Recycling association launches compost marketing project

A preliminary estimate of the demand by homeowners in the Omaha area for composted products and soil conditioners will be calculated as part of a new project of the Nebraska State Recycling Association (NSRA). "The results will help determine if additional product and market development investments are warranted," notes the Association, which has selected James Steffen and Associates (JSA) to manage the project.

For the market test, JSA will produce a small amount of compost in cooperation with area farmers. Selected inputs, including paunch manure from a meat packing plant, leaves from a yard trimmings recycler, and pen wastes from area stables, will be delivered to farms and composted under controlled conditions. Finished product will be screened and blended for use on home gardens and lawns.

Woods End Research Laboratory of Mount Vernon, Maine will design a testing procedure, conduct the laboratory analysis, and interpret the results. Feedstocks, compost sites, and finished products will be tested. Potential customers and regulatory officials will receive a written narrative explaining the testing process and the results. One or more lawn service firms will be selected to demonstrate the finished products. Recycling coordinators and state recycling officials will be invited to participate in planning and evaluating the demonstration. Products will be delivered in bulk to homeowners who agree to host a neighborhood demonstration. The demonstration(s) will be accompanied by sample advertising material.

Market tests in agriculture and horticulture are planned. If there is sufficient demand, future plans also call for constructing of a series of specialized transfer stations to be used primarily for holding and mixing organic residuals prior to delivery to farm composting sites. Finished compost for urban markets will be back-hauled to these facilities for storage, curing and screening. Information on the compost market development project can be obtained from Chris Stahlke or Kay Stevens of the Nebraska State Recycling Association, 1941 South 42nd Street, Suite 512, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. 402-444-4188.