In-Vessel Composting

In 2004, the municipalities of Toronto, York and Durham collectively embarked on a Green Box program to encourage residents to collect and recycle organic kitchen waste, known as Source Separated Organics (SSO's). A CSTN member was awarded a portion of the contract to pick up source material from the cities’ transfer stations, largely due to its proven ability to turn waste into a useful product using custom built, In-Vessel Composting Processing System (IVCPS). Developed internally with the support of CSTN soil specialists, the IVCPS is an accelerated, natural process of screening, aeration and monitoring that effectively turns waste into quality compost in as little as 72 hours. The resulting product is used in other CSTN product streams and can also be used by farmers and consumers in a number of applications. A by-product of the composting process is thermal energy which is harnessed and re-used in the system, and which can become part of an energy co-generation system.

Bio-Solids Program

A CSTN member company currently has a relationship with The Region of Durham to collect municipal biosolids, derived from municipal sewage. Rich in nutrients, this urban by-product is returned to hundreds of acres of farmland in Ontario as part of farmers' ongoing fertilization programs. CSTN experts assist customers through applicable nutrient management and data analysis, and use GIS and GPS technology to ensure product tracking and adherence to The Ontario Ministry of Environment’s environmental safety guidelines.