Compost Facility
The Carlsbad Compost Program started in 1994 as a pilot program. Our program has increased steadily. It was started to increase the life span of the landfill by using tree branches, grass, leaves, paper and other carbon products and adding them to the biosolids (sludge) produced at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
At the compost facility, dewatered biosolids are combined with other organic materials such as wood mulch produced by the Solid Waste Department to create a moist, porous mixture. Special mixing and turning equipment is used to optimize natural aerobic microbial processes which convert the mixture into a premium quality soil builder. 135 degrees F heat produced by naturally occurring microbes pasteurizes the material, killing unwanted bacteria and viruses. After 6 weeks of composting and curing, the compost is screened to remove large particles, yielding a pleasing, odor free product ready for use. Test results (221kb
) demonstrate that the product meets the most stringent USEPA limits for heavy metals content, permitting its unrestricted use for any horticultural purpose.
Contact:Art Sena
Phone: (575) 887.5412