressing of existing turf
- Planting of trees and bushes and flower bed preparation
- Roadside erosion control
- Reduce run-off and evaporation
- Control weeds
- Golf course construction and maintenance
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