| | New composting technology recently developed by the Olds College Composting Centre has solved a processing issue for a local meat processing plant, at the same time as saving a market opportunity for producers. ..
“With the problems of scrapies in mature sheep, renderers in western Canada refused to continue taking the sheep material byproducts they typically render in the mid ‘90s,” explains Gary Haley, President and CEO of Canada West Foods J.V. Inc. in Innisfail. That meant processing mature sheep was no longer an option, unless a solution could be found. “It was clearly a significant loss to our operation in terms of volume,” he adds. “It was also a significant market loss for producers.”
Of three disposal alternatives identified, composting the byproducts into a material acceptable by landfill operators was considered the most feasible in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. “Working with the Olds College Composting Centre and other partners, we initiated a one-year project in September 2000 to try and develop a successful disposal alternative,” explains Dr. Terry Rachuk, Alberta Food Processor’s Association and AESA (Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture) Council Member.
Composting technology process
The Composting Centre set up the initial research project to compost the sheep byproducts over a one-year period so the technology could be tested through the different seasons and climate conditions. “Our goal of composting the byproducts is to destroy the pathogens and get rid of soft tissues and odors,” explains Dr. Donna Chaw, Lead Research Scientist. “We’re basically left with sawdust and bones, which are acceptable for sending to approved landfills.” The selected landfill was required to have an engineered liner and a daily cover program to eliminate any possibility of suspected scrapie transmission.
The compost process begins with the delivery of the material into large concrete bunkers. The bunkers are made of recycled concrete blocks, which does provide some insulation against climate variability. “Because of the kind of material we’re dealing with, we don’t want to have vectors like birds of prey, coyotes and other wildlife getting into the material, so the bunkers are completely closed off,” says Chaw. “The system works well year-round, and the only difference we’ve seen is with flies in the summer, which have to be controlled.” The composting process takes about 12 weeks to develop a product suitable to send to the landfill.
“We’re continuing to manage the waste disposal for Canada West Foods J.V. Inc. through a fee for service now that the project is complete,” says Chaw. “Because there isn’t a commercial facility developed yet, we’re composting for a few other smaller organizations as well.” However, the Composting Centre is a small demonstration facility, and is unable to handle large volumes. There is some interest in building a commercial facility, and a company is currently doing a waste audit to determine feasibility.
The technology has applications beyond the sheep industry. For example, the cervid (elk and deer) industry is looking at the technology, as they are facing similar issues with renderers because of chronic wasting disease. “This technology is designed for minimal contact with the material and low labor intensity and has applications beyond problematic feedstocks,” says Chaw. For example, we have the same design system going into the Mountain View Transfer Station for leaf and yard waste. Chaw is also involved in technology transfer including a lot of training at their demonstration site.
Results and long-term benefits
“The project was very successful, and as a result processing of mature sheep will continue, providing local and export market opportunities for both producers and processors,” says Rachuk. “This technology ensures the sheep industry will be alive and growing in Alberta. Processing is a very important industry in Alberta, and this technology addresses environmental issues and impacts on the animal industry.
Solving the waste issues from mature sheep slaughter by removing the bottleneck of waste disposal, presents the opportunity for the sheep industry to flourish and expand. The result may be more sheep, which in turns means there may be more wool production, more sheep’s milk and the respective products from milk such as cheese. “This is the diversification that the province needs. If we want to continue to have value-added processing, then we need to continue to diversify and expand processing opportunities,” adds Rachuk
“The Olds College Composting Centre is really the centre of excellence in terms of composting and is a leader in the industry,” says Rachuk. “They have mastered much of the technology, including the climate challenges Alberta faces.” The Centre has the expertise, resources, proven technology and are CFIA approved. “Other companies from across Canada are now looking to the Olds College Composting Centre for technology and training, which is very exciting.” These are the long-term benefits of the project.
Partners providing funding for the project include AESA, Canada West Foods Corp., Alberta Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) and the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission. |
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