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
Public Engagement and Funding Options
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 calculated 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.
Currently, staff are exploring funding options and working on grant applications. Council has also directed staff undertake a wide community consultation to share details of the feasibility study and obtain feedback.
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