THE former Ultima landfill site will be transformed into a unique composting facility under a Swan Hill Council-led trial.
Engineering strategic projects manager Peter Ross said the trial project consists of stage one for an open windrow composting facility for the region.
Windrow composting is used for processing garden waste, such as grass cuttings, pruning and leaves in either an open air environment or within large covered areas where the material can break down in the presence of oxygen.
Mr Ross said initially the facility would receive up to 1200 tonnes per year of food and garden organics waste and produce compost products.
“These end-products could then be used to fulfil local demand in the region,” he said.
“The trial project will provide processing infrastructure for food organics and garden organics (FOGO) waste which will allow council to align with State Government’s waste policy by diverting organic wastes from the garbage stream, hence diversion from landfill.
“The project aims to align with the new Kerbside Reforms policy, set by State Government, when council transitions to the new household FOGO recycling system which is targeted to be introduced in 2024.”
Mr Ross said the former landfill site was well-suited to be developed as a composting facility because it didn’t impede on nearby residents.
“It has a buffer zone from existing dwellings in excess of what is required for such a use (1000 metres from the nearest farm house, and over 1800 m from the populated township of Ultima), is located in close proximity to Swan Hill and has a market for the end-product at its doorstep,” he said.
A small-scale compost facility would provide a range of local employment opportunities which fits well with the government’s circular economy vision, Mr Ross said.
“Organics processing includes working knowledge skills that is highly suited to incorporating supported workers into the project,” he said.
“This type of employment is important for the community and has been supported by council in the past. The project would also include training of staff to prepare and process materials according to best practice.
“Such a facility would offer great environmental outcomes by achieving maximum diversion of organics from landfill, thus reducing methane emissions as well as increasing materials being re-purposed for other uses.
“The end product from the composting facility would also provide benefits to local producers, due to the current demand for clean and good quality compost in the region.”
Council held information sessions on the initiative in Ultima earlier last month.
The project is funded by Sustainability Victoria and council in a one-for-one contribution.
