The Scottish New Generation Group visited Scottish Water Waste Services’ Composting site during Compost Awareness Week on 9th May 2007. Scottish Water have converted their disused sewage treatment plant into a modern composting and organics recycling facility, capable of treating a variety of organic by-products and materials. The 12 acre site has both open windrow and In-vessel composting systems and a sludge dewatering facility. The development of the facility was supported by the Waste and Resources Action Programme through the award of a capital grant.

Deerdykes Composting and Organics Recycling Facility accept and treat thousands of tonnes of green waste collected from Local Authorities and regional businesses. Green wastes are processed through the open air windrow system. The computer controlled in-vessel facility has been specially developed to treat catering wastes and to comply with the requirements of the Animal by-products regulations. The In-vessel system has a circulated air system, automated temperature monitoring and an odour treatment system.

Scottish Water are PAS100 certified and have a quality control system in place to ensure only suitable input materials are accepted and the process is fully traceable. They also have an extensive compost marketing programme and the material produced is aimed at various markets including landscaping and topsoil manufacturing. The Compost is marketed as POD ©, a peat free soil improver.

Delegates were given a brief introduction followed by a tour of the site. There was then plenty of time for questions. Thanks to Scottish Water Waste Services and especially Kristine Leitch for showing the group around the site and answering all questions!