On-Island Composting Facility
A composting facility is being considered to process Bowen Island’s organic waste. The facility would be built at the Bowen Island Recycling Depot (BIRD) site and help us achieve the following goals:
- Reduce costs currently spent on transporting our food and yard waste to the mainland.
- Reduce our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
- Close the organic waste management loop.
- Increase food security.
The Hot Rot© in-vessel composting system made by Global Composting Solutions is being considered for the management of Bowen Island’s green waste. This system was chosen because it has a relatively small physical footprint and an odour control guarantee; produces no leachate and minimal condensate; and is of suitable capacity for Bowen’s green waste volumes. There are currently over 20 installations operating around the world (3 in Canada), many with similar conditions to Bowen Island.
The estimated capital cost for the recommended facility is $1,086,500. In a cost benefit analysis reflecting 2019 waste volumes and 2020 transportation costs and tipping fees, a cost of $13,000 per year was calculted for the on-island composting facility. A similar increase in green waste volume as last year (to 625 tonnes) would result in the facility breaking even. If grant funding is obtained, or tipping fees are increased as expected, the facility would bring in a profit.
Phases
Feasibility Study
It became evident that since 2016, tipping fees have increased by more than 40% and green waste volumes have increased by over 30%. In 2018, Harvest Power in Richmond, BC was closed and as a result Bowen Island’s green waste is hauled to Pemberton, representing a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2019, a feasibility study completed by Timmenga and Associates Inc. reviewed past studies and included modeled cost benefit analyses for current and predicted future volumes, as well as a worst-case scenario. Several technologies were reviewed, as well as potential sites for the operations, feedstock quality and quantity and regulatory requirements. A greenhouse gas analysis and basic site design were also completed.
- See Page 8 of the staff report, dated January 30, 2020
- Watch the video of the Committee of the Whole meeting held February 10, 2020
A survey conducted in the fall of 2019 had 300 respondents and provided valuable insights into the most important issues for the community. This survey, along with a less formal survey of local landscapers, tree services, haulers and sand and gravel operators helped determine the potential for additional yard waste and the potential market for finished compost.