I got the opportunity to do a site visit at the Full Circle Organics processing plant in Becker, MN. While only being open for two months, they were already processing seven windrows of compost. With many of my clients doing waste projects, it was important for me to see the behind the scenes of where the compostable items end up, and what happens from there.
The raw materials are coming from a variety of places including Hennepin County, Canterbury Downs (the bedding from races) and a paper processing facility. The variety of material allows for the proper mix to ensure high quality end product.
The view from inside the turner.
I was able to ride on the custom piece of equipment to turn a windrow - which they do on average, one time a week, depending on the temperature. The machine drives down the row and mixes the product, which aids the processing. It was interesting to see the natural process in action, and hear the challenges the facility faces. It's pretty amazing that what months ago would have been trash is now being transformed into a commodity!