Engineered Compost Systems (ECS) is working in collaboration with the Environmental Research and Education Foundation to identify compost emission factors for Washington State. The project aims to provide scientifically rigorous data that regulators can use to update their volatile organic compound (VOC) emission factor (EF) calculations for composting facilities. Currently, VOC EFs used throughout the US are based on a random collection of source test results developed over a decade ago in California. One of the most widely used EFs overestimates VOC emissions by factors of 10 to 100, leading to costly and complex permitting processes, expensive source tests, and the long-hauling of organic waste.
By identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) that result in low VOC EFs, the project aims to provide regulators with the evidence to relax their EFs and focus on the KPIs that truly impact air emissions. The KPIs that result in low VOC EFs also result in low odor emissions and higher process efficiency, making them valuable to the waste management industry.
The project is expected to contribute to the development of a more efficient and effective composting industry in Washington State, allowing for increased recycling of organic waste while adhering to environmental regulations.
More information about the EREF Grant is available here.
We want to learn how to support your composting goals!
4220 24th Avenue West
Seattle, Washington 98199
Tel: (206) 634-2625
Fax: (206) 634-1309
