01 144 PDF

Re-use Potential
of Agri-Industry
Wastes
In the Melbourne / Metropolitan
Region
A report for the Rural Industries Research

and Development Corporation
Barry Meehan, Jay Maheswaran and Kim Phung
November 2001
RIRDC Publication No 01/144

RIRDC Project No RMI-10A
© 2000 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
All rights reserved.
ISBN 0 642 58364 1

ISSN 1440-6845
Reuse Potentials of Agri-Industry Waste in the Melbourne/Metropolitan Region

Publication No. 01/144
Project No. RMI-10A
The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not
necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person
who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report.
This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the
Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquires concerning reproduction, contact the Publications
Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.
Researcher Contact Details
Associate Professor Barry Meehan Dr Jay Maheswaran

Principal Investigator Principal Investigator
Department of Applied Chemistry State Chemistry Laboratory
RMIT University Dept. Natural Resources and Environment
124 La Trobe St Sneydes Road
MELBOURNE 3000 WERRIBEE 3030
Phone: 03 9925 2119 Phone: 03 9742 8726

Fax: 03 9639 1321 Fax: 03 9742 8700
Email: barry.meehan@rmit.edu.au Email: mahesj@nre.gov.vic.au
RIRDC Contact Details

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
Level 1, AMA House
42 Macquarie Street
BARTON ACT 2600
PO Box 4776
KINGSTON ACT 2604
Phone: 02 6272 4539

Fax: 02 6272 5877
E-mail: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au.
Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au
Published in November 20001

Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint
ii
Foreword
Wastes from agricultural industries have great potential for re-use as sources of water, organic matter,
nutrients, mulches or soil conditioning agents (Rechcigl and Herbert 1997). Currently, there is little
compiled information on agri-industry wastes produced in Victoria. Furthermore, wastes from such
industries are often by default deemed as prescribed wastes making land disposal an expensive option.
Surveying and characterising these wastes is essential before any assessment can be made of their re-
use potential. If the waste streams are non-toxic and free of contamination, they can be effectively re-
used by careful selection and suitable pre-treatment. By combining different waste streams, high
nutrient value composted materials with consistent physical and chemical characteristics could be
produced and tailored to suit various crop and soil requirements.
The principal aim of this investigation was to identify, characterise and establish whether these waste
streams had potential for re-use. A number of waste streams with high reuse potential were identified
and information on their volume and composition was collated. On the basis of this survey, a number
of waste streams were selected for further investigation. Composting was found to be an effective
method for the remediation of cut flower waste contaminated with a number of common pesticides.
The resulting composted product was subsequently shown to be an effective bulking agent for potting
mixes in ornamental flower production. In a further study, composting was investigated as a means of
diverting large quantities of potato scrap and peelings from landfill disposal. The strategy adopted in
both of these studies was to stream the particular waste into a domestic green-waste composting
operation.
This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds, which are provided by the Federal Government.
This report, a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 700 research publications, forms part of
our Resilient Agriculture Systems R&D program, which aims to foster agri-industry systems that have
sufficient diversity, flexibility and robustness to be resilient and respond to challenges and
opportunities.
Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our
website:
downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm
purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop
Peter Core
Managing Director
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
iii
Acknowledgments
The project team would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the companies that participated in
the survey and in particular the companies and organisations listed below that provided statistical and
important anecdotal information and samples of their waste streams for the study.
AusTanners Pty Ltd

City of Melbourne
ConAgra Wool Pty Ltd
EcoRecycle Victoria
F&I Baguley Flower & Plant Growers
Flower Industry Association Australia Inc
Grandiflora Nurseries
Heinz-Watties Australia
Institute of Horticulture Development
Kraft Foods Ltd
Melbourne Market Authority
Melbourne Wholesale Fishmarket
Mornington Peninsula Wine Growers Association
Mulch Master
Port Phillip Wool Processing Pty Ltd
Pridhams (Organic Recyclers)
RMIT University
Rutherglen Agriculture Research Institute Agriculture Victoria
SnackBrands Australia
State Chemistry Laboratory Agriculture Victoria
The Victorian Environment Protection Authority
Universal Greening Morwell
VanWyk’s Flowers
Victoria Wool Processors Pty Ltd
Victorian Farmers Federation, Chicken Meat Group
Victorian Fishing Industry Federation
Victorian Hair and Hide Processors
Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association
Special thanks to the individuals and organisations below , without whom the case studies described
in the second section of this report research would have been impossible.
F&I Baguley Flower & Plant Growers
iv
Frank Baguley, Shane Baguley, Graeme Guy
SnackBrands Australia
Tim Fleay
MulchMaster
Garry (Bluey) Higgs and Michael Strickland
Staff of State Chemistry Victoria

Justine Cody, Jo Stokes, John Caudaro, Fawzia Tawfik and Siegfriend Engleitner
Staff of Institute of Horticulture Development

Vanessa Hood
Staff of RMIT
Dr. Jeff Hughes, Sue Holden, Fiona Baxter, Karl Lang and Howard Anderson
Students
Anne-Marie Dziedzic, Nathan Scholes
Rural Industries Research Development Corporation

The research team would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance provided by the Rural
Industries Research and Development Corporation to undertake this research program. We believe that
this project is an important step in the development of resource reuse and recovery strategies in agri-
industries in urban and regional centres in Victoria.
v
Contents
FOREWORD .....................................................................................................................III
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ......................................................................................................... IV
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................. VIII
LIST OF FIGURES.................................................................................................................. X
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................ XI
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................1
1.1 Survey of Putrescible Wastes in Melbourne/Metropolitan Area ......................................2
1.2 Prescribed Waste Survey Findings .................................................................................3
1.3 Wool Scour Wastes ........................................................................................................4
1.4 Tannery Wastes ..............................................................................................................9
1.5 Food Processing Wastes ..............................................................................................14
1.6 Poultry Processing ........................................................................................................18
1.7 Miscellaneous waste streams .......................................................................................21
1.8 Overall findings of the survey........................................................................................25
2. WASTE REMEDIATION STUDIES...............................................................................29
2.1 Composting ...................................................................................................................29
2.2 Composting Trials .........................................................................................................29
2.3 Composting Trial 1- Remediation of Cut flower wastes ...............................................29
2.4 Composting Trial 2 - Remediation of Cut flower wastes ...............................................37
2.5 Composting Trial 3 - Potato Scraps Wastes .................................................................43
3. OUTPUTS ....................................................................................................................46
3.1 Major Findings of Survey of Putrescible Wastes in Victoria..........................................46
3.2 Major Findings of waste Remediation Trials .................................................................48
4. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................50
vi
5. REFERENCES..............................................................................................................51
6. APPENDICES ...............................................................................................................52
APPENDIX 1 Chemical Analysis of Waste Material 1999.....................................................52
APPENDIX 2 Chemical Analysis of Potato Waste ................................................................60
APPENDIX 3 Composting Trial 1:Remediation of Cut Flower Waste ...................................62
APPENDIX 4 Composting Trial 2: Remediation of Cut Flower Waste ..................................66
APPENDIX 5 Composting Trial 3: Remediation of Potato Solid Waste ................................73
APPENDIX 6 Paper presented at Contaminated Waste Industry, Future Directions

Conference......................................................................................................76
7. GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................86
8. PHOTOGRAPHS ..........................................................................................................88
vii
List of Tables
Table 1 Collated Volumes of selected waste streams in the Melbourne – Metropolitan
region from January to December 1997 (source Victorian EPA) ......................4
Table 2 Waste types generated in the wool scouring process.......................................5
Table 4 Analytical results for wool scour sludge and wool fibre/dirt wastes from three
companies.........................................................................................................6
Table 5 Soil properties and broccoli harvest results after land application of composted
wool scour waste...............................................................................................7
Table 6. Pasture yield under fertiliser and suint treatments as sources of potassium ....8
Table 7. Potassium uptake in pastures under fertiliser and suint treatments as sources
of potassium......................................................................................................8
Table 8. Yield and potassium uptake in potatoes treated with different forms of
potassium..........................................................................................................8
Table 9 Waste types generated in the leather tanning process ...................................11
Table 10 Tannery wastes generated per week at two Melbourne operations................11
Table 11 Analytical results for tannery wastes from two companies..............................11
Table 12 Concentration of plant nutrients and heavy metals in waste hair....................12
Table 13. Soil and lettuce characteristics as affected by application of waste hair as an
alternative source of nitrogen and moisture retaining agent. ..........................13
Table 14 Potato waste produced per week at the Snack Brands operation in Victoria..17
Table 15 Characteristics of potato scraps and peelings 2000 .......................................18
Table 16 Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N for waste from Potato Waste. 18
Table 17 Typical wastes generated in cut flower operations .........................................21
Table 18 Analysis of typical grape marc sample from a Victorian vineyard ...................23
Table 19 Miscellaneous waste streams identified in the Melbourne region generated in

the food production industry (each example is information obtained from one
facility only) .....................................................................................................24
Table 20 Samples of food wastes analysed for nutritive value and contaminants from
two food-manufacturing companies ................................................................25
Table 21 Analytical results for oats husks wastes from cereal food production.............25
Table 22 List of Chemical additives used by Cut flower companies 1998 .....................30
Table 23 Preliminary analysis of pesticides being used at time of sampling in cut flower
waste from two different flower farms 1998 ....................................................31
viii
Table 24 Windrow Dimensions for each Treatment. ......................................................31
Table 25 Description of Applied Treatments ..................................................................32
Table 26 Chemical Characteristics of composted products as compared to AS4454 –

1999. ...............................................................................................................35
Table 27 Pesticide Analysis Results for composted samples of the Control, 20%
Treatment and 50% Treatment .......................................................................36
Table 28 Treatments used in Pot Trial ...........................................................................37
Table 29 Pesticide residues analysed in cut flower waste April 2000............................38
Table 30 Windrow dimensions for each treatment.........................................................39
Table 31 Chemical Characteristics of composted products compared to

as 4454 –1999 ................................................................................................42
Table 32 Pesticides analysed in 50%composted cut flower waste June 2000 ..............42
Table 33 Characteristics of potato scraps and peelings 2000 .......................................44
Table 34 Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from
Potato Waste ..................................................................................................44
ix
List of Figures
Figure 2 Total tannery waste volume (sludges and solids) transported to landfill in
Melbourne in 1997 versus month....................................................................10
Figure 3. Total seafood volume (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997

versus month...................................................................................................15
Figure 4. Total meat processing (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997

versus month...................................................................................................16
Figure 5. Total dairy waste (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997 versus
month ..............................................................................................................16
Figure 6. Total potato waste (potato scrap and sludges) transported to landfill in 1997
versus month...................................................................................................17
Figure 7. Total poultry litter transported to landfill in 1997 versus month.......................19
Figure 8. Total liquid poultry waste transported to landfill in 1997 versus month...........19
Figure 9 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control & 10%

Treatment........................................................................................................33
Figure 10 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control &

20% Treatment................................................................................................33
Figure 11 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of

Control & 50% Treatment ...............................................................................34
Figure 12 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control replications......40
Figure 13 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of 50% Treatment

replications ......................................................................................................40
x
Executive Summary
Major Objective of the Project
RMIT University and Agriculture Victoria have conducted a collaborative research program to
investigate the re-use potential of agri-industry wastes being produced in the Melbourne /
Metropolitan region. The research project was funded by RIRDC Core Funds and was designed to:
survey and classify solid waste streams at a number of agri-industry facilities in the
Melbourne/Metropolitan region according to nature, volume and potential for re-use
chemically and physically characterise a selected range of raw wastes to determine their suitability
as agricultural and other resources,
carry out chemical and biological screening through laboratory analysis, of selected wastes to
assess their suitability for development as value added end products.
carry out screening through pot trials, of selected wastes to assess their suitability for development
as value added end products.
investigate options necessary to convert selected wastes into resources
communicate benefits of waste reduction and re-use to agri-industries.
extend results obtained from the study to waste producers, end produce users, extension officers
and researchers.
Key Findings
The survey component of the study has shown that available EPA data on putrescible waste streams
in the Melbourne – Metropolitan area only reveals a small fraction of the potentially reusable
putrescible wastes that are disposed of in landfills. Many waste streams were identified and
characterised and found to be suited to treatment technologies such as composting. The Melbourne
region generates huge volumes of green wastes from domestic and municipal council sources
(approximately 0.5 million tonnes per year) and these are composted under Australian Standards at
several facilities around Melbourne. These operations could be effectively utilised to treat clean
putrescible wastes by incorporation into the composting process (as demonstrated in two studies
carried out by the investigators in this project). In the Melbourne and Metropolitan region, there are
several high value agricultural enterprises (eg. Vineyards, Vegetable production, Turf grass industry,
Cut flower industry, Ornamental nursery industry, etc) which can potentially utilise these wastes in
their direct form or after pre-treatment for their nutrient or soil ameliorant value.
The major findings of the survey are listed below. The specific outcomes for each industry
investigated are indicated. Findings in some waste remediation trials and also land application trials
are also summarised.
Wool scouring
large volumes of wool scour sludges relatively free of contamination are disposed of in landfills in the
Melbourne region each year particularly in the latter part of the year
xi
the majority of wool scour sludges that are generated are not reused in any way (land disposal of
untreated sludge would appear to be only a short term option and could pose environmental
problems such as surface water pollution, odour, groundwater contamination)
all wool scour companies surveyed acknowledge that solid and liquid wastes from these
operations pose significant environmental problems as well as the burden of the high disposal
costs and that alternatives to landfilling and disposal to sewer must be found.
wool scour sludges can be effectively composted by blending with other agents such as wood chip
waste and animal hair to produce a product which has high value as a soil ameliorant and fertiliser
thus completely eliminating landfill disposal of this waste stream
wool scour effluents can be reused as a potassic fertiliser or as a water source in wool scour sludge
or other composting operations
technologies are available to greatly reduce the pollution load of wool scour effluents with
subsequent reduction of disposal costs and environmental impact
Tanneries
large volumes of tannery sludges and partly hydrolysed hair wastes are disposed of in landfills in
the Melbourne region each year particularly in the latter part of the year
waste streams from leather tanning operations include, large quantities of effluent (approximately
3000L per 100kg of hide treated), flesh cut from hides, fleshy scrapings, fatty tissue, hair, sludges
from various stages of the process and chromium treated leather trimmings
all tannery sludges that are generated are not reused in any way
all tanneries surveyed acknowledge that solid and liquid wastes from these operations pose
significant environmental and disposal costs and that alternatives to landfilling must be found
tannery sludges from the latter stages of the tanning process (designated Tannery Sludge and
Tannery Sludge Cr) were found to be particularly high in chromium and consequently could not
be used directly in agricultural application
sludges from various stages of the process are often cross-contaminated and mixed together rather
than separating recyclable sludge from heavily contaminated sludge
the fatty sludges were relatively free of contamination and should be investigated for reuse; this
waste stream has potential for bioremediation
tannery hair was found to be high in nitrogen and the chromium levels detected in the sample were
well below the ARMCANZ guidelines and consequently this material has great potential for reuse
as a nitrogen source
waste hair from tannery operations can be used as an alternative source of nitrogen and a moisture
retaining mulch in vegetable production and also has demonstrated potential as a nitrogen source
in blended waste composts.
xii
Food Processing
the EPA data obtained is clearly not comprehensive for the food processing and related industries
and only serves as a crude guide to putrescible waste streams in the Melbourne –Metropolitan
region
there are significant potentially recyclable waste streams (not recorded in the EPA data supplied)
generated in the food processing industry in the Melbourne region which are generally free of
contamination and would be suited to composting by blending with other waste streams
food processing is a very large industry in the Melbourne Metropolitan area which produces a
wide range of solid and liquid wastes which are currently transferred to landfill
potato wastes can be remediated effectively and inexpensively by windrow composting with
green-waste
the high moisture content of the potato waste has a slight cooling effect on the windrow but does
not affect the composting process when added at a rate of 20% by volume
higher rates of potato waste could be remediated by this technique but further trials would need to
be established to optimise the waste loading
chicken litter is a huge waste stream which is almost completely recycled into the horticultural
production industry
there is an urgent need to develop guidelines for the composting and appropriate application rates
for the land application of poultry litter in horticultural activities
there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies to landfilling of bird carcasses from the
poultry industry
in the seafood processing industry, most of the solid wastes produced are recycled as pet food and
fertiliser and relatively small amounts (mainly shark skins, offal and shell) are transferred to
landfills
most of the solid wastes produced in meat processing are recycled for pet food, fertilisers and
rendered to extract useful components and relatively small amounts are transferred to landfills
abattoirs produce large volumes of liquid effluent which is generally disposed of by application to
land
abattoir effluents should be investigated as a possible water source in composting operations
dairy food manufacture produces large quantities of cheese whey and sludges which have high
potential for reuse due to high nutritive value
potato wastes produced in the potato chipping industry consist of peelings, whole potatoes, potato
pieces, dirt and sludges
Vermiculture should be investigated as a suitable option for disposal of some wastes streams in
food processing
xiii
oats husks from cereal food production has a high C: N ratio and some nutritive value (P 1000
mg/kg) and could be blended with moist higher nitrogen source wastes (sludges) in composting in
view of its light texture and high moisture affinity.
Cut Flower production
cut flower wastes can effectively be combined into a green-waste composting operation without
any significant effect on the composting process as indicated by the results of average core
temperatures and physical measurements
residual pesticides in the cut flower waste were reduced to undetectable levels during the
composting process and the resultant compost was suitable for land application
Wine Production
grape marc is a large and potentially recyclable waste stream generated in wine production
grape marc has high nutritive value and could be converted into a soil conditioner / fertiliser by
composting with other waste streams
grape marc has the potential to be used to extract grape seed oil
An additional result from the project was the development of a number of undergraduate and post-
graduate research investigations in the Applied Science and Engineering Faculties at RMIT
University. These projects are funded by postgraduate research scholarships, University and
Agriculture Victoria Resources.
These include:
final year Environmental Engineering Design projects in waste management strategies for Wool
Combing and Cut flower production companies. (Projects supervised by Associate Professor
Barry Meehan in conjunction with industry representatives)
an Honours project to investigate the bio-remediation of contaminated Cut flower waste using
windrow composting. (Project supervised by Associate Professor Barry Meehan)
a doctoral research project on the utilisation of regional waste streams in viticulture. (Project
supervised by Associate Professor Barry Meehan).
Communications and Recommendations
Results of the present study have previously been communicated to RIRDC in progress reports
and have also been communicated at
several waste management conferences and work shops ( see below)
It is recommended that further surveying needs to be carried out in regional Victoria as well as
Metropolitan Melbourne in order to identify significant waste streams containing reusable
organics that are not recorded as prescribed wastes and are disposed of in domestic landfills. These
materials could then be investigated for potential recovery and reuse in agricultural and
horticultural operations. Various Metropolitan and Rural industries should fully explore the
opportunities to convert high cost wastes into value added environmentally friendly by-products.
It is recommended that various Institutes of Agriculture Victoria should undertake applied
Research and Development to characterise modify / manage and utilise agri-industry wastes
produced in their respective regions with a view to facilitating regional waste management
strategies for post-farmgate wastes ( this initiative is currently being developed by the recently
xiv
formed Resource Reuse and Recycling for Primary Industries Group in Agriculture Victoria in
conjunction with RMIT University)
Care must be taken to control any adverse effects from waste applications such as induced salinity
and sodicity, nutrient imbalances, high BOD, contamination from organic residues and heavy
metals which underlines the importance of thorough characterisation of waste streams before they
are developed into value added products for land application.
Benefits for development of reuse and recycling strategies in post-farmgate wastes accrue to
industry by reducing waste disposal costs and establishing an environmentally friendly image
important for marketing products locally and overseas.
Research Papers and Communications
1. Ken Peverill, Jay Maheswaran, Barry Meehan, Kim Phung (2000). Workshop on Remediation of
Agri-Industry Solid Waste using Composting, Maine University August 2000, USA (oral
presentation)
2. Ken Peverill, Jay Maheswaran, Barry Meehan, Kim Phung (2000) , Conversion Opportunities for
Agri-Industry Wastes, Compost 2000 Down Under, November 2000, Melbourne ( composting
workshop presentation)
3. Ken Peverill, Jay Maheswaran, Barry Meehan, Kim Phung and Anne-Marie Dziedzic (2000).
Conversion of Green-waste from Cut flower Production into A Value-added Soil Ameliorant,
Proceedings of Towards Better Management of Wastes and Contaminated Sites in the Australasia-
Pacific Region Conference, May 2000, Adelaide (oral presentation and abstract)
4. Ken Peverill, Jay Maheswaran, Barry Meehan, Kim Phung and Anne-Marie Dziedzic (2000).
Conversion Opportunities for Agri-Industry Wastes, Proceedings of Towards Better Management
of Wastes and Contaminated Sites in the Australasia-Pacific Region Conference, May 2000,
Adelaide (poster presentation)
5. Ken Peverill, Jay Maheswaran, Justine Cody, Barry Meehan, Fiona Baxter, Kim Phung and Anne-
Marie Dziedzic (1999). Conversion Opportunities for Agri-Industry Wastes, Proceedings of
Contaminated Wastes Industry Future Directions Conference, November 1999, Melbourne (oral
presentation and full paper)
6. Barry Meehan (1999) Cooperative Research in Agri-industry Wastes at RMIT University,

Workshop: Organic Soil Ameliorants, Agricultural Victoria, Bendigo, July 1999, Melbourne (oral
and abstract)
7. Nathan Scholes (1999). Wool Scouring: The Process, its Waste and Potential Treatment
Technologies, Environmental Engineering Design Project, November 1999, RMIT University
8. Anne-Marie Dziedzic (1999). Honours Project Conducted in Conjunction with RIRDC Project:
Conversion of Green-waste from Cut flower Production into A Value-added Soil Ameliorant,
November 1999, RMIT University
xv
1. Introduction
The disposal of wastes to landfill is a significant cost to manufacturing industries resulting in
increased production costs and reduced profitability. Disposal of solid wastes to landfill can have
serious ecological implications as well as loss of potentially valuable resources. Further, disposal of
liquid waste streams to waterways in both rural and metropolitan regions is quite unacceptable and
strategies for reuse of these resources need to be developed. In 1998 the Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) unveiled a new Industrial Waste Strategy which is specifically targeted at solid and
liquid wastes generated by Victorian industries (EPA Industrial Waste Strategy 1998). One of the key
strategic objectives announced in the strategy is to maximise the economic value of resources during
their life cycle through re-use, recycling and energy recovery in preference to disposal. In order to
achieve this goal, it is essential that options for re-use of waste streams be explored.
nutrients, mulches or soil conditioning agents (Rechcigl and Herbert 1997). Australian agricultural
soils are generally low in nutrient status and in organic matter, which can make them highly
susceptible to nutrient mining, structural decline and erosion. Re-use of waste water in the dry
Australian climate is also essential not only to conserve this limited resource but also to protect ground
and surface water reserves from contamination. There is therefore a prime facie case for the
investigation of suitable agri-industry waste streams for development of products, which can be
applied, to agricultural and horticultural soils. There are a number of obvious advantages for utilisation
of agri-industry waste streams in this way (Cameron et al, 1996). These include:
conservation of water resources

protection of freshwater and marine environments
reduction of landfill inputs
reduction of waste incineration
recycling of nutrients
improved organic matter levels in soils
improved nutrient status of soils
Currently, there is little compiled information on agri-industry wastes produced in Victoria.

Furthermore, wastes from such industries are often by default deemed as prescribed wastes making
land disposal an expensive option. Surveying and characterising these wastes is essential before any
assessment can be made of their re-use potential. If the waste streams are non-toxic and free of
contamination, they can be effectively re-used by careful selection and suitable pre-treatment. By
combining different waste streams, high nutrient value composted materials with consistent physical
and chemical characteristics could be produced and tailored to suit various crop and soil requirements.
This report presents a survey of post farm-gate agri-industry wastes produced in the
Melbourne/Metropolitan region that have potential for development as soil ameliorants or fertilisers.
The survey comprised of EPA data collected over a 12- month period on biodegradable organic wastes
transported in the Melbourne/Metropolitan area and anecdotal information obtained from industry
sources and waste management facilities. On the basis of this information, samples of a number of
these waste streams were collected and chemically analysed for nutritive value and contaminants. Two
of these wastes were subsequently selected for further investigation into recovery and reuse strategies.
In two of these studies, blending and composting with domestic green-waste was employed to
remediate the wastes resulting in reusable products which could be employed in horticultural and
agricultural operations as soil conditioners or mulches. The results of these studies are presented in the
second section of this report.
1
1.1 Survey of Putrescible Wastes in Melbourne/Metropolitan Area
This section of the report contains information on biodegradable prescribed waste streams and some
additional information on movements and reuse of non-prescribed wastes generated from post-
farmgate agri-industry operations in the Melbourne –Metropolitan region.
This project is very timely in view of recent Victorian government initiatives to reduce the amounts of
biodegradable materials being disposed of in landfills1. It is estimated that currently 1.7 million tonnes
of organic wastes (some 40% of the total waste stream) are sent to landfill each year in Victoria and
the recently launched Green Waste Action Plan aims to reduce this amount by 50% over the next ten
years. Many of these biodegradable wastes originate in post-farmgate agri-industry facilities.
nutrients, mulches or soil conditioning agents2. Currently, there is little compiled information on agri-
industry wastes produced in Victoria. Furthermore, wastes from such industries are often by default
deemed as prescribed wastes making land disposal an expensive option. Surveying and characterising
these wastes is essential before any assessment can be made of their re-use potential. If the waste
streams are non-toxic and free of contamination, they can be effectively re-used by careful selection
and suitable pre-treatment. By combining different waste streams, high nutrient value composted
materials with consistent physical and chemical characteristics could be produced and tailored to suit
various crop and soil requirements.
Landfill tipping costs in Victoria are relatively low which has in the past acted as a disincentive for
waste producers and indeed waste management companies to explore other options for the disposal of
biodegradable wastes. However, in 1998 the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) unveiled a new
Industrial Waste Strategy, which was specifically targeted at solid and liquid wastes generated by
Victorian industries (EPA Industrial Waste Strategy 1998)3. One of the key strategic objectives
announced in the strategy was to minimise the economic value of resources during their life cycle
through re-use, recycling and energy recovery in preference to disposal. In order to achieve this goal,
it is essential that options for re-use of waste streams be explored and a principal aim of this present
investigation was to identify, characterise and establish whether various post-farmgate agri-industry
waste streams had potential for re-use.
The study was divided into two phases, the first of which was a survey of recorded information on
prescribed putrescible waste streams from agri-industry activities in the Melbourne region. Surveys of
non-prescribed waste streams were also carried out although no records were available on the
movement of these wastes. This report contains expanded and additional information relating to this
phase of the project. In the second phase of the project two waste streams were selected for further
study to demonstrate a technique for remediation of putrescible wastes by streaming them into green-
wastes of domestic origin. Comprehensive details of this component of the study have already been
provided in the final report and will consequently not be covered in any detail in this report.
1
‘Waste Disposal and Water Management in Australia, October/November 2000, p20
2
Rechcigl, J.E., and H. C. MacKinnon, Agricultural Uses of By-Products and Wastes, American
Chemical Society, 1997
3
EPA Industrial Waste Strategy Zeroing in on Waste: Pathway to Cleaner Production in Victoria, April
1998
2
Waste Stream Surveys
The aim of the first phase of the project was to survey the Melbourne – Metropolitan region in order
to:
survey and classify waste streams from a number of agri-industry activities in the
Melbourne/Metropolitan region according to nature, volume and potential for re-use,
chemically and physically characterise a range of raw wastes to determine their suitability as
agricultural and other resources.
The first part of the survey was conducted on data supplied by the Victorian Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) which consisted of a list of prescribed transported putrescible (biodegradable) wastes
recorded in the Melbourne region from January to December 1997 that were being transferred to
landfills or being applied to land. This was the most recent documented information on prescribed
putrescible waste available at the time of initiating the study. The data was supplied as uncollated
transport events identifying the general waste type, volume (or weight in certain cases), postcode of
source, type of disposal, transporter and date of movement. No information was available regarding
the exact location or the nature of the operation that produced the waste although in most cases the
description of the waste stream gave an indication of the industry involved. The data was then divided
into monthly components and examined for information relating to wastes generated from post-
farmgate agri-industries. This data was subsequently extracted and collated according to the waste
type. On the basis of this information, a number of companies were contacted to investigate specific
types of wastes produced and obtain samples for analysis and assessment.
The second part of the survey involved collection of anecdotal data based on information obtained
from Agriculture Victoria, several major waste management companies, commercial composters and
various industry sources (telephone and in-person interviews). A number of non-prescribed waste
streams were identified in this survey and information obtained regarding nature and reuse potential.
Some of these wastes were sampled and analysed for nutritive value and contaminants.
1.2 Prescribed Waste Survey Findings

The data obtained from the Environment Protection Authority4 was collated and separated into waste
types. The data for each month was then summarised and tabulated. The information was also plotted
to provide information regarding seasonal trends in waste production and movement. The information
obtained for each of the major prescribed waste streams is provided in Table 1. The following sections
contain descriptions of each of these waste streams. Grease trap wastes were not studied in any detail
as they are not an agri-industry waste and are extensively recycled.
4
EPA Putrescible Waste Stream Data 1997.
3
Table 1 Collated Volumes of selected waste streams in the Melbourne – Metropolitan region from
January to December 1997 (source Victorian EPA)
Volumes (m3) of prescribed wastes transported per month in Melbourne

Month Wool Liquid Poultry Seafood Tannery Meat Dairy Potato Grease
Scour Poultry Litter Process- Prcoess- Process- Process- Process- Trap
ing ing ing ing ing
Jan 338 168 702 50 56 507 1225 191 2837
Feb 370 193 88 47 151 376 959 823 2407
Mar 319 164 48 83 232 495 983 717 2474
Apr 435 191 72 133 353 546 1086 651 2697
May 437 212 40 196 194 644 937 853 2948
Jun 447 187 56 169 442 368 1189 771 2692
Jul 732 226 40 255 685 409 1289 806 3228
Aug 398 213 56 371 535 444 2079 1064 2648
Sept 1143 202 40 769 580 489 3289 1004 2598
Oct 1372 225 64 629 526 666 2184 1082 2868
Nov 984 195 48 552 763 625 1741 850 3045
Dec 1126 224 32 489 186 868 2589 2902 3009
Total 8101 2400 1286 3743 4703 6437 19550 11714 33451
1.3 Wool Scour Wastes

Wool scouring is a major industry in Victoria, with the majority of the nation’s wool processing plants
situated in the Melbourne and Geelong areas. All of the waste stream data in Table 1 above is
generated in the Melbourne–Geelong area although it is impossible to attribute waste volumes to
particular companies apart from the anecdotal information provided by three of the companies that
agreed to participate in the survey (Table 3). The waste volumes tabulated are for wool scour sludges
that comprise of dirt, grease, salt and moisture. These sludges are formed as a result of deposition of
suspended solids from scour liquor and effluent in settling tanks. These residues are then dewatered
and thickened prior to disposal in a landfill. Data supplied by the EPA was in both volume (m^3) and
weight (kg) and the latter was converted into volume assuming an arbitrary density of 1g/cm3. A plot
of the waste volumes (sludge and solids) each month was constructed in order to observe any
seasonal trends in the information (refer Figure 1). The data indicates that over 70% of the sludge
transported in Melbourne occurred in the second half of the year and most of this movement occurred
in the last 4 months of the year (57%). This is an important observation that would need to be
considered when developing waste management strategies for wool scour sludges if they are to be
blended with other waste streams in the area.
Figure 1. Total wool scour waste volume (sludges and solids) transported to landfill in
Melbourne in 1997 versus month
TOTAL WOOL SCOUR WASTE VOLUME ( SLUDGES AND

SOLIDS) VS MONTH
1600
VOLUME ( m^3)
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul AugSep Oct Nov Dec
MONTH
4
There are altogether six wool-scouring operations in the Melbourne –Geelong region. Four of these
companies agreed to take part in this survey. The waste streams identified in each facility are listed in
Table 2.
Three of these companies dispose of wool scour wastes by a combination of landfill and discharge to
sewer (treated effluent). The sixth company (Geelong Wool Combing) has put in place a
comprehensive waste management site plan that remediates all wastes and has resulted in the
generation of a valuable soil ameliorant (see later). The other two companies are currently disposing of
the sludge on a rural property in the Geelong area (under an EPA license) but this can only be
considered as a short-term option due to the limited space available and the slow rate of decomposition
of the sludge. This option would also appear to have environmental problems such as the potential for
surface and groundwater contamination and generation of odour.
Table 2 Waste types generated in the wool scouring process

Waste Type Description
Scour Sludge Prescribed sludge, basically grease (lanolin) and dirt. Centrifuged out of
wash water along scour line.
Dirt and Fibres Short fibres, dirt and seeds etc, removed before scouring by agitation in
the ‘double-drum’.
Wash Effluent Large volume of dirty water from washing process. This is disposed of via
the sewer system (Melbourne Water) at a cost based on pH, BOD and
turbidity.
Three of the wool scouring companies that used landfilling as a waste disposal option were surveyed
and details of waste produced at each of these sites are listed in Table 3. These companies also agreed
to supply sample of each waste stream for analysis and the results are listed in Table 4. Each company
essentially has three major waste streams, namely sludge, a mixture of dirt and fibre and liquid
effluent. The liquid effluents were not sampled as the current study was only concerned with solid
wastes. It should however be noted that wool scour effluents can pose significant environmental
problems due to their high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and high salt content. It is assumed
that wastewater treatment facilities receiving wool scour effluents will be able to significantly degrade
its pollution load before discharging to the environment. The discharge of wool scour effluents to
reticulated sewage systems operated by water authorities (eg Melbourne Water) is not subject to EPA
controls but the sewage system operator is answerable to the EPA if their discharges do not meet
appropriate State Environment Protection Policies (SEEPs). There have been recent advances in the
reduction of contaminants in wool scour effluents (eg the Siroscour process developed by the CSIRO)
and also improved chemical flocculation agents such as Sirolan CF which can reduce the BOD of
wool scour effluent by as much as 75%5. Combinations of these developments have the capacity to
greatly reduce both the cost of disposal of these effluents and their environmental impact.
5
Taylor R., Wool wastes: turning a problem into a valuable resource, CSIRO Division of Wool
Technology, Belmont, 1996
5
Table 3 Wool scour wastes generated per week at three Melbourne wool-scouring operations
Source Waste type Waste Volume Disposal method
Port Phillip Wool Sludge 30 ton/wk Landfill

Processing Pty Ltd Dirt & Fibre 2-3m3/wk Landfill
Effluent 4500KL/wk Sewer
ConAgra Wool Pty Sludge 100m3/wk Landfill

Ltd Dirt & Fibre 3m3/wk Landfill
Effluent Varies Sewer
Victoria Wool Sludge 20-30ton/wk Landfill

Processors Pty Ltd Dirt & Fibre 2-3m3/wk Landfill
Effluent Varies Sewer
Table 4 Analytical results for wool scour sludge and wool fibre/dirt wastes from three companies
Industry Selected Nutrients % Selected Heavy Metals (mg / L)
Waste
N P K Cd Cr Cu Co Pb Zn As Hg
Wool Sludge
Average of 0.84 <0.06 0.425 <1.0 24 <0.001 <0.001 <10 0.007 2.25 0.025
three sites
Wool Fibres
Plus Dirt
Average of 2.6 0.15 1.38 <1.0 17 0.002 <0.001 <10 0.007 2.1 0.025
3 sites
The sludge and dirt/fibre waste streams from the three facilities contained significant levels of
chromium and arsenic although it is unlikely that this would pose serious problems for the reuse of
these waste streams for the preparation of composted soil ameliorants. The Australian Standard for
composts, soil conditioners and mulches states that any of these materials must conform to the
unrestricted use (Biosolids Class A) limits to pass. Currently in Victoria, the limits in the Agriculture
and Resources Management Council of Australia and New Zealand Water Technology Committee
(ARMCANZ) ‘Guidelines for Sewerage Systems: Biosolids Management’6 are used however these
will be superseded when the new Victorian Guidelines for Biosolids (currently in draft form) are
adopted. The Australian Standard for composts, soil conditioners and mulches7 and the ARMCANZ
guidelines for Biosolids both list s permissible levels for arsenic and chromium as 20 and 400 mg/kg
respectively. Both of the waste streams described in Table 4 confirm with these standards for
agricultural use. If both of these wastes were to be subsequently composted by blending with other
waste streams then the levels would be reduced further. The composted wool scour sludge described
below has a chromium level, 20mg/kg and an arsenic level of < 2mg/kg.
6
Guidelines for Sewerage Systems- Biosolids Management, Agriculture and resource management
council of Australia and New Zealand, Water technology Committee, Occasional paper WTC No 1/95,
October 1995
7
Standards Australia, Australian Standard AS4454- Composts, Soil conditioners and Mulches
Standards Association of Australia, Homebush, NSW, 1999
6
As mentioned above, one wool combing operation in Geelong has instituted a comprehensive waste
management program that has resulted in the production of a value added soil ameliorant. This
information is kindly supplied by Geelong Wool Combing and the State Chemistry Laboratory
Werribee Victoria.
The process involves the blending of wool scour sludge with other materials and composting under
carefully controlled conditions to produce a nutritive rich compost that is now used extensively in the
horticultural product market The ingredients used in the composting procedure are themselves sourced
from other wastes generated from industries in the vicinity. To compost the wool scour wastes GWC
incorporated wood chip wastes as the bulking agent (carbon source) and waste hair from the hide and
skin processing industry (nitrogen source) 8. Effluent, high in potassium, from its own plant was used
for watering during composting and as a potassium source.
The resulting compost has recently been used in trials (SCL Werribee) in nearby vegetable growing
area with promising results. The soils from the market gardening area of Werribee, that has been
continuously cropped for over 30 years, has poor organic matter content and soil structure.
Application of soil organic ameliorants has been recommended to increase the sustainability of these
soils. Results in Table 5 show that trials on broccoli with composted wool scour wastes have shown
that application of compost can,
assist in the conservation of soil moisture resulting in reduced water application by about 12%
(equivalent to about $22.50 ha-1 per annum),
decrease in soil bulk density resulting 12% increase in aeration porosity that contributes to a more
conducive environment for root penetration and growth,
significantly contribute to the nutrient input, and
significantly reduce the residence time of the crop contributing to early harvest.
Table 5 Soil properties and broccoli harvest results after land application of composted wool scour waste
Properties measured Compost Applied (t ha-1)
(After week 4/5) 0 20 80
Soil Moisture (%) 15.4a 17.9b 20.8c
Loss on Ignition of Soil (%) 5.5a 7.1b 10.4c
-3 a b
Soil Bulk Density (g cm ) 1.31 1.26 1.08c
Aeration Porosity (%V/V) 30.1a 28.9a 35.3b
After 11.5 weeks
No. Of Broccoli Heads Harvested (X10-3 ha-1) 22.1a 30.1b 32.8b
Wool scour effluents also have great potential for reuse in view of their very high potassium content.
The effluent that is generated from the wool scouring process is called suint. The effluent from the
first wash of the wool with hot water is free of detergent or other chemical additives. CSIRO has
developed a technique to reduce the volume of this wash by evaporation and reduce the suspended soil
particles, grease and wool by centrifugation. This concentrate was analysed and found to have a high
potassium content (about 11% w/w). Other nutritive elements were comparatively low in
concentration and offered little value for agronomy. Levels of heavy metals and organic chemical
residues were inconsequential in relation to environmental pollution and toxicity.
8
http://www.gwc.net.au/default.htm
7
Replicated field trials were conducted (SCL Werribee Victoria) with potatoes and pastures (where
potassium nutrition is important). The concentrate was diluted to several concentrations and applied
to pasture and potatoes at comparable rates to regular potassic fertilisers such as potash.
The results from the pasture trials have shown that the suint with appropriate dilution can be used as
an alternative potassium source and pasture yields obtained are comparable to those obtained using
conventional potassic fertilisers (Table 6).
Table 6. Pasture yield under fertiliser and suint treatments as sources of potassium
Pasture Yield P fertiliser only P + Potash as K P + Suint as K
At various sites (Control) source Source
Tonnes Ha-1
Portarlington 1.9a 2.5b 2.4b
Simpson 8.1a 9.1b 9.2b
Larpent 5.3 5.6 5.7
The results from the pasture trials also showed that potassium uptake by the pasture was comparable
between K sources (Table 7).
Table 7. Potassium uptake in pastures under fertiliser and suint treatments as sources of potassium
Potassium P fertiliser only P + Potash as K P + Suint as K
uptake (Control) source Source
At various sites
Kg Ha-1
Simpson 128.9a 237.0b 226.5b
Larpent 111.3a 162.9b 166.5b
Trials with potatoes showed that the yields of potatoes and potassium concentration in potatoes,
treated with different sources of potassium, were comparable, but not significantly different from the
nil K treatment (Table 8). A possible reason for the lack of difference was the leaching of potassium
at this sandy site.
Table 8. Yield and potassium uptake in potatoes treated with different forms of potassium
Control (nil K) Potash as K source Suint as K source
Yield (tonnes ha-1) 41.7 45.6 41.9

K concentration (%) 1.89 2.00 1.91
These studies show that,

suint could be used in agriculture without affecting the yield of the crop,
the uptake of K and yield of crops in some circumstances (e.g. pasture) can be comparable to
conventional potassic fertilisers such as potash
the cost of production of conventional fertilisers and suint should be compared to determine
whether suint is a financially viable alternative.
8
Summary
In summary this survey of wool scour wastes transported as prescribed wastes in the Melbourne-
metropolitan region has shown that:
large volumes of wool scour sludges are disposed of in landfills in the Melbourne region each year
particularly in the latter part of the year
the sludges are relatively free of contamination
subsequent reduction of disposal costs and environmental impact.
1.4 Tannery Wastes

Tanneries take raw skins from abattoirs and process them into tanned, hairless leather for export and
leather goods manufacture. This process produces a variety of chemical and biological wastes that
consists of large quantities of effluent, flesh cut from hides, fleshy scrapings, fatty tissue, hair, sludges
from various stages of the process, and chromium treated leather trimmings. Rendering and pet food
companies take some animal tissue.
A typical leather processing involves pre-tanning steps, tanning, post-tanning and finishing steps. The
raw hide is first subjected to a soaking process to clean the hide of dirt, blood, flesh, grease, dung etc.
(various chemical agents are used at this step) and then unhaired, degreased and pickled before turning
into leather. These are the pre-tanning operations and use a range of chemical agents that result in
large volumes of contaminated effluent. It is estimated that around one third of the total pollution load
from the leather industry comes from these steps. The tanning step involves the use of chromium
solutions that are responsible for the generation of chromium containing effluents and sludges that are
the major pollution problem in the entire tanning process. Almost all tanneries worldwide use the
chrome process although in some countries a more traditional and environmentally friendly process
involving the use of natural agents such as barks and nuts (vegetable tanning) is carried out. The post-
tanning and finishing steps also involve the generation of effluents containing unabsorbed oil, dyes
tannins and chromium. It is estimated that some 3000L of liquid effluent can be generated from the
processing of 100kg of animal hide. Sludges produced at various stages of the process (fatty sludges
and chromium sludges) are generally mixed and disposed of to landfill. The hair removed at the pre-
tanning stage is disposed of by landfilling as a prescribed waste. One of the companies that
participated in this current survey estimated that they process up to 90 tonnes of hides per week and
9
the cost of disposal of waste hair is a significant proportion of the total operating cost (approximately
$30-40 per tonne).
Leather manufacture is a major industry in the Melbourne region, with some 64 registered companies
involved in hide and skin processing operations. The waste stream data on movements of prescribed
wastes for this industry is provided in Table 1 and contains information recorded for the Melbourne
area. It is not possible to attribute waste volumes to particular companies apart from the anecdotal
information provided by two of the 14 companies that participated in the survey.
The waste volumes provided in Table 1 are for tannery sludges that consist of mixed sludges (see
below) and partly digested hair. All data supplied by the EPA recorded the waste streams in volumes
(m^3). A plot of the waste volumes (sludge and solids) each month was constructed in order to
observe any seasonal trends in the information (refer Figure 2)
Approximately 75% of the total waste stream volume of solid tannery wastes is transported in the five-
month period from June to November, which suggests that most companies stockpile the wastes on-
site prior to disposal in the later months of the year. The comparatively low volumes transported in the
December to March period coincide with the annual holiday period. The volumes transported then
slowly build as the wastes accumulate. This is not the case with liquid effluents that accumulate
rapidly and are disposed of on a more regular basis.
Two of the companies that participated in the survey provided information on the nature and volume
of their solid waste streams and also supplied samples for analysis. Table 9 below lists the waste
stream descriptions and Table 10 lists the estimated weekly waste stream volumes from each facility.
The results of analysis of each waste stream are provided in Table 11.
TOTAL TANNERY WASTE VOLUME VS MONTH
1000
VOLUME (m^3)
800
600
400
200
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
MONTH
Figure 2 Total tannery waste volume (sludges and solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997
versus month
10
Table 9 Waste types generated in the leather tanning process
Waste Type Description
Hair Hair removed from skins from lime-sulphide stripping; waste hair is
clumped and wet.
Fatty-Sludge Fatty tissue and residue removed from hides and separated out from
other waste. Contains some fleshings and is mixed with Cr-sludge for
disposal.
Cr-Sludge Partially digested tissue and chromium waste from the tanning
process; a heavy, uniform dark blue/green sludge-waste of most
environmental concern.
Table 10 Tannery wastes generated per week at two Melbourne operations

Company Waste type Waste Volume Disposal
method
Victorian Hide & Skin Hair 50m3 /wk Landfill
Processors Pty Ltd (VHSP) Sludge (fatty & Cr) 40m3/wk
AusTanners Pty Ltd Hair 10-12m3 / wk Landfill

Sludge 12ton/wk
Table 11 Analytical results for tannery wastes from two companies

Waste (wet weight basis) (wet weight basis)
Tannery sludge
Average of 1.2 0.33 .0.07 <1.0 3500 0.002 <0.001 <10 0.014 1.5 0.02
two sites
Tannery sludge (Cr)

Average of 0.79 <0.06 0.11 <1.0 64000 0.002 0.003 <10 0.088 1.0 0.08
two sites
Tannery Fatty sludge

Average of 0.67 <0.06 <0.04 <1.0 65 <0.00 <0.001 <10 0.002 - <10
two sites 1
Tannery Hair
Average of 4.95 <0.06 <0.04 <1.0 81 <0.00 <0.001 <10 0.009 0.1 0.07
two sites 1
Tannery sludges from the latter stages of the tanning process (designated Tannery Sludge and Tannery
Sludge Cr) were found to be particularly high in chromium and consequently could not be used
directly in agricultural applications. Both of these waste streams are well above the ARMCANZ
Biosolids guidelines for chromium of 400mg/kg. The chromium level in the Tannery Sludge (Cr) is
sufficiently high to warrant investigation into chromium recovery and possible reuse of the
decontaminated sludge. The fatty sludges were relatively free of contamination and as these wastes do
not originate from processes involving the use of chromium, it would seem likely that the source of the
11
chromium detected is from cross- contamination. The level detected is still well below the
ARMCANZ Biosolids guideline and should be investigated for reuse. This waste stream has potential
for bioremediation and there are reports of biotechnology techniques to treat these waste streams9. We
were unable to find any company in Melbourne that was carrying out this waste treatment.
Tannery hair was found to be high in nitrogen and the chromium levels detected in the sample
obtained would suggest that this material has also been cross contaminated by waste streams at a later
stage of the process. The chromium level (81mg/kg) was well below the ARMCANZ guidelines and
consequently this material has great potential for reuse as a nitrogen source. In the previous section,
hair waste from a tannery operation was demonstrated to be an effective nitrogen source in the blended
compost generated from wool scour sludge, ground wood waste and tannery hair,
Recently the State Chemistry Laboratory, funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism
assisted a Victorian Tannery to characterise their waste, identify suitable markets, and conduct trials to
study the suitability of the wastes for alternative uses. As a part of that study, partly hydrolysed hair
wastes were investigated as nutritive-rich mulch for vegetable production. The State Chemistry
Laboratory kindly supplied the results described below with permission from Victorian Hide and Skin
Processors Pty Ltd.
Analysis of the hair waste stream showed that on a dry weight basis the waste contained
approximately 12% nitrogen and negligible levels of heavy metals (all below ARMCANZ guidelines),
and common pesticides.
Table 12 Concentration of plant nutrients and heavy metals in waste hair.

Nutrients and inorganic contaminants Organic contaminants
Units Conc. mg kg-1
P % <0.06 Organochlorins <0.02
(α-BHC, β-BHC)
K % <0.04 Hexachlorbenzene <0.02
Ca % 4.10 Aldrin <0.02
Mg % 0.33 Lindane <0.02
Na % 1.10 Heptachlor <0.02
Mn % 0.003 Heptachlor Epoxide <0.02
Fe % 0.16 Dieldrin <0.02
DDE <0.02
Cd mg kg-1 <0.50 DDD <0.02
Cr mg kg-1 31.7 DDT <0.02
Cu mg kg-1 8 Endrin <0.02
Pb mg kg-1 <10 Oxy-Chlordane <0.02
Ni mg kg-1 <6 cis-Chlordane <0.02
Zn mg kg-1 123 trans-Chlordane <0.02
As mg kg-1 <0.2 Total Organophosphates <0.05
Hg mg kg-1 0.51
The nitrogen in hair was organically bound and was not available for immediate release. Trials with
lettuce were conducted in the Werribee market garden area to evaluate the suitability of hair as an
alternative source of nitrogen fertiliser. Milled, waste hair was surface applied to the soil at rates
equivalent to up to 400% of nitrogen that is normally applied as conventional fertilisers to take
9
http://www.biotechsupportindia.com/leather.htm
12
account of the lower N availability of the hair waste compared to the commercial fertiliser. The
application of nitrogen as hair proved to be useful in two ways, first as an organic soil ameliorant
preventing moisture loss from the soil and second as an alternative source of nitrogen as a slow release
fertiliser.
Table 13. Soil and lettuce characteristics as affected by application of waste hair as an alternative source
of nitrogen and moisture retaining agent.
Properties measured Nitrogen applied as hair or fertiliser

(After week 3) 0 100% - fertiliser 100% - hair 400% - hair
Soil moisture (%) 15.6a 15.6a 15.8a 16.4a
Plant N content (%) 4.7a 4.9a 4.7a 5.2b
a
Plant size - width (cm) 29.8 29.8a 30.2a 31.4a
Yield (t ha-1) a
76.3 83.3a 90.8a 94.7a
N uptake (t ha-1) 2.74 3.23b 3.24b 3.39b
The study has shown that waste hair from tannery wastes can be used as an alternative source of
nitrogen and moisture retaining mulch in vegetable production. Significant differences were obtained
for soil moisture, plant N content, plant size, and yield in plots treated with sufficient hair waste to
provide 4 times the required nitrogen amount compared to commercial fertiliser application. There
were also significant increases in yield and N uptake for plots using 100% of it’s N requirement from
hair waste compared to plots that did not have any fertiliser applied. This observation further
demonstrated the effectiveness of the material as a moisture-retaining agent with nutritive value.
The results also showed that moisture retention under surface application of hair waste was greater
than under the control with no nitrogen (Table 13). Similar differences were found for plant
characteristics such as plant N concentration, plant size, yield and N uptake. Land application of
partially hydrolysed and milled hair wastes from tanning operations would therefore appear to have
great potential fro reuse as a slow release N fertiliser and mulch without any pre-treatment (apart from
washing) such as composting. However, sanitisation by a composting process carried out in
accordance with the Australian Standard in which the waste is blended with other biodegradable
wastes (eg a low N content material such as bark, cereal husks etc) would be a preferred option to
ensure a safer product and higher nitrogen bioavailability.
Summary
In summary this survey of hide and skin tanning wastes transported as prescribed wastes in the
Melbourne-metropolitan region has shown that:
leather manufacture is a major industry in the Melbourne region, with some 64 registered
companies involved in hide and skin processing operations
from various stages of the process and chromium treated leather trimmings.
significant environmental and disposal costs and that alternatives to landfilling must be found.
13
in blended waste composts
1.5 Food Processing Wastes

Food processing is an important industry in Victoria with in excess of 3000 registered companies
producing a wide variety of foods for human consumption. Many of these operations are in the
Melbourne-Metropolitan area. These include, seafood, meat, smallgoods, dairy, fruit and vegetable,
and confectionery processing and manufacturing operations as well as health, cereal and frozen food
manufacturers. They also include many large raw product facilities (eg wholesale markets, dairies,
abattoirs etc). There are also over 200 pet food producers located in the Melbourne region. The sheer
size of the food industry and the waste streams produced made it impossible to carry out a
comprehensive survey on this sector, however, on the basis of the prescribed waste survey and some
anecdotal information on non-prescribed waste streams, some information was obtained on several
industries that have potentially recyclable biodegradable waste streams that are currently disposed to
landfill. In contrast to the other industries surveyed, we experienced significant difficulty in obtaining
quantitative information from many food-processing operations (particularly packaged food
manufacturing operations) as they regarded the information as highly confidential.
All of the waste stream data listed in Table 1 is generated in the Melbourne area although it is
impossible to attribute waste volumes to particular companies or to particular types of operation
except in some cases where the waste product is identified specifically (eg cheese, milk, fish offal etc).
Wastes are listed according to broad industries (eg meat processing, seafood processing). Some more
specific information was obtained from a number of the 26 of the companies that participated in the
survey.
Data supplied by the EPA was in both volume (m^3) and weight (kg) and the latter was converted into
volume assuming a density of 1g/cm3. A plot of the waste volumes (from meat, dairy, potato and
seafood processing operations) each month was constructed in order to observe any seasonal trends in
the information (refer Figures 3-6). This is important information on the availability of particular raw
materials that would need to be considered when developing waste management strategies for
putrescible waste streams if they are to be blended to produce value added fertiliser products or soil
conditioners.
Seafood wastes
The waste volumes in Table 1 and Figure 3 appear to be low considering the size of the industry,
which involves approximately 250 companies throughout Victoria in seafood processing, and
wholesale fish supply operations. This is due to the fact that most of the solid wastes produced are
14
recycled as pet food and fertiliser and relatively small amounts are transferred to landfills. The EPA
data did not provide any information on this waste movement. The waste stream listed in the EPA data
consists mainly of skins (eg shark), offal and shell. Over 80% of this waste transport occurs over the
second six months of the year (65% in the last 4 months) which is most likely a reflection of seasonal
factors relating to the type of activities taking place in the Victorian fisheries in the spring – summer.
There could also be some stockpiling of less offensive wastes (eg shell) prior to disposal.
TOTAL SEAFOOD WASTE VOLUME VS MONTH
1000
VOLUME (m^3)
800
600
400
200
0
MONTH
Figure 3. Total seafood volume (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997 versus month
Meat Processing
The waste volumes in Table 1 and Figure 4 appear to be low considering the size of the industry which
involves over 1500 companies throughout Victoria in abattoirs, wholesale butchers, meat packaging,
smallgoods manufacture and retail meat supplies. This is due to the fact that most of the solid wastes
produced are recycled for pet food, fertilisers and rendered to extract useful components and relatively
small amounts are transferred to landfills. The EPA data did not contain any information on this waste
movement. One rendering company contacted reported that approximately 400,000 tonnes of meat and
bone wastes are treated per year at its sites10. The volumes reported in Table 1 are for processing
effluents mainly originating from abattoirs. Abattoirs produce large volumes of liquid effluent that is
generally disposed of by application to land. This effluent should be investigated as a possible water
source in composting operations. No samples of this liquid effluent were obtained for analysis.
The waste movements are relatively steady over the year with the largest volumes recorded in
December probably due to the larger local consumption of processed meat products during the
Christmas / New Year period.
10
personal communication, industry source
15
MEAT PROCESSING WASTE VOLUME VS MONTH
1000
VOLUME (m^3)
800
600
400
200
0
MONTH
Figure 4. Total meat processing (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997 versus month
Dairy Processing
The dairy food industry involves around 500 companies throughout Victoria in dairies, dairy product
manufacture, cheese manufacture and milk production and approximately 60 % of these is in the
Melbourne-Metropolitan region.
The waste stream data for this industry listed in Table 1 and Figure 5 are mainly for cheese whey and
sludges from cheese manufacture. A little less than 70% of this waste transport occurs over the second
six months of the year which is most likely a reflection of seasonal factors. Large quantities of
wastewater are also produced in this industry and recently a major company in this sector participated
in a cleaner production program to reduce cheese solids in these waste streams, which are sent to
wastewater treatment plants11.
DAIRY WASTE VOLUME VS MONTH
3500
VOLUME (m^3)
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
MONTH
Figure 5. Total dairy waste (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997 versus month
11
http://www.environment.gov.au/epq/environet/eecp/location.html#6
16
According to the EPA data, these recorded whey and sludge wastes are landfilled and should be
investigated for reuse or incorporated into other waste streams for remediation by composting in view
of their nutritive value. Cheese whey is a source of phosphorus and potassium and most of the
nutrients are inorganic constituents or simple organic compounds making them readily bioavailable.
These wastes are also generally quite acidic which may also make them suitable for blending with
biodegradable alkaline waste streams.
Potato Chip Processing

There are some 30 potato chipping companies in Victoria and approximately two thirds of these
operations are in the Melbourne-Metropolitan area. The waste stream data for this industry listed in
Table 1 and Figure 6 are mainly for potato scrap (peelings, whole potatoes, potato pieces, dirt) and
sludges from the chipping process. A little over 70% of this waste transport occurs over the second six
months of the year, the largest waste streams being recorded in December where industry sources
reported that production in some facilities can double.
POTATO WASTE VOLUME VS MONTH
3500
VOLUME ( m^3)
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
MONTH
Figure 6. Total potato waste (potato scrap and sludges) transported to landfill in 1997 versus month
Potato waste case study

Potato wastage produced in the potato crisp industry have potential to be recycled using windrow
composting and were selected for further study. Table 14 lists information on the waste streams
produced by a large Melbourne snackfood manufacturer ( Snack Brands Australia) that participated in
this study.
Table 14 Potato waste produced per week at the Snack Brands operation in Victoria
Waste type Waste volume Disposal method
Scrap potato 48m3/wk Landfill
Sludge 12000L/wk Pretreatment and landfill
During the preparation stage, where potatoes are cleaned and skinned prior to chipping, whole
potatoes are passed through conveyers to be washed, shaved then sliced before conversion into crisp
chips. The wastes that are generated through this process include whole potatoes, potato scraps,
peelings, dirt and potato sludge. The waste material that was of interest in this study is the high
moisture content potato scraps and peelings. Chemical analysis showed that this waste was free of
contamination and as it has such high water content, it is potentially a moisture source for the
17
composting process. The strategy employed in this study was to blend potato wastes in with green-
waste at a conservative level (approximately 20% by volume) to determine if the wastes could be
effectively treated and not interfere with the composting process. This study was carried out on a
commercial scale using full sized windrows. The study is described in detail in the second section of
the report.
The bulk of the potato waste was a composite of potato shavings, potato solids dirt. Twenty samples of
equal volume (approximately 1 L) were removed from each stage in the process and submitted for
chemical analysis. The chemical characteristics and physical nature of the potato wastes are listed in
Tables 15 and 16.
Table 15 Characteristics of potato scraps and peelings 2000

Industry Waste Selected Nutrients (Unit)*
%w/w mg/kg
N P K Cd Cr Cu Pb As
Potato shavings 1.7 1200 16000 <0.5 <0.5 8 <10.0 0.056
Potato solids 1.6 1700 13000 <0.5 <0.5 4 <10.0 <0.05
Potato shavings & dirt 1.3 1800 11000 0.5 0.5 20 <10.0 1800
*Results reported on a 400C dry weight basis
Table 16 Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N for waste from Potato Waste.
Units Potato Scraps Potato Solids Potato & Dirt
Moisture (400C) % w/w 90.3 75.3 70.8
pH [H2O] 5.8 6.2 5.8
EC dS/m 1.7 4.1 15.1
Total Sodium * mg/kg 250 150 16000

Total Chloride* % w/w 0.11 0.44 3.7
Total Nitrogen * % w/w 39 35 25

*Results reported on a 400C dry weight basis
The analytical results indicate that there is low level of contamination, especially cadmium that is
known to accumulate in some potato varieties. Cadmium is the heavy metal of greatest concern, and
caution must me taken in using soil ameliorants derived from potato waste as it may result in cadmium
accumulation in soils. The wastes have a high moisture content, which makes them suitable for
streaming into a composting operation as a water source. They have very low nutritive value but
composting a better option than landfill disposal.
1.6 Poultry Processing

Poultry farming is an important industry in Victoria with over 200 registered companies producing
and processing poultry meat and eggs for human consumption. It is estimated that the industry
produces approximately 90 million chickens for chicken meat each year12. The industry has grown
rapidly over the past twenty years and many of these operations are located on the fringes of the
Melbourne-Metropolitan area. The major waste streams from the sector are poultry shed litter / manure
and poultry carcasses. The EPA data supplied suggests that relatively small amounts of waste from
12
http://www.vff.org.au/commodity/chicken/default.asp
18
this sector are disposed of to landfill although the data does not include poultry mortality volumes that
are very large. Table 1 and Figures 7 and 8 show the monthly movements of putrescible waste
streams from this sector.
TOTAL POULTRY LITTER VOLUME VS MONTH
800
VOLUME (m^3)
600
400
200
0
MONTH
Figure 7. Total poultry litter transported to landfill in 1997 versus month
TOTAL LIQUID POULTRY WASTE VS MONTH
400
VOLUME (m^3)
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
MONTH
Figure 8. Total liquid poultry waste transported to landfill in 1997 versus month
The above data is clear evidence that only a small fraction of the total poultry litter waste stream
generated by the industry is not recycled when the overall size of the industry is considered. Industry
sources report that poultry litter is almost completely recycled by use as fertiliser / mulch in
horticultural production. It is estimated by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) that between
300,000 m^3 and 400,000m^3 of shed litter is generated annually from the industry. However, there
are concerns regarding the safety of using uncomposted poultry litter as a soil conditioner / fertiliser
particularly in the production of minimally processed horticultural produce such as salad vegetables.
There are currently guidelines in preparation for the composting and appropriate application rates for
the land application of poultry litter in horticultural activities 13
13
R. Premier, personal communication, Institute for Horticultural Development Knoxfield
19
Poultry carcasses are collected from farms, frozen and disposed in a special landfill designed for
putrescible organic wastes. At the present time there is no rendering of this waste stream carried out
due to concerns regarding disease transfer into feed stocks produced by this process. Composting is an
effective technique for the treatment of this waste stream and is used extensively overseas to treat this
waste. This is a huge waste stream and one company estimated that they collect and dispose of over
100 tonnes of chicken carcasses per week. Mortality rates in the industry are typically around 5%
which would equate to over 7000 tonnes of bird carcasses per year. . There is clearly an urgent need to
develop alternative strategies to landfilling of this waste stream and to this end the Victorian Farmers
Federation through its recently launched Chicken Care Program is developing best practice guidelines
for the safe treatment and disposal of chicken carcasses. The Chicken Industry Environmental care
Initiative is designed to improve safety and environmental performance in the industry and operates
under the auspices of the Victorian Farmers Federation and the Victorian Chicken Meat Council 14 15.
In summary this survey of food processing wastes transported as prescribed wastes in the Melbourne-
metropolitan region has shown that:
region
landfills
land
green-waste ( see second section)
not affect the composting process when added at a rate of 20% by volume ( see second section)
14
http://www.vff.org.au/news/press/archive/news-165.asp
15
http://www.vff.org.au/news/press/archive/news-166.asp
20
chicken litter is a huge waste stream which is recycled into the horticultural production industry
poultry industry
1.7 Miscellaneous waste streams

As part of the survey component of this study, some 150 companies in a wide range of industries were
surveyed to obtain information on putrescible wastes that were being disposed in landfills. Some of the
information obtained from these enquiries has already been presented. As previously stated, many
companies are reluctant to provided detailed information on their waste management issues
particularly in the food processing area. On the basis of this investigation, it appears that the EPA data
on food processing wastes obtained only accounts for a small fraction of what is a huge waste stream.
The following section describes information obtained on wastes generated in three sectors, namely, the
nursery industry (in particular cut flowers), wine production and food processing.
Cut Flower wastes

A substantial waste stream that was identified as going to landfill, and having potential for re-use, was
the off-cuts and waste from the flower growing industry. This is a major industry in Melbourne, with
two main regions located in the Dandenongs and in the outer Southeastern suburbs. Eight companies
ranging from small scale to large operations were surveyed and it was estimated that the total volume
of waste being disposed to landfill was in excess of 4000m3 per year from these premises alone. In
view of the fact that there are over 700 wholesale nurseries in the Melbourne –Metropolitan area the
total wastes stream going to landfill from cut flower and other types of nurseries would appear to be
very large.
Flower growers are particularly concerned about pathogen and pesticide transfer, so wastes are
generally not re-worked back into the soil, but dumped on site or sent to landfill 16 Table 17 lists the
major types of wastes generated from these operations. The table only lists wastes identified in the cut
flower industry however general nurseries also send large volumes of wastes to landfills mainly
consisting of perished potted seedlings and mature plants which are too expensive to recycle17.
Table 17 Typical wastes generated in cut flower operations

Waste type Description
Flower stems Cuttings from the base of flower stems produced in flower
dispatch area
Discarded bulbs Old bulbs removed from field production site
Diseased plants Whole plants including roots and potting medium
Whole flowers Damaged or imperfect whole stems
A bio-remediation trial, using windrow composting, was carried out to assess the breakdown of
pathogens and pesticides, to thereby assess the possibility of re-use as a soil-conditioning agent either
by the growers themselves or sold through the nursery retail outlets. This study is described in
considerable detail in the second section of this report and only the major findings will be described in
this section.
16
G. Guy, personal communication, F & I Baguley, Plant and Flower Growers, South Clayton
17
Industry source, Dandenong nursery
21
The strategy adopted was to investigate streaming of cut flower wastes into a commercial green-waste
composting operation and to determine the optimal loading of the waste to effect remediation. The
focus of the investigation was to destroy pesticides in the waste by the composting process. This
required that the compost windrow be maintained at a sufficiently high temperature over an extended
time to ensure complete decomposition of these contaminants.
The results of this study using green-waste to compost contaminated cut flower waste clearly
demonstrate the effectiveness of composting as a means of remediating this waste. The key outcomes
of the study were:
cut flower wastes can effectively be combined at a rate of 50% into a green-waste composting
operation without any significant effect on the composting process as indicated by the results of
average core temperatures and physical measurements
composting process
the resultant compost was suitable for land application based on the fact that the process operated
within the standard AS44554-1999 for Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches
the materials produced in this process were demonstrated to be suitable for reuse either as a
mulch or as a soil ameliorant / potting media component
the study has shown clearly that composting of cut flower wastes after blending with other green-
waste is an effective and inexpensive means of remediating this significant waste streams with
considerable cost savings to the producer
Wine production
The wine production industry has grown exponentially on the Melbourne fringe over the past ten
years. There are over 400 vineyards in Victoria and a large number of these properties are situated in
the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula within 50km of the Melbourne CBD. One major waste
product from wine production is a material called grape marc which is a mixture of grape skins, grape
seed and branchlets generated when grape juice is extracted from the freshly picked fruit. Grape marc
is a potential biological hazard as it may contain disease such as phylloxera18. It is also quite acidic
which may pose problems if the material is disposed of on land as mulch, which is common practice
both in Australia and overseas. Grape marc is also reused as animal feed and some cases it is simply
disposed of in landfill. Samples of this waste stream were obtained from a local vineyard and
analysed for nutritive value. The results of this analysis are provided in Table 18 below.
18
Biala J., (2000) The use of composted organic waste in viticulture – A review of the international literature and experience
The Organic Force – Environment Australia Sustainable Industries Branch Canberra Wynnum Queensland
22
Table 18 Analysis of typical grape marc sample from a Victorian vineyard
Element Unit Level *

Na mg/kg 520
C: N ratio 21
N %w/w 2.2
C %w/w 47
P mg/kg 2500
K mg/kg 27000
S mg/kg 1400
Ca mg/kg 4300
Mg mg/kg 1000
*All results are expressed on a 40 C dry weight basis
The results of this study showed that grape marc had high nutritive value (particularly as a source of K
and P) and was suited for recycling. This waste stream should be investigated for treatment by
windrow composting and conversion into compost suitable for use as a soil conditioner in the
viticulture industry possibly by blending with another waste stream generated in the same region.
Based on the current level of knowledge pertaining to compost use in European and North American
vineyards, some of the positive effects of compost application include: (1) Supply of humus, (2)
Supply of plant nutrients, and (3) Improvement of soil physical, chemical and biological properties.
Potential negative effects include: (1) Oversupply of nutrients (particularly Nitrogen and Phosphorus,
which can lead to excessive canopy growth and also be detrimental to the surrounding environment),
and (2) Heavy Metals. So far the effects of compost on grape yields has been variable between trials
due to differences in composts (dependent on choice of feedstock), vineyard soil, the control being
used and the duration of the trial. In contrast to the numerous trials being conducted in overseas
vineyards, minimal research has been conducted to date in Australia apart from a trial in South
Australia 19 and another smaller trial in Victoria20. Economics has so far governed the lack of research
into the use of compost in Australian vineyards. Nevertheless it’s benefits with respect to weed
management, fertiliser capabilities and use as a water management tool are becoming increasingly
evident from the trials being conducted in SA vineyards.
Although composting could provide a safe and effective treatment process for grape marc other
alternatives should also be investigated such as extraction of grape seed oil, which is very valuable
material. However, the cost of establishing grape seed oil extraction facilities may make such an
operation unviable.
The results of this small survey into wastes generated in wine production has demonstrated that:
19
Pankhurst C E., Hawke B G., McDonald H J., Kirkby C A., Buckerfield J C., Michelsen P., O’Brien K A.,
Gupta V S R., and Boube B M., (1995) Evaluation of soil biological properties as potential bioindicators of soil
health Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 35: 1015-28.
20
Wilkinson K., Tymms S., Hood V., Tee E., and Porter I., (2000) Green Organics: risks, best practice and use in horticulture, A
report on the IHD green organics research program, 1995-1999 Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield, Victoria.
23
Food processing
As stated previously, food processing is a very large industry in the Melbourne –Metropolitan area and
produces large quantities of putrescible wastes. The tables below list a number of waste streams
identified in the survey and their fate. In two cases the waste stream was sampled and analysed to
assess its suitability for recycling. The waste volumes listed are for one company or facility only and
were provided by company sources. Samples of waste streams from a number of these operations were
taken and assessed for nutritive value. The results of these analyses are provided in Tables 20 and 21.
Oats husks showed potential as a bulking agent in composting and were analysed specifically for
major nutrients.
Table 19 Miscellaneous waste streams identified in the Melbourne region generated in the food
production industry (each example is information obtained from one facility only)
Type of operation Wastes Fate

Jams, spreads and Yeast residue (Liquid) Piggery feed
preserves 3.6 ML per year
Peanut butter Stock feed / landfill
45 tonnes per year
Vegemite Stock feed / landfill
45 tonne per year
Mayonnaise Stock feed / liquid waste
30 kL per year handlers
Dressings Stock feed / liquid waste
40kL per year handlers
Jams Stock feed / liquid waste
3kL per year handlers
Canned vegetables Baked beans, spaghetti etc Landfill, vermiculture,
(38 tonne per week) composting
Frozen snack food Cabbage Landfill
production (Asian
Foods)
Potato chipping Potato peel, scrap potato, sludge Landfill, in-vessel
48m^3 per week composting
Health foods and Oats husks Landfill, land application,
cereal products 15,000 tonnes per year stock feed
(company not in
Melbourne region)
Wholesale fruit and 20,000 tonnes per year fruit and Composted
Vegetable Market vegetable wastes
The survey has shown that there are significant potentially recyclable waste streams generated in the
food processing industry in the Melbourne region. The wastes are generally free of contamination and
would be suited to composting by blending with other waste streams.
In some cases Vermiculture could be a suitable option and there is currently some interest in looking at
this process to treat waste from canned vegetable production21. One waste that shows enormous
potential is oats husks from cereal food production. This material has a high C: N ratio and some
nutritive value (P 1000 mg/kg) and could be blended with moist higher nitrogen source wastes
(sludges) in composting in view of its light texture and high moisture affinity. In one regional centre,
some 8000 tonnes of this material (of a total of 15,000 tones produced annually from one company)
21
personal communication, Heinz-Watties Australia
24
are recycled untreated as mulch for domestic and agricultural applications22. The remainder is used as
stock feed or landfilled.
Table 20 Samples of food wastes analysed for nutritive value and contaminants from two food-
manufacturing companies

Waste
Baked 0.93 0.06 <0.04 <1.0 <10 <1.0 <0.001 <10 0.009 <0.1 0.03
Beans
(One
company)
Potato 0.12 <0.06 0.18 <1.0 <10 <0.001 <0.001 <10 <0.001 <0.1 0.04
Waste
(One
company)
* Each analyte has been calculated on a wet weight basis.
Table 21 Analytical results for oats husks wastes from cereal food production.
*All results are expressed on a 40 C dry weight basis
Element Unit Level *
Na mg/kg 300
C: N ratio 72
N %w/w 0.64
C %w/w 46
P mg/kg 1000
K mg/kg 7200
S mg/kg 610
Ca mg/kg 530
Mg mg/kg 640
1.8 Overall findings of the survey

This report has summarised the results of a survey conducted in the Melbourne – Metropolitan area to:
survey and classify waste streams from a number of agri-industry activities in the
Melbourne/Metropolitan region according to nature, volume and potential for re-use,
chemically and physically characterise a range of raw wastes to determine their suitability as
agricultural and other resources.
The first part of the survey was conducted on data supplied by the Victorian Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) which consisted of a list of prescribed transported putrescible (biodegradable) wastes
recorded in the Melbourne region from January to December 1997 that were being transferred to
landfills or being applied to land. This was the most recent documented information on prescribed
putrescible waste available at the time of initiating the study. The data was supplied as uncollated
transport events identifying the general waste type, volume (or weight in certain cases), postcode of
22
personal communication ‘Moisture Mulch’ supplier, Rutherglen Victoria
25
source, type of disposal, transporter and date of movement. On the basis of this information, a number
of companies were contacted to investigate specific types of wastes produced and obtain samples for
analysis and assessment.
The second part of the survey involved collection of anecdotal data based on information obtained
from Agriculture Victoria, several major waste management companies, commercial composters and
various industry sources (telephone and in-person interviews). A number of non-prescribed waste
streams were identified in this survey and information obtained regarding nature and reuse potential.
Some of these wastes were sampled and analysed for nutritive value and contaminants.
The survey has shown that available EPA data on putrescible waste streams in the Melbourne –
Metropolitan area only reveals a small fraction of the potentially reusable putrescible wastes that are
disposed of in landfills. Many waste streams were identified and characterised and found to be suited
to treatment technologies such as composting. The Melbourne region generates huge volumes of green
wastes from domestic and municipal council sources (approximately 0.5 million tonnes per year) and
these are composted under Australian Standards at several facilities around Melbourne. These
operations could be effectively utilised to treat clean putrescible wastes by incorporation into the
composting process (as demonstrated in two studies carried out by the investigators in this project). In
the Melbourne and Metropolitan region, there are several high value agricultural enterprises (eg.
Vineyards, Vegetable production, Turf grass industry, Cut flower industry, Ornamental nursery
industry, etc) which can potentially utilise these wastes in their direct form or after pre-treatment for
their nutrient or soil ameliorant value.
The major findings of the survey are listed below. The specific findings for each industry investigated
are indicated.
Wool scouring
large volumes of wool scour sludges relatively free of contamination are disposed of in landfills in
26
Tanneries
Food Processing
region
green-waste
27
production industry
poultry industry
landfills
land
food processing

Wine Production
28
2. Waste Remediation Studies
2.1 Composting
Composting is a controlled biological breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms (mainly
bacteria and fungi). In aerobic thermophilic composting the microorganisms transform the organic
materials into valuable product. In recent times many factors have led to an increase in aerobic
thermophilic composting. These factors include appeal, siting and regulatory concerns associated with
landfills, improved technologies, volume reduction and revenue potential (Miller et al,1992).
Composting can be particularly effective in converting wet materials to a more usable or easily
disposable form. At the same time, composting can stabilise putrescible organics, destroy pathogenic
organisms and provide significant drying of wet substrate. A large variety of wastes from food
processing and agricultural industries are suitable for composting. Some of the food and agricultural
wastes that have been successfully composted include abattoir wastes, hair waste, culled potatos
(bruised, too small to use), potato skins (Haug et al, 1993)
On the basis of the chemical analysis of the waste streams investigated in this study, and the close
proximity of these waste streams to a composting facility located in Dandenong, cut flower wastes and
potato wastes were selected for further investigation. The strategy adopted was to investigate
streaming of these wastes into a commercial green-waste composting operation and to determine the
optimal loading of the waste to effect remediation. In the case of cut flower wastes, the focus of the
investigation was to destroy pesticides in the waste by the composting process. This required that the
compost windrow be maintained at a sufficiently high temperature over an extended time to ensure
complete decomposition of these contaminants. In the case of potato waste, the material was relatively
free of contamination and was a potential source of water containing approximately 90% water by
weight (refer to Appendix 1.7). As cadmium is frequently a contaminant in potatoes (only detected
in the soil component of the wastes sampled), composting by blending into a green-waste stream had
the advantage of eliminating the waste as well as reducing any cadmium contamination by dilution to
acceptable levels (refer to Appendix 1.7). In both cases there was the potential to divert easily
compostable wastes from landfill and at the same time produce a material that could be used in
horticultural or agricultural production.
2.2 Composting Trials

Three pilot-scale trials were conducted at a composting facility located in Dandenong. The first two
of these trails involved small-scale remediation of cut flower wastes by blending with domestic
green-waste. The third trial involved a commercial scale experiment in which a composite potato
waste was blended with domestic green-waste and composted under normal operating conditions at
the composting facility.
2.3 Composting Trial 1- Remediation of Cut flower wastes

A typical waste that was identified in this study and having potential for re-use, was the off-cuts and
waste from the flower growing industry. These wastes have already been described in the previous
section of this report. Based on preliminary chemical analysis, it was found that there was no
significant nutritive value in these wastes or heavy metal contamination, however, it was established
that the wastes were contaminated with pesticides that are extensively used in this industry to guard
against disease and insect infestation.
29
2.3.1 Preliminary Screening of Wastes
The chemical additives used by two of the participating farms in this study are listed in Table 22 A
combined waste sample from these growers was analysed for chemical contamination, with several
common pesticides being identified Table 23 (Meehan et al RIRDC Progress Report 1999).
Table 22 List of Chemical additives used by Cut flower companies 1998

Chemical Name Brand Name Pesticides used by
Farm No.1 Farm No.2
Agral X
Avid X
Nylate (NB: Br&Cl anti bac) X
Abamectin Vertimec X
Benomyl Benlate X
Bitertanol Baycor X
Bufenpyrad X X
Tebufenpyrad Pyranica X X
Captan Orthocide X
Carbendazim Baviston X
Chlorothalonil Bravo Plus X
Cyproconazola Alto X
Dicloran Diclorsan X
Fenarimol Rubigan X
Fluvalinate (D isomer) Mavrik X
Fluzainam Shirlan X X
Iprodione Rovral Aquaflow X X
Maneozelo Dithane X
Metalaxyl Ridomil Plus X
Methamidophos Nitofol X
Methomyl Lannate X
Omethoate Folimat; Le-matt X X
Oxycarboxin Plantvax X
Permethrin Ambush X X
Phosphorous Acid Fungex X
Primicarb X X
Prochloraz Octave X
Propargite Omite X
30
Table 23 Preliminary analysis of pesticides being used at time of sampling in cut flower waste from two
different flower farms 1998
Concentration
Pesticide Unit Farm No.1 Farm No.2
Captan mg/kg 0.56 <0.02
Dimethoate mg/kg 0.05 <0.05
Omethoate mg/kg <0.05 0.42
Permethrin mg/kg 0.18 0.23
Britertanol mg/kg <0.2 <0.2
Chorothalonil mg/kg 0.48 0.64
Iprodione mg/kg 0.91 4.10
Primicarb mg/kg <0.05 <0.05
Bufenpyrad mg/kg 0.10 <0.05
Note:<n.nn result denotes concentration.
2.3.2 Methodology
2.3.2.1 Collection and Transportation of Waste
A waste management company was employed to deliver 11m3-15m3 bins to each of the flower
producers. The flower waste collection was carried in late March to early April. After a period of 2
weeks the waste contents were transferred to the composting site at MulchMaster Pty Ltd a
composting company in the nearby suburb of Dandenong. A total volume of approximately 12m3
was collected. The company’s main operation is to produce compost and mulch from different types
of organic waste materials such as bark and waste timber, tree prunings and grass clippings from
domestic street collection and local council operations. Refer to Appendix 3.1 for the site plan of the
facility including the location of the trial site.
2.3.2.2 Windrow Design and Construction

The layout and construction of the windrows was designed in consultation with the environmental
engineer at MulchMaster. The dimensions (refer to Table 24.) were constructed in a way that would
provide adequate surface area for composting, accommodate heavy machinery and equipment to
access the windrows and to prevent obstruction with existing site operations.
Table 24 Windrow Dimensions for each Treatment.
Treatment Dimensions (m) Volume (m3)

Total Volume (m3)
l w h Cut Flower Mulch
Control 12 1.5 2.0 36 0 36.0
10% 10 1.0 1.5 15 1.5 13.5
20% 10 1.0 1.5 15 3.0 7.5
50% 10 1.0 1.5 15 7.5 7.5
The cut flower wastes collected from the three participating producers were thoroughly homogenised.
A total of four windrows were constructed, one windrow was made of shredded domestic green-waste;
this was used as a control to determine whether the addition of cut flowers had a significant effect on
the composting process. The other three windrows contained a large proportion of shredded domestic
green-waste and a smaller proportion of cut flower waste. The contents of each windrow are described
in Table 25 below. In each of the windrows, a predetermined volume of shredded domestic green-
waste was removed and replaced by an equal volume of cut flower waste, so that each windrow had a
total volume of 15m3. All treatments were blended using a front-end loader to homogenise the
material. A diagram of the composting site and also the location of the trial windrows are presented in
Appendices 3.1 and 3.2
31
Table 25 Description of Applied Treatments
Treatment Description
1. Control Shredded domestic green-waste
2. 10% 10% of shredded domestic waste replaced by cut flower
2.3.2.3 Monitoring Program

The windrows were regularly monitored for temperature over the entire duration of the study. Samples
were also regularly taken for off-site analysis (pH, EC, and %Moisture). Over a period of 107 days,
the core temperature and surface temperature of each windrow was measured as described in
Appendix 3. Temperatures were recorded three times per week during the first three weeks of
composting. In weeks four through to week 16, measurements were taken once a week. The readings
were made at 5 equidistant positions along the length of the windrow; three readings were then taken
at each position as shown in Appendix 3.3. During the composting process the windrows were turned
every two to three days during the initial stages of composting. Turning then occurred once a week to
limit the loss of heat, and allow pasteurization processes to occur. This process ensured that each
windrow was being uniformly decomposed, that interstices were being reconstructed, and exhausted
supplies of oxygen were renewed.
2.3.3 Results and Discussion
2.3.3.1 Effect of Cut Flowers on Average Core Temperature

A composting mass is considered sanitised if it is maintained at 550C minimum of 3 consecutive days,
or equivalent (AS445-1999). Some composting operators choose to employ higher temperatures to
ensure the cooler zones in the compost mass reach the required 550C for the prescribed time (AS4454-
1999 p43). Higher temperatures may be favourable to pathogen reduction, but not to an optimal rate of
composting. Higher temperatures are also likely to favour destruction of organic contaminants such as
the pesticides present in the wastes involved in this study.
The average values for the core temperature of each windrow on each sampling event were calculated
and plotted for 10%, 20% and 50% treatments against the average core temperature of the control
windrow (Figures 9-11). This was carried out to monitor the composting process to determine if the
incorporation of cut flowers had an effect on the windrow core temperature. The optimal temperature
range for composting is 50-550C. An ANOVA analysis was performed to see if the introduction of cut
flower waste had a statistically significant effect on the windrow core temperature (Appendix 3.4).
32
10 % T r e a tme n t Vs. C o n tr o l
80
70
60
Temperature (C)
50
40
30
ME AN [ 0 % C u t F lo w e rs ]
20 ME AN [1 0 % C u t F lo w e rs ]
O p tim u m (m in )
O p tim u m (m a x)
10
0
1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101 111
D a ys
Figure 9 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control & 10% Treatment.
2 0 % T re a tm e n t Vs . C o n tro l
80
70
60
Temperature (C)
50
40
30
M E AN [ 0 % C u t F lo w e rs ]
20
M E A N [2 0 % C u t F l o w e r s ]
O p ti m u m ( m i n )
10 O p ti m u m ( m a x)
0
1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101 111
D ays
Figure 10 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control & 20% Treatment
33
5 0 % T re a tm e n t V s . C o n tro l
80
70
60
Temperature (C)
50
40
30
20 M E AN [ 0 % C u t F lo w e rs ]
M E AN [5 0 % C u t F l o w e r s ]
10 O p ti m u m (m in )
O p ti m u m ( m a x)
0
1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101 111
D ays
Figure 11 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control & 50% Treatment
The core temperature of 10%, and 20% treatments reached 550C or higher at some stage during the
composting process. These three composts therefore were adequately sanitised during the composting
process. The average core temperature for the 50% treatment ranged between 30-550C, during the
entire composting period. Despite reaching a temperature of 550C, the core temperature of the
windrow was not maintained for 3 consecutive days. Therefore, all pathogens and weed seeds were
probably not effectively destroyed during composting, which could pose problems if the product is to
be used as a soil ameliorant.
Overall, cut flower composted with shredded domestic green-waste caused a reduction in average core
temperatures in each windrow. Based on statistical analysis (refer to Appendix 3.4), the average core
temperature of the control was higher than the average core temperature of the 10%, 20% and 50%
treatments. This difference equates to less microbial activity and consequent slower rate of
decomposition. Each composted product with the exception of 50% treatment reached optimal
temperatures, which means the materials were adequately sanitized and therefore safe to use.
2.3.3.2 Composted Cut flower Waste

At the end of the composting period representative samples of each windrow were obtained by
removing approximately 2.5L of composted materials from five positions along the length of the
windrow. These positions were located at the core and approximately half way between the top and
base of the windrow. The samples were combined, mixed thoroughly and then sub-sampled. These
samples were subsequently tested in accordance with Standards AS4454-1999 for Composts, Soil
Conditioners and Mulches to ensure that the composted materials were suitable for agricultural or
horticultural application. The results of these analyses are presented in Table 26.
According to the current Australian Standard for Composts, Soil Conditioners, and Mulches, the
optimal pH range for composted products is 5.0 – 7.5. The results indicate that the pH of the control
and three pasteurized composts containing cut flowers, are greater than 7.5. Since all three composts
had a pH in excess of 7.5 this indicates that the elevated pH is due to the composting process rather
than to the addition of cut flowers. The Australian Standard requires that compost with a pH in excess
of 7.5 be further analysed for calcium carbonate content if the composted material is to be used as a
soil conditioner. All four composted materials had CaCO3 levels in the vicinity of 5% by weight. The
addition of cut flower wastes did have a small effect on the % carbon and C:N ratio. In the case of the
50% cut flower compost, the % carbon was approximately 5% higher than the control with a
corresponding increase in the C:N ration from 22 to 26. In a commercial operation, this would need to
be lowered by the use of a nitrogenous additive to bring the material in line with the Australian
34
Standard for a composted soil additive. This could possibly be achieved using another waste
containing n such as tannery hair waste.
The end product was also analysed for pesticide residues. Only the most persistent pesticides were
selected for analysis. Selection of these analytes was carried out in consultation with staff from the
Organic Chemistry Unit of the State Chemistry Laboratory. The results for the analysis of the two
most concentrated treatments are presented in Table 27 The compost containing 10% cut flower waste
was not analysed for pesticide residues, which if present would be more readily detected in the
treatments containing a greater proportion of cut flower waste. This also helped to reduce analytical
costs.
Table 26 Chemical Characteristics of composted products as compared to AS4454 –1999.

% Cut Flower Waste : % Shredded Domestic Green Waste
Parameter AS4454a 0 : 100 10 : 90 20 : 80 50 : 50
pH 5.0 – 7.5 8.12 ± 0.05 8.81 ± 0.03 8.63 ± 0.05 8.70 ± 0.04
If pH > 7.5
determine total
CaCO3
Total CaCO3 - 5.0 ± 0.5 5.0 ± 0.1 4.5 ± 0.1 4.7 ± 0.1
%(w/w)
Electrical 0 – 1b 0.617 ± 0.007 0.831 ± 0.486 ± 0.002 0.487 ± 0.003
Conductivity 0.007
(dS/m)
Moisture % (w/w) ≥ 25 c 54 ± 2 52 ± 4 51 ± 4 60 ± 3
Organic matter ≥ 25 24 N/A N/A 29

content
%dry matter
Total N % dry ≥ 0.8 1.1 N/A N/A 1.1
matter If a dry
contribution to
plant nutrition is
claimed
C:N ≤ 22 22 N/A N/A 26
Total P % (w/w) ≤ 0.1 0.010 ± 0.004 0.087 ± 0.031 ± 0.001 0.054 ± 0.007
For products 0.006
which claim to
be for
%dry mass phosphorus -
sensitive plants
No requirement
otherwise
Phosphorus, 5 4.0 ± 0.4 8.7 ± 0.6 3.1 ± 0.1 5.3 ± 0.6
soluble For products
(mg/L extract) which claim to
be for
phosphorus-
mg/L extract sensitive plants
No requirement
otherwise
a
AS4454 –1999 Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches
b
Unlimited rate of application for plants that are sensitive and tolerant to salinity.
c
If OM < 40% then maximum % Moisture = % organic
35
Table 27 Pesticide Analysis Results for composted samples of the Control, 20% Treatment and 50%
Treatment
[Pesticide]a mg/kg
Pesticide Control 20% 50%
Captan <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Dichlran <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Propargite <0.10 <0.10 <0.1
Methamidophos <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Omethoate <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Fluvalinate (Disomer) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Permethrin <0.05 <0.05 0.23
Where 0% = Control, 20% =flower compost, 50% flower compost
a
<n.nn result denotes concentration below the indicated limit of detection (LOD).
The results from the pesticide analysis tabulated above indicate that most persistent pesticides used by
the flower growing companies were successfully degraded during the composting process. The only
exception was 50% treatment, which contained the highest concentration of cut flower waste. This is
consistent with the core temperture data which showed that the windrow containing 50% cut flower
waste had a temperature significantly lower then the control and did not achieve the optimal
temperature condition of three consecutive days at 550C. Further, the core temperatures in all
windrows was probably affected by the windrow dimensions employed and also the low ambient
temperature during the trial (trial period from mid April to mid July).
Overall the results of the study showed that green-waste contaminated with pesticides from a
horticultural activity can be effectively remediated by streaming the waste into domestic green-waste
composting operations. This process has the potential to be used to remediate similarly contaminated
green-waste from other horticultural and agricultural production and result in composted materials that
could be used as soil ameliorants or mulches.
2.3.4 Evaluation of Composted Material as a Potting Mix Component
2.3.4.1 Pot Trial

The composted materials from the trial described above were subsequently evaluated as a substitute
for a commercial growing medium. A pot trial was established in which the composted materials were
mixed with washed river sand to produce four growing media. The pot trial was conducted in a
temperature controlled Quarantine Glasshouse at one of the participating flower growers.
Five treatments and six replicates were used in this trial. Table 28 describes each treatment. The
Standard growing medium used was a commercially produced material. It contains 85% composted
bark (mixture of fine [0-3mm], medium [3-5mm] and coarse [5-8mm] particles), 15% sand as well as
lime, ammonium nitrate, and water retention granules. Each of the composted products had equivalent
amounts of fine river sand added to them to become treatments A-D. Treatment F was made from the
standard growing medium. Pots were filled to within 2cm of the top and 5 g of a slow release
complete fertiliser added to each pot in accordance with standard procedures at the farm. Two
different plants were used; Lebanese Cucumbers (grown from seed) and carnations (grown from
seedlings). Lebanese cucumbers were chosen because they are known to be very sensitive to
pathogens and diseases, The carnations on the other hand were selected to assess the effect of each
treatment on the growth of ornamental flowers. The growers routinely use both species as indicator
plants for pathogens (communication, G.Guy 1999).
36
The pots were positioned using a Latin square design. This ensured there would be no variation
between plants across the house due to light differences and along the house due to temperature
differences.
Table 28 Treatments used in Pot Trial

TREATMENT #POT DESCRIPTION
A 6 100% Mulch : 0% Cut flowers +fertiliser
B 6 90% Mulch : 10% Cut flowers +fertiliser
C 6 80% Mulch : 20% Cut flowers +fertiliser
D 6 50% Mulch : 50% Cut flowers +fertiliser
F 6 Standard Growing medium +fertiliser
The dry weight data for the tops of carnation and cucumber plants were determined by drying
harvested plant material at 65oC. The results were analysed by ANOVA analysis and are presented in
Appendix 3.5.
The results of the ANOVA analysis show that treatments A, B, C, D, and F all have the same average
effect on the dry weight of carnations and cucumbers. This was consistent with the visual appearance
of the plants that showed no obvious differences in size or indication of disease such as chlorosis or
necrosis on the leaves. The results therefore demonstrate that composts prepared from wastes
generated by the flower producer could be reused on-site as an inexpensive substitute for commercial
growing media. However, in view of the possible introduction of pathogens into the system by the use
of these materials, it is clearly very important that the composts be prepared strictly according to the
Australian Standard AS4454-1999.
2.3.5 Summary of findings
Overall, the investigation has shown that composting has the potential to remediate cut flower wastes
generated in flower production. The significant outcomes were:
cut-flower waste could be effectively diverted from landfill disposal by composting with
shredded domestic green-waste to produce a material that could be reused in horticultural or
agricultural applications
persistent chemicals used in flower production were successfully degraded at rates below 50%
cut flower incorporated into the green-waste
the composting process is potentially an effective means of destroying persistent chemical

residues in vegetative waste materials from horticultural or agricultural activities
the materials produced in this process were demonstrated to be suitable for reuse either as a
mulch or as a soil ameliorant / potting media component
2.4 Composting Trial 2 - Remediation of Cut flower wastes

On the basis of the preliminary study into the bio-remediation of cut flower waste described above,
most persistent pesticides used by the flower growing companies were successfully degraded during
the composting process. The only exception was 50% treatment, which contained the highest
concentration of cut flower waste. The core temperature data showed that the windrow containing 50%
cut flower waste had a temperature significantly lower then the control and did not achieve the optimal
temperature condition of three consecutive days at 550C. Further, the core temperatures in all
windrows was probably affected by the windrow dimensions employed and also the low ambient
temperature during the trial (trial period from mid April to mid July). A second trial was subsequently
designed to run over warmer months to examine whether there was any significance differences in
37
replicated windrows using 50% cut flower compared to 100% green-waste. Clearly, if the strategy of
incoproating contaminated plant materials into green-waste streams is to be viable, the loadings should
be large enough to cope with the waste volumes and still be effective in remediating the waste.
2.4.1 Preliminary Screening of Cut flower Wastes
Twenty samples of cut flower waste of equal volume (1L container) were removed from the
homogenised heap at trial site-MulchMaster. The samples were subsequently combined to form one
sample and submitted to State Chemistry Laboratory for pesticide analysis. The results of mean
pesticide residues analysed in raw cut flower waste are presented in Table 29
Table 29 Pesticide residues analysed in cut flower waste April 2000

[Pesticide]a mg/kg
Pesticide Unit Mean Confidence Interval
Captan mg/kg 1.14 1.32
Dichlran mg/kg <0.01 0.01
Propargite mg/kg 0.9 0.38
Methamidophos mg/kg 0.15 0.11
Omethoate mg/kg <0.05 0.04
Fluvalinate (Disomer) mg/kg <0.05 0.04
Permethrin mg/kg 0.26 0.13
*Results are reported as received basis
Note: <n.nn result denotes concentration below the indicated limit of detection (LOD)
The preliminary screening results indicate that there are significant persistent pesticide residues
existing in the cut flower waste, especially Captan, Propargite and Permethrin. The result
demonstrates the importance of effective remediation methods if these materials are to be reused in
land applications.
2.4.2 Methodology

Waste flowers were deposited in an open location at the rear of the farm (F&I Baguley Flower & Plant
Growers) to allow easy access for collection and removal. The flower waste collection was carried out
in mid-February to early March. After a period of approximately 3 weeks, the wastes were transferred
to the same composting site used in the first remediation trial. A total volume of approximately 24m3
was collected. The wastes again consisted of discarded flowers, off-cuts and foliage from harvested
flower crops. The actual total volume of waste material collected was more likely around 50m3 as the
materials tended to shrink noticeably in the warm conditions.
The windrow design and construction were based on the following criteria: availability of space at
trial site, principals of effective conditions for composting (eg size and dimensions), easy access of
machinery and equipment and siting such that the experiment did not interfere with existing site
operations.
Some composting researchers report that the shape of the windrow should be 1.5-3.0m high and 2.4-
5.0m wide with a round shaped top (Horstman,O. et al,1961 and Haug, 1993). On the basis of these
reports, and consultation with the plant operator at MulchMaster (Communication G.Higgs) the
38
dimensions presented in Table 30 were employed. The cut flower waste was thoroughly
homogenised prior to windrow construction using a front- end loader. A total of six windrows were
constructed; three windrows contained 100% green-waste and the other three contained a mixture of
50% cut flower waste and green-waste (refer to Appendix 4 for windrow layout and monitoring
positions).
Table 30 Windrow dimensions for each treatment

Treatment Dimensions (m) Total Volume Volume (m3)
l w h (m3) Cut Flower Mulch
Control Rep1 4 2 2 16 0 16
Control Rep2 4 2 2 16 0 16
Control Rep3 4 2 2 16 0 16
50%Cut flower Rep1 4 2 2 16 8 8
50%Cut flower Rep2 4 2 2 16 8 8
50%Cut flower Rep3 4 2 2 16 8 8

A monitoring program was established for the composting process in accordance with AS4454-1999
and the ‘Guide to Best Practice Composting’ to ensure that composting was performed at optimal
conditions. The core and surface temperatures were recorded at 5 equidistant positions along the
length of each windrow on a regular basis using a HM141 Humidity and Temperature Indicator
connected to a HMP46 probe (refer to Appendix 4.3). Temperature measurements were taken
regularly over the 102 days of the trial. Core samples were collected on each of these occasions and
the compost analysed for pH, conductivity and moisture content according to AS4454-1999. During
the composting process the windrows were turned every two days during the initial stages of
composting. Turning then occurred once a week to limit heat loss and allow pasteurisation processes
to occur.
2.4.3 Results and Discussion
2.4.3.1 Effect of Cut Flowers on Average Core Temperature
The average core temperatures were plotted for 50% treatment and the core temperature for the
control. (Figure 12 and 13 respectively). An ANOVA analysis was subsequently performed to
determine if the introduction of cut flower waste had a statistically significant effect on core
temperature during the composting process (refer to Appendix 4.5).
39
Control
Replication1 vs Replication2 vs Replication3
80.00
70.00
Temperature C
60.00
50.00
40.00
Replicate1
30.00
Replicate2
20.00
Replicate3
10.00
0.00
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Days
Figure 12 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control replications
50% Treatment
Replicate1 vs Replicate2 vs Replicate3
80.00
Temperature C
70.00
60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00 Replicate1
20.00 Replicate2
10.00 Replicate3
0.00
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Days
Figure 13 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of 50% Treatment replications
The average core temperature of the control and 50% treatment fluctuated between 400C and 700C
during the entire composting period. The lower temperatures probably being caused by turning shortly
before measurement. On the basis of the ANOVA analysis it was found that there was no significant
difference between the control and the 50% treatment windrows (P<0.05). There was also no
significant differences (P<0.05) between control and 50% cut flower compost with respect to pH, or
conductivity, further indicating that the incorporation of the cut flowers had no effect on the green-
waste composting. These observations are consistent with this trial being carried out under higher
ambient conditions that caused the wastes to dry out considerably prior to composting. In the previous
trial, the wastes were collected in autumn and were quite moist when mixed into the green-waste. The
composting process in this earlier trial was also conducted through the winter months and the small
dimensions of the windrows together with low ambient temperatures were not conducive to effective
composting. This observation indicates that effective remediation of these wastes is affected by the
original moisture content of the waste and that composting in cooler months of the year requires lower
waste loadings in the windrow or pre-drying of the wastes before incorporation into the green-waste.
40
The previous trial indicated that a loading of moist cut flower waste in cooler months should be
between 20 and 50 % to effect remediation.
2.4.3.2 Composted Cut Flower Waste

At the conclusion of the composting trial (102days), representitive core samples of each windrow
were obtained by removing approximately 2L of composted materials from five positions along the
east and west sides of the windrow and top. These position are located described in (Appendix 4.3) .
The core samples were bulked to form a representative sample of the windrows and were
subsequently tested in accordance with Standards AS44554-1999 for Composts, Soil Conditioners
and Mulches to ensure that the composted materials were suitable for agricultural or horticultural
application. The results of these analyses are presented in Table 31. According to the 1999
Australian Standard for Composts, Soil Conditioners, and Mulches, the optimal pH range for
composted products is 5.0-7.5. The results indicate the pH of the all replicated control and treatments
containing cut flowers are greater then 7.5. The Australian Standard requires that compost with a pH
in excess of 7.5 be further analysed for calcium carbonate content if the composted material is to be
used as a soil conditioner. Both the 50% and control composts had CaCO3 levels in the vicinity of
5% by weight. The addition of cut flower wastes did have a small effect on the % carbon and C: N
ratio. In a commercial operation, this would need to be lowered by the use of a nitrogenous additive
to bring the material in line with the Australian Standard for a composted soil additive. As stated
previously, this could possibly be achieved using another waste containing N such as tannery hair
waste.
These samples were also analysed for pesticides known to be present in the original waste (refer to
Table 32). The results of pesticide residue analysis showed that the selected persistent pesticides
used by the flower growing companies were successfully degraded during the composting process.
The results of this replicated trial are not consistent with the preliminary trial described previously in
that cut flower waste blended at a rate of 50% with domestic green-waste was effectively composted
and all pesticides were destroyed in the process. This trial was carried out over warmer months of the
year and the waste had dried out considerably when mixed with the green-waste. This probably
contributed to the higher temperatures achieved in this trial and subsequent improved composting
conditions.
41
Table 31 Chemical Characteristics of composted products compared to as 4454 –1999
%Cut flower : %Green-waste

Parameter AS4454a 0 : 100 50 : 50
pH 5.0 – 7.5 8.10 ± 0.3 8.53 ± 0.1
If pH > 7.5 determine total
CaCO3
Total CaCO3 % (w/w) - 5.0 ± 0.5 4.3 ± 0.1

Electrical Conductivity (dS/m) 0 – 1b 1.8 ± 0.3 2.2 ± 0. 2
Moisture % (w/w) ≥ 25 c 62 ± 2 54 ± 3
Organic matter content ≥ 25 24 ± 2 29 ± 2

%dry matter
Total N ≥ 0.8 1.1 ± 0.2 1.1 ± 0.2
%dry matter If a dry contribution to plant
nutrition is claimed
C:N ≤ 22 22 26
Total P % (w/w) ≤ 0.1 0.08 ± 0.004 0.050± 0.006

For products which claim to
be for phosphorus - sensitive
plants
%dry mass No requirement otherwise
Phosphorus, soluble 5 4.0 ± 0.4 5.8 ± 0.5
(mg/L extract) For products which claim to
be for phosphorus- sensitive
plants
mg/L extract No requirement otherwise
a
AS4454 –1999 Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches
b
Unlimited rate of application for plants that are sensitive and tolerant to salinity.
c
If OM < 40% then maximum % Moisture = % organic
Table 32 Pesticides analysed in 50%composted cut flower waste June 2000
[Pesticide]a mg/kg
Pesticide Unit Replication 1 Replication 2 Replication 3
Captan mg/kg <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Dichlran mg/kg <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Propargite mg/kg <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Methamidophos mg/kg <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Omethoate mg/kg <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Fluvalinate (Disomer) mg/kg <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
Permethrin mg/kg <0.05 <0.05 <0.05
*Results are reported as received basis
Note: <n.nn result denotes concentration below the indicated limit of detection (LOD)
According to the second cut flower compost trial, chemical analysis showed a significant reduction in
biocide residues for the 50%cut flower waste.
Preliminary estimates of savings show that an individual farm could potentially reduce waste disposal
and potting media costs by up to 70% (communication G.Guy).
42
2.4.4 Summary of Findings
The results of this second replicated trial using green-waste to compost contaminated cut flower waste
clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of composting as a means of remediating this waste. The key
outcomes of the study were:
composting process
2.5 Composting Trial 3 - Potato Scraps Wastes

It was estimated that 25 tonnes of potato scraps and peelings were produced in one company per week
during the potato chipping process. During the preparation stage, where potatoes are cleaned and
skinned prior to chipping, whole potatoes are passed through conveyers to be washed, shaved then
sliced before conversion into crisp chips. The wastes that are generated through this process include
whole potatoes, potato scraps, peelings, dirt and potato sludge. The waste material that was of interest
in this study is the high moisture content potato scraps and peelings. Chemical analysis previously
carried out showed that this waste was free of contamination and as it has such a high water content, it
is potentially a moisture source for the composting process. The strategy employed in this study was to
blend potato wastes in with green-waste at a conservative level (approximately 20% by volume) to
determine if the wastes could be effectively treated and not interfere with the composting process.
Unlike the previous trials, this study was carried out on a commercial scale using full sized windrows.
Plant operators have collected core temperature data for this trial on site since the trial began some 8
weeks ago. The trial is still in progress and the results reported in this document are for the first 7
weeks of monitoring.
2.5.1 Preliminary Screening of Potato Wastes
The bulk of the potato waste was a composite of potato shavings, potato solids dirt. Twenty samples of
equal volume (approximately 1 L) were removed from each stage in the process and submitted for
chemical analysis. The chemical characteristics and physical nature of the potato wastes are tabulated
below.
43
Table 33 Characteristics of potato scraps and peelings 2000
Industry Waste Selected Nutrients (Unit)
%w/w mg/kg
N P K Cd Cr Cu Pb As
Potato shavings 1.7 1200 16000 <0.5 <0.5 8 <10.0 0.056
Potato solids 1.6 1700 13000 <0.5 <0.5 4 <10.0 <0.05
Potato shavings & dirt 1.3 1800 11000 0.5 0.5 20 <10.0 1800
Test reported on a 400C dry weight basis
Table 34 Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Potato Waste
Units Potato Scraps Potato Solids Potato & Dirt
Moisture (400C) % w/w 90.3 75.3 70.8
pH [H2O] 5.8 6.2 5.8
EC dS/m 1.7 4.1 15.1
Total Sodium mg/kg 250 150 16000

Total Chloride % w/w 0.11 0.44 3.7
Total Nitrogen % w/w 1.7 1.6 1.3

*Results are expressed at 400C as dry weight basis
The chemical results in the table above indicate that there is low level of contamination, especially
cadmium that is known to accumulate in some potato varieties. Cadmium is the heavy metal of
greatest concern, and caution must me taken in using soil ameliorants derived from potato waste as it
may result in cadmium accumulation in soils.
2.5.2 Methodology
A Potato chips company located in the Melbourne suburb of Scoresby was approached to participate
in the potato composting trial. The waste generated at the company consisted of shavings, potato
pieces , whole potatoes and dirt mixed with shavings. The plant manager estimated that that in excess
of 15 tonnes of potato peeling wastes alone were disposed of in a week from the site, however this
varied depending on the season. Wastes were collected over a ten-day period after which the waste
containers were transported to MulchMaster. On arrival the waste was homogenised using a front-end
loader and subsequently blended in with green-waste from domestic street collections.

Four windrows 20 m long, 3m wide and 2m high were constructed from green-waste (Appendix 6.1).
Two of the windrows were used as controls and the other two used to incorporate the potato waste.
The centres of these two latter windrows were opened using a front-end loader and the potato waste
added over the entire length. These windrows were then turned thoroughly to ensure a homogeneous
mixture of the potato waste and green-waste. Approximately 40 tonnes of potato waste (a composite of
all solid waste streams) was added to these two windrows representing a loading of 20% by volume.

Core temperatures were recorded of each windrow at 10 locations along each side approximately 1 m
from the base. The results to date were collated and ANOVA analysis carried out to assess the effect
of adding potato wastes to the green-waste windrows (refer to Appendix 5.2). As the study is still in
progress the data presented in this report is for the first 7 weeks of the experiment, however, this is
44
sufficient information to determine whether the technique is suitable for remediation of potato scrap
waste.
2.5.2.4 Results and Discussion
The average core temperature of the controls potato waste treatments fluctuated between 500C and
700C during the 7 week composting period. The lower temperatures being recorded on days
immediately after turning . At the end of the 7 week period the mean core temperatures of the control
and potato waste windrows were 66.250C and 64.900C respectively indicating that the composting
process was still taking place and the core temperatures were at opitmal conditions for composting.
The grand core temperature averages over the trial period were 66.680C and 64.610C respectively for
the control and potato waste windrows. ANOVA analysis of mean core temperatures showed that there
was a significant difference ( P<0.05) between these windrows over the trial period. The potato waste
had the effect of cooling the windrows (approximately 20C below the control) but did not affect the
composting process as the temperature was still well within the optimal range ( 550C – 650C). This is
not unexpected as the potato waste has a high moisture content. Visual inspection of the widrows after
7 weeks showed that there were no visible signs of potato waste present and the control and treatment
windrows were identical in appearance. The results of this trial indicate that even higher rates of potato
waste could be incoporated into the windrow without affecting the composting process, but further
work would need to be carried out to opitimise the loading. Preliminary estimates on potential savings
(communication G.Higgs) show that disposal costs for these wastes streams could be reduced by up to
70% using the composting option described above.
2.5.3 Summary of Findings
The results of this commercial scale trial appear to demonstrate the effectiveness of composting as a
means of remediating potato wastes. The key outcomes of the study were:
green-waste
higher rates of potato waste could be remediated by this technique but further trials
would need to be established to optimise the waste loading
45
3. Outputs
3.1 Major Findings of Survey of Putrescible Wastes in Victoria
Wool scouring
large volumes of wool scour sludges relatively free of contamination are disposed of in landfills in
Tanneries
46
Food Processing
region
green-waste
production industry
poultry industry
landfills
land
47
food processing
Wine Production
3.2 Major Findings of waste Remediation Trials
Cut-Flower Wastes
The results of the study using green-waste to compost contaminated cut flower waste clearly
demonstrate the effectiveness of composting as a means of remediating this waste. The key findings
of the study were:
composting process
48
Potato Processing Wastes
The results of this commercial scale trial appear to demonstrate the effectiveness of composting as a
means of remediating potato wastes. The key outcomes of the study were:
green-waste
higher rates of potato waste could be remediated by this technique but further trials
would need to be established to optimise the waste loading
presentation of the results of these studies at waste management conferences, workshops and
regular meetings of representatives of key agricultural research institutes in Victoria (The
Resource Reuse and Recovery for Primary Industries Group)
An additional outcome from the project was the development of a number of undergraduate and post-
graduate research investigations in the Applied Science and Engineering Faculties at RMIT
University. These projects are funded by postgraduate research scholarships, University and
Agriculture Victoria Resources.
These include:
final year Environmental Engineering Design projects in waste management strategies for Wool
Combing and Cut flower production companies. (Projects supervised by Associate Professor Barry
Meehan in conjunction with industry representatives) (refer to Appendix 6 for information)
an Honours project to investigate the bio-remediation of contaminated Cut flower waste using
windrow composting. (Project supervised by Associate Professor Barry Meehan)
a doctoral research project on the utilisation of regional waste streams in viticulture was
established in 2000 (Project supervised by Associate Professor Barry Meehan).
49
4. Communications and Recommendations
Results of the present study have previously been communicated to RIRDC in progress reports
and have also been communicated at several waste management conferences and work shops (
refer references)
It is recommended that further surveying needs to be carried out in regional Victoria as well as
Metropolitan Melbourne in order to identify significant waste streams containing reusable
organics that are not recorded as prescribed wastes. These materials could then be investigated for
potential recovery and reuse in agricultural and horticultural operations. Various Metropolitan and
Rural industries should fully explore the opportunities to convert high cost wastes into value
added environmentally friendly by-products.
It is recommended that various Institutes of Agriculture Victoria should undertake applied

Research and Development to characterise modify / manage and utilise agri-industry wastes
produced in their respective regions with a view to facilitating regional waste management
strategies for post-farmgate wastes ( this initiative is currently being developed by the recently
formed Resource Reuse and Recycling for Primary Industries Group in Agriculture Victoria in
conjunction with RMIT University)
Care must be taken to control any adverse effects from waste applications such as induced salinity
and sodicity, nutrient imbalances, high BOD, contamination from organic residues and heavy
metals which underlines the importance of thorough characterisation of waste streams before they
are developed into value added products for land application.
Benefits for development of reuse and recycling strategies in post-farmgate wastes accrue to
industry by reducing waste disposal costs and establishing an environmentally friendly image
important for marketing products locally and overseas.
50
5. References
Agri-Topic, (1997) Heavy Metals in Fertilizers and Agriculture, Publication 142, March
Cameron, K. C., Di, H. J., and R. G. McLaren, Is Soil an Appropriate Dumping Ground for Our Wastes? ,
ASSSI and NZSSS National Soils Conference, July 1996.
Graham Guy , Plant Pathologist Baguley’s Flower Growers, Personal Communication 1999
Garry Higgs, Composting Plant Supervisor, Personal Communication 1999
Meehan,B.J, Baxter,F., and Maheswaran.J, Progress Report RIRDC Project No. RMI-10A, Reuse Potential
of Agri-Industry Wastes in the Melbourne/Metropolitan Region, June 1999
EPA Industrial Waste Strategy Zeroing in on Waste: Pathway to Cleaner Production in Victoria, April
1998
EPA Victoria (1996) Environmental Guidelines For Composting and Other Organic Recycling Facilities,
Publication 508, June.
Haug R.T., Compost Engineering: Principles and Practice, Ann Arbor Science Publishers, Inc. United
States, 1980
Haug R.T., Compost Engineering: Principles and Practice, Ann Arbor Science Publishers, Inc. United
States, 1993
Hitchens L and Kashmanian R.M., Composting: Programs, Process and production Landreth R.E. and
Rebers P.A., (Editors) Municipal Solid Wastes- Problems and Solutions CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton,
Forida. 1997
Horstman,O. and Engelhorn,E. Does Aeration accelerate the Composting Process: Comprehensive Studies
of Solid Waste Management, First and Second Annual Report 1970, Vol.1, pp.173 1961
Maheswaran, J., Peverill, J., SCL Milestone Report, The Investigation of the Potential for the Utilisation of
Hair as Fertiliser and Soil Amendment, Product characterisation of waste material from the Victorian
Hide and Skin Producers (State Chemistry Laboratory) 1998
Meehan,B.J., Baxter, F., and Jay Maheswaran, Progress Report RIRDC Project No RMI-10A, Re-use
Potential of Agri-industry Wastes in the Melbourne/Metropolitan Region, November 1998.
Meehan,B.J., Baxter,F., and Jay Maheswaran, Progress Report RIRDC Project No RMI-10A, Re-use
Potential of Agri-industry Wastes in the Melbourne/Metropolitan Region, November 1999.
Miller,P.A., and P.A Golden. Earth For Sale: Policy Issues in MSW Composting. New York Legislative
Committee on Solid Waste Management. August. 1992
Pollution Technology Review No.12, Large Scale Composting, Noyles Data Corporation, United States,
1974
Standards Australia , Australian Standard AS4454- Composts, Soil conditioners and Mulches Standards
Association of Australia, Homebush, NSW, 1999
Rechcigl, J.E., and H. C. MacKinnon, Agricultural Uses of By-Products and Wastes, American Chemical
Society, 1997
Wilkinson K, Tymms S., Hood V., Tee E., Guide to best Practice: Composting Green Organics
EcoRecycle Victoria, East Melbourne Vic, 1998
51
6. APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 Chemical Analysis of Waste Material 1999
The following pages tabulate concentrations of elements found in the preliminary screening of Wool
Scour, Tannery, Cut flower and Food Processing Waste. The tests were all performed at State
Chemistry Laboratory and received in August 1999.
52
APPENDIX 1.1 Wool Scouring Wastes- Company 1
Chemical Analysis of waste from Wool Scour Processor No.1 compared with the maximum
permissible limits set by Victorian EPA for land disposal of a Grade A waste and Limits for
contaminants in compost (Dry solids). 1999
Analyte Unit Wool Dirt and EPA limits Dry solids

Sludge Fibres Grade A
General Information
Moisture loss – 400C % w/w 44.6 3.9
General Chemistry*
Total Nitrogen % w/w 1.2 2.4

Total Phosphorus % w/w <0.06 <0.06
Total Potassium % w/w 0.58 1.5
Total Sulfur % w/w 0.07 0.34
Total Calcium % w/w 0.18 0.39
Total Magnesium % w/w 0.12 0.25
Total Sodium % w/w 0.04 0.12
Total Manganese % w/w 0.015 0.022
Total Iron % w/w 1.6 1.4
Total Boron % w/w 0.0005 <0.0003
Total Chloride % w/w 0.06 0.15
Total Molybdenum % w/w <0.001 <0.001
Heavy Metal Chemistry*

Total Cadmium mg/kg <1.0 <1.0 3 3
Total Chromium mg/kg 26 15 100 50
Total Cobalt % w/w <0.001 <0.001
Total Copper % w/w <0.001 <0.001 100 60
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 <10.0 150 150
Total Zinc mg/kg 0.007 0.008 200 200
Total Arsenic mg/kg 2.0 2.4 20 20
Total Mercury mg/kg 0.03 0.02 1 1
*Results are expressed on an as received basis
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Wool Scour Processors
No.1. 1999
Units Wool Sludge Dirt and Fibres
Moisture (400C) % w/w 44.6 3.9
pH [H2O] 7.7 6.9
EC dS/m 3.6 5.6
C/N [calc.] 7.2 8.3
53
Chemical Analysis of waste from Wool Scour Processors No.2 compared with the maximum

General Information
General Chemistry*

Total Phosphorus % w/w <0.06 0.15
Total Sulfur % w/w <0.05 0.44
Total Boron % w/w <0.0003 <0.0003
Total Chloride % w/w <0.03 0.35
Total Molybdenum % w/w 0<0.001 0.002
Heavy Metal
Chemistry*
Total Chromium mg/kg 28 <10 100 50
Total Copper % w/w <0.001 <0.001 100 60
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 <10.0 150 150
Total Zinc mg/kg 0.006 0.008 200 200
Total Mercury mg/kg 0.01 0.03 1 1
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Wool Scour Processor
No.2 1999
Moisture (400C) % w/w 30.4 9.3
pH [H2O] 8.3 8.1
EC dS/m 4.6 9.5
C/N [calc.] 10.2 8.5
54
Chemical Analysis of waste from Wool Scour Processor No.3 compared with the maximum

General Information
General Chemistry*

Total Boron % w/w <0.0003 <0.0003
Total Chloride % w/w <0.03 <0.03
Heavy Metal
Chemistry*
Total Copper % w/w <0.001 0.002 100 60
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 <10.0 150 150
Total Zinc mg/kg 0.007 0.007 200 200
Total Mercury mg/kg 0.02 1 1
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Wool Scour Processors
No.3. 1999
Moisture (400C) % w/w 43.5 62.8
pH [H2O] 8.5 9.9
EC dS/m 3.3 6.6
C/N [calc.] 6.7 7.0
55
APPENDIX 1.4 Tannery Wastes- Company 1
Chemical Analysis of waste from Tannery No.1 compared with the maximum permissible limits set by
Victorian EPA for land disposal of a Grade A waste 1999
Analyte Unit Tannery Tannery Hair Fibres EPA limits

Sludge (Cr) Sludge Grade A
(Fatty)
General Information
Moisture loss – 400C % w/w 75.7 49.1 52.8
General Chemistry*

Total Phosphorus % w/w <<0.06 <0.06 <0.06
Total Potassium % w/w 0.11 <0.04 <0.04
Total Sulfur % w/w 0.95 0.19 1.4
Total Calcium % w/w 0.56 0.37 1.2
Total Magnesium % w/w 1.3 0.3 0.06
Total Sodium % w/w 0.53 0.44 0.48
Total Manganese % w/w 0.019 <0.001 0.002
Total Iron % w/w 0.39 0.088 0.015
Total Boron % w/w 0.085 0.0010 0.030
Total Chloride % w/w 2.9 Unfinish 0.75
Total Molybdenum % w/w <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Heavy Metal
Chemistry*
Total Cadmium mg/kg <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 3
Total Cobalt % w/w 0.003 <0.001 <0.001
Total Copper % w/w 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 100
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 <10.0 <10.0 150
Total Zinc mg/kg 0.088 0.002 0.009 200
Total Arsenic mg/kg 1.0 Unfinish 0.1 20
Total Mercury mg/kg 0.08 <10.0 0.07 1
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Tannery No.1 1999
Units Tannery Sludge Tannery Sludge Hair Fibres
(Cr) (Fatty)
Moisture (400C) % w/w 75.7 49.1 52.8
pH [H2O] 7.7 8.0 9.8
EC dS/m 1.6 5.7 8.5
C/N [calc.] <0.06 <0.06 <0.06
56
APPENDIX 1.5 Tannery Wastes - Company 2
Chemical Analysis of waste from Tannery No.2 compared with the maximum permissible limits set by
Victorian EPA for land disposal of a Grade A waste and Limits for contaminants in compost (Dry
solids). 1999
Analyte Unit Tannery Hair EPA limits Dry solids

General Information
General Chemistry*

Total Phosphorus % w/w 0.33 <0.06
Total Potassium % w/w 0.07 <0.04
Total Boron % w/w 0.0078 <0.0003
Total Chloride % w/w
Heavy Metal
Chemistry*
Total Copper % w/w 0.002 <0.001 100 60
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 <10.0 150 150
Total Zinc mg/kg 0.014 0.009 200 200
Total Mercury mg/kg 0.02 <0.01 1 1
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Tannery No.2 1999
Units Tannery Sludge Hair Fibres
Moisture (400C) % w/w 60.5 73.5
pH [H2O] 7.3 8.8
EC dS/m 3.3 15.4
C/N [calc.] 4.5 8.1
57
APPENDIX 1.6 Food Processor Wastes (Canned Beans)- Company 1
Chemical Analysis of waste from Food Processor / Beans No.1 compared with the maximum
Analyte Unit Food Waste (Beans) EPA limits Dry solids

Grade A
General Information
Moisture loss – 400C % w/w 73.5
General Chemistry*
Total Nitrogen % w/w 0.93

Total Phosphorus % w/w 0.06
Total Potassium % w/w <0.04
Total Sulfur % w/w <0.05
Total Calcium % w/w 0.07
Total Magnesium % w/w 0.01
Total Sodium % w/w <0.01
Total Manganese % w/w 0.003
Total Iron % w/w 0.15
Total Boron % w/w <0.0003
Total Chloride % w/w 0.03
Total Molybdenum % w/w <0.001
Heavy Metal
Chemistry*
Total Cadmium mg/kg <1.0 3 3
Total Chromium mg/kg <10 100 50
Total Cobalt % w/w <0.001
Total Copper % w/w <1.0 100 60
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 150 150
Total Zinc mg/kg 0.009 200 200
Total Arsenic mg/kg <0.1 20 20
Total Mercury mg/kg 0.03 1 1
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Food Processor / Beans
No.1 1999
Units Food Waste / Beams
Moisture (400C) % w/w 73.5
pH [H2O] 8.8
EC dS/m 15.4
C/N [calc.] 3.5
Total Nitrogen % w/w 0.93
58
APPENDIX 1.7 Food Processor Wastes (Potato Scrap)- Company 2
Chemical Analysis of waste from Food Processor / Potato Crisps No.2 compared with the maximum
Analyte Unit Potato Potato EPA limits Dry solids

Waste Sludge Grade A
General Information
General Chemistry*
Total Nitrogen % w/w 0.12 <0.1

Total Potassium % w/w 0.18 <0.03
Total Sulfur % w/w <0.05 <0.04
Total Calcium % w/w <0.01 <0.01
Total Magnesium % w/w <0.01 <0.02
Total Sodium % w/w <0.01 0.01
Total Manganese % w/w 0.003 <0.0002
Total Iron % w/w 0.028 0.011
Total Boron % w/w 0.0013 <1
Total Chloride % w/w 0.54 0.01
Heavy Metal Chemistry*

Total Chromium mg/kg <10 100 50
Total Cobalt % w/w <0.001 <0.0001
Total Copper % w/w <0.001 <0.0002 100 60
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 <3.0 150 150
Total Zinc mg/kg <0.001 <0.0004 200 200
Total Arsenic mg/kg <0.1 <0.0004 20 20
Total Mercury mg/kg 0.04 <0.01 1 1
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Food Processors /
Potato Crisps No.2 1999
Units Potato Waste Potato Sludge
Moisture (400C) % w/w 92.9 1
pH [H2O] 5.3 3.7
EC dS/m 1.7 1.3
C/N [calc.] 11.8 25.8
Total Nitrogen % w/w 0.12 <0.1
59
APPENDIX 2 Chemical Analysis of Potato Waste
Chemical analyses of potato wastes were carried out in accordance with the relevant Australian
Standard, with the exception of nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements). The
Australian Standard specifies that samples are oven dried. SCL has advised that drying at 1050C can
cause volatilisation of some nutrients such especially nitrogen. To avoid this problem, organic
materials (compost, mulches, potting mixes) are analysed and reported at 40OC dry weight basis. The
results are then converted to a dry weight basis at 1050C
60
APPENDIX 2.1 Food Processing Waste (Potato Scrap)
Chemical Analysis of waste from Food Processor / Potato Scrap compared with Limits for
contaminants in compost (Dry solids).
Analyte Unit Potato Potato Potato and Dry solids

Scraps Solids Dirt
General Information
Moisture loss – 400C % w/w 90.3 75.3 70.8
General Chemistry*
Total Phosphorus % w/w 1200 1700 1800
Total Potassium % w/w 16000 13000 11000
Total Sulfur % w/w 1100 1200 1300
Total Calcium % w/w 1100 230 2000
Total Magnesium % w/w 960 590 1300
Total Sodium mg/kg 250 150 16000
Total Manganese % w/w
Total Iron % w/w
Total Boron % w/w
Total Chloride % w/w 0.11 0.44 3.7
Total Molybdenum % w/w
Heavy Metal
Chemistry*
Total Cadmium mg/kg <0.5 <0.5 0.5 3
Total Chromium mg/kg <5 <5 44 50
Total Cobalt % w/w
Total Copper % w/w 8 4 20 60
Total Lead mg/kg <10.0 <10.0 <10.0 150
Total Zinc mg/kg 10 10 70 200
Total Mercury mg/kg 1
* With the exception of Cl, All Results are expressed at 400C dry weight basis
Analysis of %Moisture, pH, EC, C/N and Total N of waste from Food Processors /
Potato Scrap
Units Potato Scraps Potato Solids Potato and
Dirt
0
Moisture (40 C) % w/w 90.3 75.3 70.8
pH [H2O] 5.8 6.2 5.8
EC dS/m 1.7 4.1 15.1
C/N [calc.]
Total Nitrogen % w/w 39 35 25
0
*Results are expressed at 40 C as dry weight basis
61
APPENDIX 3 Composting Trial 1:Remediation of Cut Flower Waste
APPENDIX 3.1 MulchMaster Site Plan
(NOTE: = fence; = Area set aside for Trial)
DAM
RAW FEEDSTOCK (Source Separated Stock Piles)
Built up bank to protect neighbouring site

TUB GRINDER
WINDROW WINDROW
(Curing Stage) (Thermophilic Stage)
WINDROW WINDROW
(Curing Stage) (Thermophilic Stage)
concrete
bays
Drainage Line
WINDROW
(Compost (Thermophilic Stage)
ready for
sale)
WEIGH BRIDGE
MULCH
for sale
OFFICE
TRIAL SITE
ENTRANCE PUBLIC drop off point
62
APPENDIX 3.2 Monitoring Positions on Windrows
80% Shredded Domestic Green

5 5
Waste: 20% Cut Flowers

4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
1 2 3 4 5
50% Shredded Domestic Green Waste:

50% Cut Flowers
Mulch for sale

5
Mulch for sale

1
OFFICE
63
APPENDIX 3.3 Specific Position of Monitoring Points on Windrows
(* = monitoring/sampling point)
Position 1 Position 2 Position 3 Position 4 Position 5
X/6
* * * * * Row 3
Row 2 y
* * * * *
Y/4
Row 1
* * * * *
The temperature readings were made at 5 equidistant positions along the length of the
windrow on the east-side. At each of this 5 position, the surface temperature was taken at 3
levels on the east-side: 30cm up from the base, centre and approximately 30cm from the top.
While the core temperature was only measured from the centre.
64
APPENDIX 3.4 ANOVA Analysis of Core Temperature Data
Results from an ANOVA analysis, which was performed to compare the Core Temperature of
the Control with the core temperature of each treated compost.
DAY C0.95 F STATISTIC

10% & Control* 20% & Control* 50% & Control*
2 4.35 0.22 1.48 1.40
4 4.35 12.12 112.40 21.22
7 4.35 0.37 0.07 0.55
9 4.35 8.71 5.03 47.76
11 4.35 72.32 27.19 41.56
18 4.35 5.94 11.52 34.00
23 4.35 46.83 152.93 155.72
30 4.35 3.79 4.73 27.28
37 4.35 24.12 16.85 107.76
44 4.35 1.88 1.66 20.08
51 4.35 17.55 18.91 67.62
58 4.35 9.08 18.01 105.38
65 4.35 3.77 25.51 53.41
72 4.35 0.51 6.56 7.84
79 4.35 0.03 9.68 11.73
86 4.35 51.49 149.87 39.31
93 4.35 15.70 9.68 76.57
100 4.35 0.73 7.22 62.87
107 4.35 3.10 1.39 54.75
NOTE: H0(Treatment): The control windrow and X% Treatment [where X = 10%, 20% or
50%] have the same average effect on core temperature. Ha (Treatment): The control
windrow and X% Treatment [where X = 10%, 20% or 50%] did not have the same average
effect on core temperature.
APPENDIX 3.5 ANOVA Analysis of dry weight data
ANOVA analysis based on dry weight carnations

Treatments being compared C0.95 F Statistic [Treatment]
[F & A] 5.99 2.86

[F & B] 5.99 0.35
[F & C] 5.99 1.69
[F & D] 5.99 1.36
ANOVA analysis based on dry weight of Cucumbers

Treatments being compared C0.95 F Statistic [Treatment]
[F & A] 5.99 2.46

[F & B] 5.99 1.36
[F & C] 5.99 0.39
[F & D] 5.99 0.24
65
APPENDIX 4 Composting Trial 2: Remediation of Cut Flower Waste
APPENDIX 4.1 Layout position of Windrows
*Dimensions and layout are not to scale
50% Cut
Control 3
Flower 2
50% Cut
Control 2
Flower 1
Control 1 50% Cut

Flower 4
Mulch for sale
OFFICE
The diagram above shows the original position of the windrows. A total of six windrows were
constructed, two treatments were examined and each treatment was replicated three times.
One was a control consisting of domestic green-wastes while the other was 50% cut flower
waste. It should be noted that during the period of composting the ambient temperature and
turning of the windrows contributed to the change in shape and dimensions of the windrows.
Further to that the windrow position were moved occasionally to prevent obstruction of
commercial composting activities but were reposition back into its original place.
66
APPENDIX 4.2 Windrow Dimensions
West-side East-side
2m
4m
2m
67
APPENDIX 4.3 Position of Monitoring Points on Windrows
Diagrams 1 and 2 show the temperature measurement locations and sampling points on the
east and west sides of a typical windrow. Diagram 3 shows the sampling point on top of the
windrow.
Diagram 1 East-side View of Windrow

Height 2m
1 2 3 4 5
½ Height
The temperature measurement locations were (1,2,3,4,5)
set equidistant on the line in 1/2 height of east-side.
Length 4m
Diagram 2 West-side View of Windrow
The temperature measurement locations (1,2,3,4,5) were

Height 2m
set evenly on the line in 1/3 height of west- side
1 2 3 4 5
Height
1/3
Length 4m
Diagram 3. Top View

Width 2m
1 2 3 4 5
Core samples were taken from the west-side (1,2,3,4,5),

east-side (1,2,3,4,5) and top (1,2,3,4,5) at a depth of 1m in
from the sides and top of the windrow for analysis.
Length 4m
68
APPENDIX 4.4 Raw data of the Core Temperature and Surface Temperature of
the Replicated Control and Replicated 50% Treatment
Windrow 1 (Control- 100%Green-waste)
West Side East Side Average
0 0
DAY T C T C Core T0C TC 0
Core Surface
Surface Surface Core
1 63.90 65.16 65.38 64.94 65.27 64.85
6 51.9 64.44 54.72 41.16 59.58 53.06
8 39.01 47.40 54.48 53.40 50.94 48.57
13 44.90 51.54 23.56 20.92 37.55 35.23
15 52.74 57.38 36.82 28.88 47.10 43.96
19 23.44 26.00 47.54 44.20 36.77 35.30
20 54.40 54.40 47.90 47.90 51.15 51.15
22 57.70 62.40 46.70 38.30 54.55 51.28
27 44.74 52.38 56.68 51.14 54.53 51.24
34 42.50 52.20 65.80 62.30 59.00 55.70
43 33.08 41.20 54.12 47.00 47.66 43.85
50 45.53 54.33 66.23 54.17 60.28 55.07
53 42.30 56.07 57.20 52.83 56.64 52.10
64 52.57 57.13 57.93 55.57 57.53 55.80
84 44.53 53.30 61.80 56.63 57.55 54.07
91 48.40 59.50 62.90 49.20 61.20 55.00
98 16.07 24.13 42.17 33.97 33.15 29.09
105 19.13 29.03 44.87 35.43 36.95 32.12

DAY T0C T0C T0C T0C
Core Surface
Surface Core Surface Core
1 64.88 66.28 66.18 66.76 66.23 66.03
6 57.40 62.48 61.64 56.12 62.06 59.41
8 45.88 53.06 57.60 52.78 55.33 52.33
13 50.30 53.12 24.30 22.70 38.71 37.61
15 59.28 63.92 51.00 46.04 57.46 55.06
19 39.82 39.82 54.82 48.84 47.32 45.83
20 51.74 51.86 42.56 45.32 47.21 47.87
22 59.04 65.16 58.92 53.32 62.04 59.11
27 34.78 45.32 48.56 40.22 46.94 42.22
34 33.94 67.30 67.78 67.78 67.54 59.20
43 43.14 55.70 53.26 55.70 54.48 51.95
50 48.37 55.73 52.50 43.43 54.12 50.01
53 49.13 52.90 53.03 47.9 52.97 50.74
64 46.93 50.43 50.07 46.93 50.25 48.59
84 40.40 56.00 59.87 55.5 57.94 52.94
91 32.43 45.87 54.73 45.57 50.30 44.65
98 20.93 35.63 46.07 42.83 40.85 36.37
105 23.67 33.2 46.3 41.57 39.75 36.19
69
DAY T0C T0C T0C T0C
Core Surface
1 63.52 66.36 64.88 65.7 65.62 65.12
6 47.96 60.42 55.22 49.1 57.82 53.18
8 40.34 43.02 59.32 56.90 51.17 49.90
13 53.94 60.64 32.70 25.20 46.67 43.12
15 60.48 63.00 59.10 54.86 61.05 59.36
19 33.90 39.12 62.54 59.88 50.83 48.86
20 40.08 47.30 39.04 37.90 43.17 41.08
22 52.66 60.34 64.82 60.26 62.58 59.52
27 54.08 47.42 60.44 53.22 53.93 53.79
34 49.90 60.66 64.12 58.70 62.39 58.35
43 41.76 47.48 43.02 48.92 45.25 45.30
50 52.70 59.87 52.03 43.07 55.95 51.92
53 46.07 53.57 52.87 53.57 53.22 51.52
64 42.37 50.57 49.10 46.03 49.84 47.02
84 53.90 58.67 62.47 58.67 60.57 58.43
91 37.70 50.73 54.40 44.43 52.57 46.82
98 32.43 49.70 55.10 51.77 52.40 47.25
105 25.33 41.43 50.97 38.37 46.20 39.03
Windrow 4 (50% Cut flower Waste)
DAY T0C T0C T0C T0C
Core Surface
1 61.86 63.58 63.42 60.3 63.50 62.29
6 49.2 62.36 59.7 46.62 61.03 54.47
8 44.14 52.50 53.92 44.98 53.21 48.89
13 53.80 60.88 35.08 31.66 47.98 45.36
15 63.90 71.20 61.44 59.00 66.32 63.89
19 35.92 44.92 54.72 45.20 49.82 45.19
20 49.20 62.36 59.70 46.62 61.03 54.47
22 54.90 61.00 31.70 28.30 46.35 43.98
27 32.76 51.94 39.74 54.50 45.84 44.74
34 36.98 51.70 60.28 47.45 55.99 49.10
43 40.63 46.75 50.18 43.75 48.47 45.33
50 35.63 42.33 60.27 55.00 51.30 48.31
53 49.23 54.37 53.67 49.10 54.02 51.59
64 43.30 46.07 43.33 40.20 44.70 43.23
84 45.90 58.30 62.13 54.17 60.22 55.13
91 56.77 61.33 56.33 48.10 58.83 55.63
98 32.43 49.70 55.10 51.77 52.40 47.25
105 29.90 42.63 61.50 52.50 52.07 46.63
70
DAY T0C T0C T0C T0C
Core Surface
1 61.66 62.8 62.42 64.02 62.61 62.73
6 46.8 57.16 51.38 39.88 54.27 48.81
8 46.42 48.16 48.22 40.28 48.19 45.77
13 59.00 50.84 20.70 25.34 35.77 38.97
15 56.90 61.46 53.74 51.64 57.60 55.94
19 29.24 39.54 46.76 33.14 43.15 37.17
20 46.80 57.16 51.38 39.88 54.27 48.81
22 46.64 54.02 56.56 50.84 55.29 52.02
27 38.76 44.50 51.48 45.50 47.99 45.06
34 34.24 53.14 58.64 43.84 55.89 47.47
43 41.13 47.17 47.80 36.72 47.48 43.21
50 48.63 57.10 54.67 48.03 55.88 52.11
53 33.87 45.00 45.67 35.87 45.34 40.10
64 37.80 44.87 42.93 35.2 43.90 40.20
84 46.53 58.17 64.63 58.2 61.40 56.88
91 51.07 57.60 59.77 51.6 58.69 55.01
98 26.80 49.03 55.97 52.93 52.50 46.18
105 22.06 41.2 61.43 56.83 51.32 45.38
DAY T0C T0C T0C T0C
Core Surface
1 62.94 66.18 67.5 63.62 66.84 65.06
6 43.7 57.28 54.06 50.54 55.67 51.40
8 33.78 39.56 55.08 47.84 47.32 44.07
13 55.62 59.62 39.36 33.06 49.49 46.92
15 58.10 62.62 56.06 56.62 59.34 58.35
19 25.78 29.42 49.08 49.08 39.25 38.34
20 43.70 57.28 54.06 50.54 55.67 51.40
22 66.64 73.92 64.98 46.10 69.45 62.91
27 35.16 43.10 53.24 53.24 48.17 46.19
34 51.88 52.48 65.80 62.30 59.14 58.12
43 46.20 55.44 32.96 32.96 44.20 41.89
50 43.23 56.03 52.97 44.73 54.50 49.24
53 44.53 55.57 59.77 51.77 57.67 52.91
64 54.57 57.40 55.80 46.63 56.60 53.60
84 54.23 62.40 60.47 55.7 61.44 58.20
91 48.43 59.53 62.67 49.20 61.10 54.96
98 30.43 46.93 59.30 49.03 53.12 46.42
105 35.67 57.13 63.37 55.00 60.25 52.79
71
APPENDIX 4.5 ANOVA analysis of Core Temperature data
Comparison between the average core temperature and surface temperature of the Control
with the 50% Treatment.
Analysis of Variance (Balanced Designs): Analysis of Variance for Temperature

Source DF SS MS F P
Time 17 7507.37 445.32 20.29 0.000
Treatment 1 23.12 23.12 1.05 0.306
Surface/Core 1 636.44 636.44 28.99 0.000
Time * Treatment 17 1621.26 95.37 4.34 0.000
Time * Surface / Core 17 107.70 6.34 0.29 0.998
Treatment * Surface / Core 1 6.26 6.26 0.29 0.594
Time * Treatment * Surface / Core 17 28.53 1.68 0.08 1.000
Error 144 3161.08 21.95
Total 215 13154.76
Mean
Time N Temperature 0C
1 12 64.679
2 12 55.897
3 12 49.641
4 12 41.948
5 12 57.119
6 12 43.153
7 12 50.607
8 12 56.590
9 12 48.387
10 12 57.324
11 12 46.589
12 12 53.224
13 12 51.568
14 12 49.272
17 12 57.897
18 12 54.563
19 12 44.748
20 12 44.890
Treatment N Temperature/Surface Temperature/Core

1 108 51.234 49.844
2 108 51.888 53.277
72
APPENDIX 5 Composting Trial 3: Remediation of Potato Solid
Waste
APPENDIX 5.1 Windrow Dimensions
WEST
EAST
Height = 2m
Length = 20m
Width = 2m
Mulch for sale
OFFICE
73
APPENDIX 5.2 ANOVA Analysis of Core Temperature data
Analysis of Variance (Balanced Designs): Analysis of Variance for Temperature
Source DF SS MS F P
Location 19 473.39 24.92 1.42 0.120
Day 4 841.16 210.29 11.99 0.000
Type 1 428.49 428.49 24.42 0.000
Location/day 76 2395.04 31.51 1.80 0.001
Location/type 19 505.31 26.60 1.52 0.083
Day/type 4 1499.88 374.97 21.37 0.000
Location/day/type 76 2065.32 27.18 1.55 0.008
Error 200 3509.00 17.54
Total 399 11717.59
Mean
location N Temperature 0C
1 20 64.500
2 20 65.250
3 20 66.550
4 20 68.150
5 20 65.750
6 20 64.150
7 20 66.300
8 20 64.950
9 20 66.100
10 20 64.450
11 20 65.200
12 20 64.550
13 20 67.700
14 20 66.200
15 20 66.350
16 20 64.700
17 20 66.450
18 20 64.450
19 20 66.250
20 20 64.900
Type N Temperature
1 200 66.680
2 200 64.610
74
Day N Temperature
1 80 67.375
2 80 66.025
3 80 66.338
4 80 65.463
5 80 63.025
75
APPENDIX 6 Paper presented at Contaminated Waste Industry,
Future Directions Conference.
Jay Maheswaran, Justine Cody, Barry Meehan, Fiona Baxter, Kim Phung and Anne-Marie
Dziedzic(1999). Conversion Opportunities for Agri-Industry Wastes, Proceedings of
Contaminated Wastes Industry Future Directions Conference, November 1999, Melbourne
(Oral and Full paper)
76
CONVERSION OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRI-INDUSTRY WASTES
Ken Peverilla, Jay Maheswaranb, Justine Cody b, Barry Meehanc, Fiona Baxterc, Kim Phungc
and Anne-Marie Dziedzicc
a Agriculture Victoria, 475 Mickleham Rd., Attwood Victoria, 3049

b State Chemistry Laboratory, Cnr South and Sneydes Rds., Werribee, 3030
c RMIT University, La Trobe St., Melbourne, 3000
Background of presenter; Dr Ken Peverill

Ken Peverill is the General Manager, Environment and Resources Group, Agriculture
Victoria. He has extensive experience in soil science and plant nutrition and is the author of
almost 100 journal and conference papers in these areas. He was responsible for the
establishment of standards for Victorian fertiliser Regulations and has served on numerous
State and Federal working parties to set standards relating to sustainable environmental
management issues. Recently he has played a key role in joint Research and Development
initiatives focussed on the utilisation of Agri-industry Wastes in Agricultural activities.
Introduction
The disposal of wastes to landfill is a significant cost to manufacturing industries resulting in
increased production costs and reduced profitability. Disposal of solid wastes to landfill can
have serious ecological implications as well as loss of potentially valuable resources. Further,
disposal of liquid waste streams to waterways in both rural and Metropolitan regions is quite
unacceptable and strategies for reuse of these resources need to be developed. In 1998 the
Environment Protection Authority (EPA) unveiled a new Industrial Waste Strategy which is
specifically targeted at solid and liquid wastes generated by Victorian industries (EPA
Industrial Waste Strategy 1998). One of the key strategic objectives announced in the strategy
is to maximise the economic value of resources during their life cycle through re-use,
recycling and energy recovery in preference to disposal. In order to achieve this goal, it is
essential that options for re-use of waste streams be explored.
Wastes from agricultural industries have great potential for re-use as sources of water, organic
matter, nutrients, mulches or soil conditioning agents (Rechcigl and Herbert 1997). Australian
agricultural soils are generally low in nutrient status and in organic matter, which can make
them highly susceptible to nutrient mining, structural decline and erosion. Re-use of waste
water in the dry Australian climate is also essential not only to conserve this limited resource
but also to protect ground and surface water reserves from contamination. There is therefore a
prime facie case for the investigation of suitable agri-industry waste streams for development
of products, which can be applied, to agricultural and horticultural soils. This paper focuses
on the reuse of solid waste streams although one example of a product developed from a
liquid waste stream is presented.
There are a number of obvious advantages for utilisation of agri-industry waste streams in this
way (Cameron et al, 1996). These include:
♦ conservation of water resources

♦ protection of freshwater and marine environments
♦ reduction of landfill inputs
♦ reduction of waste incineration
77
♦ recycling of nutrients
♦ improved organic matter levels in soils
♦ improved nutrient status of soils
Currently, there is little compiled information on agri-industry wastes produced in Victoria.

Furthermore, wastes from such industries are often by default deemed as prescribed wastes
making land disposal an expensive option. Surveying and characterising these wastes is
essential before any assessment can be made of their re-use potential. If the waste streams are
non-toxic and free of contamination, they can be effectively re-used by careful selection and
suitable pre-treatment. By combining different waste streams, high nutrient value composted
materials with consistent physical and chemical characteristics could be produced and tailored
to suit various crop and soil requirements. This paper includes results of a recently conducted
survey of post farm-gate agri-industry wastes produced in the Melbourne Metropolitan region
that have potential for development as soil ameliorants or fertilisers.
Studies undertaken at State Chemistry Laboratory (Agriculture Victoria) and more recently at
RMIT University, have used agri-industry wastes either directly or after pretreatment as
supplements to, or replacements for conventional fertilisers and sources of organic matter to
improve soil structure and water holding capacity. Liquid and solid wastes from the wool
scouring industry have been developed as commercially marketable products that could be
applied to agricultural and horticultural land or used in potting media for nursery production.
Current studies with solid waste from the hide and skin processing industry have shown that
this waste may be used to supplement or replace nitrogenous fertilisers. Preliminary studies
have also been undertaken with piggery wastes, abattoir wastes, sugar refinery wastes and cut
flower wastes. This paper presents the results of a number of laboratory, glasshouse and field
investigations on the application of some of these materials to agricultural and horticultural
soils. The results of four case studies are included together with the waste stream survey
described above.
Agri-industry wastes
Solid wastes from agricultural industries have great potential for re-use and represent a
significant proportion (approximately 20%) of all prescribed wastes disposed of in landfills
(EPA Bulletin May 1996). Many of these wastes have economically useful concentrations of
essential nutrients for plant growth, are organic in nature, and can effectively be developed as
useful value added resources for agricultural industries. This however, is contingent on
demonstrating that agri-industrial wastes represent an attractive alternative as fertilisers or
soil ameliorants.
Wastes from post farm-gate agricultural operations that have the potential to be applied
directly or after composting and include materials such as:
♦ animal manure and farm effluents
♦ chicken litter and manure
♦ crop residues
♦ feedlot wastes
♦ food processing wastes
♦ wool processing effluents and sludges
♦ animal hair
♦ meat processing effluents
♦ fruit and vegetable processing
♦ cut flower wastes
78
Green organics alone, generated in the Western region of the Melbourne Metropolitan area
constitutes about 120,000 tonnes per annum (source: Western Region Waste Management
Group, 1996). Extrapolating from this, the amount of wastes from agri-industries could at
least be four times this quantity and disposal costs could conceivably be several million
dollars per annum. In the vicinity of the Melbourne and Metropolitan region, there are
several high value agricultural enterprises (eg. Vineyards, Vegetable production, Turf grass
industry, Cut flower industry, Ornamental nursery industry, etc) which can potentially utilise
these wastes in their direct form or after pre-treatment for their nutrient or soil ameliorant
value. Studies undertaken by the Institute of Horticultural Development, Knoxfield
(Agriculture Victoria) have shown green-waste as ideal raw material for the production of
mulches, composts and growing media.
In the vegetable production area of Werribee, one of the most prolific areas for the production
of export quality crucifers, continuous cropping for over 30 years has depleted the soil of
organic matter, threatening the phasing out of this industry in the next ten years. At a rate of
application that could sustain production (about 30t/ha), the potential market for suitable
compost as a soil conditioner in Werribee alone could be estimated between 36,000 and
150,000 tonnes per annum. If parts of the Northern and Eastern parts of the Metropolitan area
(including the Cranbourne area) are included, the market potential for value added waste
products could be at least 500,000 tonnes per annum.
Research currently underway at RMIT University and Agriculture Victoria is looking at the
re-use potential of agri-industry wastes being produced in the Melbourne / Metropolitan area.
The research project, funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
and supported by EcoRecycle and the EPA aims to quantify and qualify these wastes with the
hope of developing them as value-added resources.
As part of the project, an analysis of prescribed waste transport data has been carried out. The
data supplied by EPA (EPA data 1997), cover a twelve-month period of all biodegradable
organic waste transported in the Melbourne Metropolitan area from January-December 1997
(RIRDC Report, 1998). The data were sorted into waste types and collated, forming a
valuable reference of the amounts and types of biodegradable waste generated annually. The
data in Table 1 lists all statistics recorded over the twelve-month period.
Table 1. Estimated total putrescible waste transported from January-December 1997

recorded in volume (m3).
Waste Type Volume (m3)*
Wool scour 8100
Poultry Litter 1450
Poultry Waste (L) 2400
Seafood 3450
Tannery 4700
Meat 8150
Dairy 19550
Potato Crisp 5250
Fruit and Veg 1050
Grease & Oil 33450
Total 87550
*Note that some contractors record masses and some volumes used to generate the
figures in this table have been calculated from estimated waste densities
79
Samples of these wastes were then collected from a number of sources around Melbourne and
chemically analysed to identify possible nutrient sources and contaminants. Results are listed
in Table 2 and each analyte has been calculated on a wet weight basis
On the basis of this survey several wastes have been selected for further investigation of
suitable methods of pretreatment and utilisation as soil ameliorants. Most of the wastes were
found to be free of heavy metal contamination. Tannery sludges were found to be particularly
high in chromium and consequently could not be used directly in agricultural applications.
Tannery hair was found to be high in nitrogen although the chromium levels detected in the
sample obtained would suggest that this material would need to be pre-treated to remove this
contaminant before it could be converted into a nutrient source for land application. Food
production wastes such as potato skins could be streamed into existing green-waste
composting operations as a means of diverting this material from landfill.
Industry Selected Selected Heavy

Waste Nutrients Metals
% mg / L
Wool / Sludge 0.84 <0.06 0.425 <1.0 24 <0.001 <0.001 <10 0.007 2.25 0.025
average of three
sites
Wool / Fibres 2.6 0.15 1.38 <1.0 17 0.002 <0.001 <10 0.007666 2.1 0.025
average of three
sites
Tannery / Sludge
average of two 1.2 0.33 0.07 <1.0 3500 0.002 <0.001 <10 0.014 1.5 0.02
sites
Tannery / Sludge
(Cr)
average of two 0.79 <0.06 0.11 <1.0 64000 0.002 0.003 <10 0.088 1 0.08
sites
Tannery / Sludge
(fatty)
average of two 0.67 <0.06 <0.04 <1.0 65 <0.001 <0.001 <10 0.002 <10.0
sites
Tannery / Hair 4.95 <0.06 <0.04 <1.0 81 <0.001 <0.001 <10 0.009 0.1 0.07
average of two
sites
Food Waste / 0.93 0.06 <0.04 <1.0 <10 <1.0 <0.001 <10 0.009 <0.1 0.03
Beans
one company
Potato Waste 0.12 <0.06 0.18 <1.0 <10 <0.001 <0.001 <10 <0.001 <0.1 0.04
one company
Table 2 Analytical Results for selected waste streams collected in the Melbourne /
Metropolitan area May 1999
Case Studies
80
A number of research projects have recently been carried out to evaluate the use of several
agri-industry wastes as soil ameliorants and/or nutrient sources. The results of each of these
studies are presented below.
Study 1 – Wool Processing Effluent
It has been estimated that a wool scour line can produce over 0.4 ML per day. The wool
scouring process removes high quantities of salt and grease from the wool. Since disposal
charges are based on the BOD and salt content of the effluent, disposal of it is a major cost for
the wool scouring industry. A study, supported by Business Victoria, conducted in
conjunction with CSIRO Division of Wool Technology (Geelong), was conducted in 1994 to
investigate alternative uses for the effluent from wool scours.
The effluent that is generated from the wool scouring process is called suint. The effluent
from the first wash of the wool with hot water is free of detergent or other chemical
additives. CSIRO has developed a technique to reduce the volume of this wash by
evaporation and reduce the suspended soil particles, grease and wool by centrifugation.
This concentrate was analysed and found to have high potassium content (about 11% w/w).
Other nutritive elements were comparatively low in concentration and offered little value for
agronomy. Levels of heavy metals and organic chemical residues were inconsequential in
relation to environmental pollution and toxicity.
Replicated field trials were conducted with potatoes and pastures (where potassium nutrition
is important). The concentrate was diluted to several concentrations and applied to pasture
and potatoes at comparable rates to regular potassic fertilisers such as potash.
The results from the pasture trials have shown that the suint with appropriate dilution can be
used as an alternative potassium source and pasture yields obtained are comparable to those
obtained using conventional potassic fertilisers (Table 3).
Table 3. Pasture yield under fertiliser and suint treatments as sources of potassium
Pasture Yield P fertiliser only P + Potash as K P + Suint as K

At various sites (Control) source Source
Tonnes Ha-1
Simpson 8.1a 9.1b 9.2b
Larpent 5.3 5.6 5.7
The results from the pasture trials also showed that potassium uptake by the pasture were
comparable between K sources (Table 4).
81
Table 4. Potassium uptake in pastures under fertiliser and suint treatments as sources
of potassium
Potassium P fertiliser only P + Potash as K P + Suint as K

uptake (Control) source Source
At various sites
Kg Ha-1
Simpson 128.9a 237.0b 226.5b
Larpent 111.3a 162.9b 166.5b
Trials with potatoes showed that the yields of potatoes and potassium concentration in
potatoes, treated with different sources of potassium, were comparable, but not significantly
different from the nil K treatment (Table 5). A possible reason for the lack of difference was
the leaching of potassium at this sandy site.
Table 5. Yield and potassium uptake in potatoes treated with different forms of
potassium.
Control (nil K) Potash as K Suint as K source

source
Yield (tonnes ha-1) 41.7 45.6 41.9
K concentration 1.89 2.00 1.91
(%)
These studies show that,
• suint could be used in agriculture without affecting the yield of the crop,
• the uptake of K and yield of crops in some circumstances (eg. pasture) can be comparable
to conventional potassic fertilisers such as potash
• the cost of production of conventional fertilisers and suint should be compared to
determine whether suint is a financially viable alternative.
Study 2 – Wool Scour Sludge Composts

Disposal of wool scour waste can cost up to $ 0.5 million per scour line per annum. The
pollution load of each scour line has a population equivalent of over 30,000 people.
Generally, during wool scouring 35% of the total initial weight ends up as waste in either the
liquid or solid streams. The cost involved in the disposal has financial and environmental
consequences for scouring operations. The wool scouring industry has taken positive steps to
explore the possibilities to find alternative uses for its wastes. In this pursuit, individual
companies have made great strides in achieving commendable results. The State Chemistry
Laboratory has assisted Geelong Wool Combing Pty Ltd. (GWC), one of the major wool
processors in Australia, to work towards containing all of their wastes generated within their
premises and find alternative uses for them. A zero waste output policy initiated by GWC has
helped in systematically isolating each of their waste sources and then treating, characterising,
and modifying them to suit alternative uses.
82
During the scouring process, much of the suspended solids are removed in the first wash of
the wool. Subsequent washes are centrifuged to remove the remaining suspended solids and
the wool grease. Reduction of the biological oxygen demand and the suspended solids from
these effluent streams through removal of these materials render the effluent clean enough for
disposal to the sewer without incurring additional charges. The remaining waste streams and
the solids removed are treated biologically to partially break down the materials and to further
separate the suspended solids and the wool grease. While the effluent can be discharged
safely, a composting procedure was developed to treat the highly modified solid wastes. The
ingredients used in the composting procedure are themselves sourced from other wastes
generated from industries in the vicinity. To compost the wool scour wastes GWC
incorporated wood chip wastes as the bulking agent (carbon source) and waste hair from the
hide and skin processing industry (nitrogen source). Effluent, high in potassium, from its own
plant was used for watering during composting and as a potassium source.
The resulting compost has been used in trials in nearby vegetable growing area with
promising results. The soils from the market gardening area of Werribee, that has been
continuously cropped for over 30 years, has poor organic matter content and soil structure.
Application of soil organic ameliorants has been recommended to increase the sustainability
of these soils. Results in Table 6 show that trials on broccoli with composted wool scour
wastes have shown that application of compost can,
• assist in the conservation of soil moisture resulting in reduced water application by about
12% (equivalent to about $22.50 ha-1 per annum),
• decrease in soil bulk density resulting 12% increase in aeration porosity that contributes to
a more conducive environment for root penetration and growth,
• significantly contribute to the nutrient input, and
• significantly reduce the residence time of the crop contributing to early harvest.
Table 6 Soil properties and broccoli harvest results after land application of composted
wool scour waste
Properties measured Compost Applied (t ha-1)

(after week 4/5) 0 20 80
Soil Moisture (%) 15.4a 17.9b 20.8c
Loss on Ignition of Soil (%) 5.5a 7.1b 10.4c
Soil Bulk Density (g cm-3) 1.31a 1.26b 1.08c
Aeration Porosity (%V/V) 30.1a 28.9a 35.3b
After 11.5 weeks
No. of Broccoli Heads Harvested 22.1a 30.1b 32.8b
(X10-3 ha-1)
Study 3 – Animal Hair Wastes
During the processing of hide and skins for leather manufacturing, the hair removed is
disposed as a non-prescribed waste, at a cost of about $30 – 40 per tonne. The Victorian Hide
and Skin Producers Pty Ltd. (VHSP) currently process up to 90 tonnes per week and the cost
of disposal of waste hair is a significant proportion of the total operating cost. The State
Chemistry Laboratory assisted by the Department of Industry, Science and Tourism assisted
the VHSP to characterise their waste, identify suitable markets, and conduct trials to study the
suitability of the wastes for alternative uses.
83
Analysis identified that the hair contained about 12% nitrogen and negligible levels of heavy
metals, organochlorins or organophosphates. The nitrogen in hair was organically bound and
was not available for immediate release. Trials with lettuce were conducted in the Werribee
market garden area to evaluate the suitability of hair as an alternative source of nitrogen
fertiliser. Milled, waste hair was surface applied to the soil at rates equivalent to up to 400%
of nitrogen that is normally applied as conventional fertilisers. The application of nitrogen as
hair proved to be useful in two ways; first as an organic soil ameliorant preventing moisture
loss from the soil and second as an alternative source of nitrogen fertiliser.
The results obtained showed that moisture retention under hair treatment was greater than
under the control with no nitrogen (Table 7). Similar differences were found for plant
characteristics such as plant N concentration, plant size, yield and N uptake.
Table 7. Soil and lettuce characteristics as affected by application of waste hair as an

alternative source of nitrogen.
Properties measured Nitrogen applied as hair or fertiliser

(after week 3) 0 100% - 100% - 400% -
fertiliser hair hair
a a
Soil Moisture (%) 15.6 15.6 15.8a 16.4b
a a
Plant N content (%) 4.7 4.9 4.7a 5.2b
Plant size – width (cm) 29.8a 29.8a 30.2a 31.4b
Yield (t ha-1) 76.3 a
83.3 ab
90.8bc 94.7c
N uptake (t ha-1) 2.74a 3.23b 3.24b 3.39b
The study has shown that waste hair from the Hide and Skin Processing industry can be used
as an alternative source of nitrogen in vegetable production.
Study 4 – Cut Flower Wastes
Another waste that was identified as going to landfill, and having potential for re-use, was the
off-cuts and waste from the flower growing industry. This is a major industry in Melbourne,
with two main regions located in the Dandenong’s and in the outer southeastern suburbs,
which produces approximately 3-4000m3 of waste a year. Growers are concerned about
pathogen and pesticide transfer, so wastes are generally not re-worked back into the soil, but
dumped on site or sent to landfill. A bio-remediation trial, using windrow composting, is
being carried out to assess the breakdown of pathogens and pesticides, to thereby assess the
possibility of re-use as a soil-conditioning agent either by the growers themselves or sold
through the nursery retail outlets.
A combined waste sample from several growers was analysed for pesticide residues, with
several common biocides being identified (RIRDC Report 1999). A large volume of waste
was then collected from three growers over a period of two weeks and transported to a
municipal organic processing facility. The flower waste was incorporated into the composting
process in several different concentrations and monitored over the following weeks for
temperature and relative humidity. Samples were also regularly taken, and have been
submitted for pesticide analysis. Glasshouse pot trials and field trials have been carried out
using the finished material to determine its potential as a mulch which could be re-used in the
84
flower growing industry. As this work is still in progress, the results of this study will be
presented during the seminar.
Outcomes and Recommendations
• Various Institutes of Agriculture Victoria often working in conjunction with RMIT

University have successfully undertaken applied Research and Development to
characterise modify/manage and utilise agri-industry wastes by disposal onto agricultural
land
• Through sound management it is generally possible to gain benefits from water, organic
matter and nutrients in wastes through land disposal
• Care must be taken to control any adverse effects from waste applications such as induced
salinity and sodicity, nutrient imbalances, high BOD, contamination from organic residues
and heavy metals
• Benefits also accrue to industry by reducing waste disposal costs and establishing an
environmentally friendly image
• Various Metropolitan and Rural industries should fully explore the opportunities to convert
high cost wastes into value added environmentally friendly by-products
References
Industrial Waste Strategy, Zeroing in on Waste, Environment Protection Authority, April

1998.
Rechcigl, J. E., and H. C. MacKinnon, Agricultural Uses of By-Products and Wastes,
American Chemical Society 1997.
Cameron, K. C., Di, H. J., and R. G. McLaren, Is Soil an Appropriate Dumping Ground for
Our Wastes? , ASSSI and NZSSS National Soils Conference, July 1996.
EPA Bulletin, May 1996.
Meehan, B. J., Baxter, F., and Jay Maheswaran, Progress Report RIRDC Project No RMI-
10A, Re-use Potential of Agri-Industry Wastes in the Melbourne/Metropolitan Region,
November 1998.
Meehan, B. J., Baxter, F., and Jay Maheswaran, Progress Report RIRDC Project No RMI-
10A, Re-use Potential of Agri-Industry Wastes in the Melbourne/Metropolitan Region, June
1999.
Acknowledgment
The research team would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance provided by
the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation to undertake the majority of this
research program.
85
7. Glossary
Composting The transformation of organic material through decomposition
into a soil-like material called compost. Invertebrates(insects and
earthworms), mircrooranisms (bacteria and fungi) help in
transforming the material into compost. Composting is a natural
form of of recycling, which continually occurs in nature.
EPA Environmental Protection Authority
Prescribed waste Waste prescribed in the Environmental Protection (Prescribed

Wastes) Regulations 1987
Putrescible waste Domestic garbage, commercial waste, vegetables, supermarket

processing, deli, butchers, garden clippings etc. Waste able to be
decomposed by bacterial action
86
9. Photographs
List of Photos
Photo 1. Collection area of cut-flower waste
Photo 2. Transfer of cut-flower waste onto collection vehicle
Photo 3. Mixing the cut-flower waste to create a homogeneous mix
Photo 4. Cut-flower waste used in trial (approximately 24m3)
Photo 5. Mixing of cut-flower waste and greenwaste to produce application rate

50% cut-flower and 50% green-waste
Photo 6. A typical windrow shape of 50% cut-flower waste and 50% green-waste
(sprinkler system position on top of windrow)
Photo 7. Potato waste being unloaded onto trial site (40 tonnes of potato waste
were collected over a ten-day period)
Photo 8. Composition of potato waste (shavings, culled potato, dirt and potato
pieces)
Photo 9. Incorporation of potato waste with green-waste
Photo 10. Mixture of potato waste & green-waste
Photo 11. Homogenised potato & green-waste
87
Photo 1 Collection area of cut-flower waste
Moist and green

Dry Cut flower waste Deposit of flower waste
Cut flower waste out in transferred from cut-flower
the field for >1 week production
88
Photo 2. Transfer of cut-flower waste onto collection vehicle
i) Transfer using the front-end loader
ii) Transfer using forklift
89
Photo 3. Mixing the cut-flower waste to create a homogeneous mix
Photo 4. Cut-flower waste used in trial (approximately 24m3)
90
Photo 5. Mixing of cut-flower waste and green-waste to produce application rate 50% cut-
flower and 50%green-waste
Photo 6. A typical windrow shape of 50% cut-flower waste and 50% green-waste (sprinkler
system position on top of windrow)
91
Photo 7. Potato waste being unloaded onto trial site (40 tonnes of potato waste were
collected over a ten-day period)
Photo 8. Composition of potato waste (shavings, culled potatos, dirt and potato pieces)
92
Photo 9. Incorporation of potato waste with green-waste
Photo 10. Mixture of potato & green-waste
93
Photo 11. Homogenised potato & green-waste
94

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Re-use Potential

A report for the Rural Industries Research

Barry Meehan, Jay Maheswaran and Kim Phung

RIRDC Publication No 01/144

ISBN 0 642 58364 1

Reuse Potentials of Agri-Industry Waste in the Melbourne/Metropolitan Region

Researcher Contact Details

Associate Professor Barry Meehan Dr Jay Maheswaran

Phone: 03 9925 2119 Phone: 03 9742 8726

RIRDC Contact Details

Phone: 02 6272 4539

Published in November 20001

AusTanners Pty Ltd

F&I Baguley Flower & Plant Growers

Staff of State Chemistry Victoria

Staff of Institute of Horticulture Development

Rural Industries Research Development Corporation

LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................. VIII

1.1 Survey of Putrescible Wastes in Melbourne/Metropolitan Area ......................................2

1.2 Prescribed Waste Survey Findings .................................................................................3

1.3 Wool Scour Wastes ........................................................................................................4

1.4 Tannery Wastes ..............................................................................................................9

1.5 Food Processing Wastes ..............................................................................................14

1.6 Poultry Processing ........................................................................................................18

1.7 Miscellaneous waste streams .......................................................................................21

1.8 Overall findings of the survey........................................................................................25

2. WASTE REMEDIATION STUDIES...............................................................................29

2.1 Composting ...................................................................................................................29

2.2 Composting Trials .........................................................................................................29

2.3 Composting Trial 1- Remediation of Cut flower wastes ...............................................29

2.4 Composting Trial 2 - Remediation of Cut flower wastes ...............................................37

2.5 Composting Trial 3 - Potato Scraps Wastes .................................................................43

3.1 Major Findings of Survey of Putrescible Wastes in Victoria..........................................46

3.2 Major Findings of waste Remediation Trials .................................................................48

4. COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................50

APPENDIX 1 Chemical Analysis of Waste Material 1999.....................................................52

APPENDIX 2 Chemical Analysis of Potato Waste ................................................................60

APPENDIX 3 Composting Trial 1:Remediation of Cut Flower Waste ...................................62

APPENDIX 4 Composting Trial 2: Remediation of Cut Flower Waste ..................................66

APPENDIX 5 Composting Trial 3: Remediation of Potato Solid Waste ................................73

APPENDIX 6 Paper presented at Contaminated Waste Industry, Future Directions

Table 2 Waste types generated in the wool scouring process.......................................5

Table 9 Waste types generated in the leather tanning process ...................................11

Table 10 Tannery wastes generated per week at two Melbourne operations................11

Table 11 Analytical results for tannery wastes from two companies..............................11

Table 12 Concentration of plant nutrients and heavy metals in waste hair....................12

Table 15 Characteristics of potato scraps and peelings 2000 .......................................18

Table 17 Typical wastes generated in cut flower operations .........................................21

Table 19 Miscellaneous waste streams identified in the Melbourne region generated in

Table 25 Description of Applied Treatments ..................................................................32

Table 26 Chemical Characteristics of composted products as compared to AS4454 –

Table 28 Treatments used in Pot Trial ...........................................................................37

Table 29 Pesticide residues analysed in cut flower waste April 2000............................38

Table 30 Windrow dimensions for each treatment.........................................................39

Table 31 Chemical Characteristics of composted products compared to

Table 33 Characteristics of potato scraps and peelings 2000 .......................................44

Figure 3. Total seafood volume (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997

Figure 4. Total meat processing (solids) transported to landfill in Melbourne in 1997

Figure 7. Total poultry litter transported to landfill in 1997 versus month.......................19

Figure 9 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control & 10%

Figure 10 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control &

Figure 11 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of

Figure 12 Comparison between Average Core Temperature of Control replications......40

investigate options necessary to convert selected wastes into resources

communicate benefits of waste reduction and re-use to agri-industries.

abattoir effluents should be investigated as a possible water source in composting operations

conservation of water resources

significantly contribute to the nutrient input, and

the sludges are relatively free of contamination

abattoir effluents should be investigated as a possible water source in composting operations

abattoir effluents should be investigated as a possible water source in composting operations