Converting contaminated oversize into a reusable resource
The composting process produces an oversize fraction which is made up of larger pieces of composted wood mixed with other contaminates (i.e. different types of metal, stone and plastics).
Oversize fraction has become a large problem for facilities to deal with due to the nature of the different contaminates left in the final sample.
Ryedale Organics has developed a system to clean and process heavily contaminated oversize back into a reusable resource.
By screening, air separation and washing, the higher-grade wood fraction can then be sized and dried ready to be reused as a valuable biomass fuel.
Our long-term view is to be more sustainable and ensure that minimum amounts of waste are created and that nothing goes to landfill.
The cost of the equipment shows our long-term commitment to a full loop system where every fraction of our process can be recycled and reused.
The Process
To sort contaminated compost oversize, we use different sized shredding equipment allowing the fractions to be broken down to a more manageable size.
Shredding the material allows us to remove the metals via magnetic belts. The oversize can then be screened by size ready to be transferred across to the wash line.
The wash line removes the fine grades of compost, ensuring the wash has the best opportunity to clean the material we are working to recycle. A combination of rollers, fans and belts help wind-sift the lighter fraction of contaminants (e.g. plastic and light films).
The next process acts like a washing machine removing as much debris from the material as possible. Soil and compost fines can be recovered as well as the heaviest fractions like stones, rubble, rocks.
All of the separated materials can be graded and then reused into different applications helping create a closed loop process.
The washed wood is then used as a fuel for biomass or can re-enter the compost cycle.
Who we work with
We work with local authorities, private companies, brokers, sole traders and the public. The site is licensed to process 120,000 tonnes per year.
