Organic Disposal and Recycling
Circular Economy Principles
Earthborn Australia is a resource recovery and green organics recycling facility. Based on the Sunshine Coast, we run an aerobic composting plant that accelerates the decomposition of organic matter in a controlled microbial environment by adding water, oxygen and nutrient. We handle approximately 100,000 cubic meters of organic material per annum.
Solid waste disposal:
- Shredded vegetation, green waste and wood waste.
- Tree loppers chip and other vegetative residues from logging and land clearing operations.
- Animal manures and residues.
- Crop residues from farming operations
- FOGO (food organics and garden organics generated by residents)
- Compostable packaging (must comply with AS4736 or AS5810)
- Clean fill and topsoil
Liquid waste disposal:
- Food processing wastes (e.g. residues from food manufacturing and grease trap from restaurants & commercial kitchens).
- Hydro-excavation, muddy and storm waters (source dependent).
Opportunities to recover further resources grow every day as newer technologies and techniques become available. The organic recycling industry is highly regulated; please contact us to determine if we have a suitable waste disposal solution for you.
Established over 30 years ago, Earthborn has been at the forefront of developing progressive and sustainable systems to divert organic material from landfill. We use sophisticated processes to refine and beneficially reuse both solid and liquid waste materials generated in metropolitan and regional centres.
The Process
Depending on the both the physical and nutritional characteristics of the material, additional treatments and
processes are required. These may include mechanical shredding to regulate the consistency of the
material, treatment with odour-controlling microbes or the addition of other carbon and nitrogen sources to ensure the correct C:N ratio of 30:1, as is necessary for continuous composting.
Composting
Regular turning (mechanical aeration) and watering is imperative for proper oxygen supply.
Temperatures are also monitored throughout the composting cycle, 55 degrees must be reached and maintained to rapidly decompose the material. These high temps also destroy most pathogens and seeds.
Screening
Once temperatures have dropped and the windrow is finished actively composting, it undergoes a screening process that separates by particle size. The compost can now be further amended to change the nutritional profile and physical structure of the mix. This takes the material from a basic soil conditioner, to a premium enriched compost with stimulated biology and plant available nutrient.
Curing
Compost is then left to cure. This allows the microbial population to build and diversify. The pile is irrigated throughout this period, allowing us to add microbe food & stimulants such as molasses, kelp & fish extract or liquid worm extract. Finally, the material is put through our quality assurance process, including laboratory testing.