EIPD Current Research Projects
- Title
- Managing the pest and disease risk of compostable wastes
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Access the .pdf file - Author
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Crohn, David M
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceáááExtension Biological Systems Engineer
Environmental Sciences - Description
- Green waste recycling is a critical ecosystem service that conserves landfill space and soil quality. Regulatory changes for air quality are shifting green waste processing operations from composting, where materials are heated up, to chip and grind operations. During chipping and grinding, materials do not always reach a temperature that is high enough to kill insects, pathogens and weeds and waste piles may be moved within 48 hours, thus they could contribute to the spread of pests and diseases. This project is conducting an economic analysis of the impact of the regulatory policy changes on processing methods. In addition, studies are underway to demonstrate the effects of composting versus chipping and grinding on the survival of a group of select insects, pathogens and weeds. These studies will provide information for policy makers as to the environmental and productivity costs and benefits of chip and grind compared to composting.