01-03-1985 Council Packet Special Meeting

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One advantage of co -composting is that it can readily be used in conjunction with othe- processing methods, such as combustion and materials recovery. Simi- lar equipment can be used in these processing methods, and the systems can be operated in a coordinated way to respond to seasonal fluctuations in market demand and waste supply volumes. Moreover, the co -composting process can respond fairly easily to market demand for different types and quantities of co - compost product. Indications are that a number of markets exist in the region to use co -compost products. Some question remains, however, regarding the competitiveness of the product with similar products currently being used. The University of Minne- sota, in cooperation with the Council, has begun a research and development pro- ject to determine the marketability of co -compost in the Metropolitan Area. The net effect of including co -composting in the regional strategy is to increase flexibility and lessen even further the amount of residuals requiring land disposal. The question about the marketability of compost should not by itself discount co -composting as an important part of the region's future waste management system. However, public subsidies may be required until a long-term market demand is developed. LAND DISPOSAL Alternatives As a method of waste management, land disposal is a last resort. Waste reduc- tion and resource recovery are preferable methods, but even with land disposal there are factors to consider to minimize environmental and land use problems. Land disposal has occurred in a range of environments, from uncontrolled, pol- luting, unaesthetic open burning dumps, to landfills, that, when properly designed and operated, have less chance of causing serious pollution and nui- sance problems. The critical question regarding any land disposal facility is to what extent the waste material's constituents can escape into the soil and groundwater and adversely affect the surrounding environment and water sup- plies. New land disposal facilities should be located and modern technology incorporated into their design to reduce public health and environmental risks. Another important consideration is controlling the type of waste going into a land disposal facility. compliance with increasingly rigorous and detailed standards for environmental protection will increase the cost of land disposal. Once the land disposal facilities are filled, return to a productive land use is limited. Some completed land disposal facilities can be used for recrea- tional purposes, or for light intensity commercial and industrial uses. In some cases, methane gas can be recovered for use from solid waste land disposal facilities during operation and after closure. Priorities Waste reduction and resource recovery are estimated to reduce significantly the need for land disposal but will not eliminate it entirely. Landfills for municipal solid waste will be necessary on a short-term basis while reduction and recovery systems are developing. They will also be necessary for waste that cannot be processed and for the residue from recovery operations. How- ever, their use should be kept to an absolute minimum. 2f.