Introduction
For a number of years now, public interest in composting of organic materials has been on the increase and composting technology is a proven technology for dealing with a major share of organic waste. This technology is widely accepted and applied by the government and business at a large scale. Yet, during the composting process, there is stil  the issue of organic substances which,

• produce a nasty odour
• result in run-off which is hard to handle
• cause dispersion problems

The solution for such materials are the so-cal ed closed composting systems. Usual y, these are large scale composting factories, requiring a substantial investment, which do not always provide the desired result. Until now, smal  scale processing of organic materials in a closed system was a problem. For these cases, EURO BAGGING is now able to offer a solution by means of Closed Composting System (CCS).

What is CCS

EURO Bagging's CCS system is a patented composting technology for which the raw materials are mixed according to a certain ratio in large plastic Bags,  so that the composting process is hardly affected by the influence of rain, wind and there is hardly any emission of odour. The process is based on the proper mixture of carbon and nitrogen within the materials and it is control ed by means of the temperature in conjunction with a forced supply of oxygen plus an appropriate dosage of bacteria. In comparison with traditional composting methods, CCS offers numerous advantages:

• No, or almost no, emission of odours
• No run-off
• Space savings of up to 65%
• Does not require additional handling which saves time and money
• Does not require substantial investments in fixed assets
• Since it is a ful y control ed process, it is 2 to 3 times faster
• End product quality is manageable since the process is control able

CCS and Emission of Odour
Emission of odour is one of the main aspects regarding the environment and the location for composting of organic waste. In traditional systems this issue was difficult to handle and to control due to the open character of the process. The CCS is characterised by no, or hardly any, emission of odour. The manageable constant air flow in the Bag creates the optimum circumstances for aerobic activity due to which the composting process can take place without the production of disagreeable odours.
The whole process takes place within a closed system. Hence, the composting product is not exposed to the outside air. Moreover, the compost is not moved, so the material itself stays "at rest". In this way, the main causes of the actual emission of odours are eliminated.

CCS and Flexibility

The CCS offers optimal flexibility in regards to closed composting factories. The CCS is mobile, so in principle the process may be located anywhere. It is no longer necessary to transport materials over long distances. Location requirements for the CCS are minimal. The fol owing requirements are applicable for processing of approx. 200 tons of product:

• a hardened surface area of 8 metres wide and 70 metres long
• running water
• electricity outlet

When the system may be leased from a custom farming company the investment in fixed assets (excluding the possible investment in concrete yarding) is minimal.

The CCS Process

Reducing material: The material to be composted must be reduced to a particle size of a maximum from 10 to 15 centimetres, depending on the kind of material.
Mixing material: Create a mix of various materials with a C:N ratio of 20-40/l.
Add water: Depending on the mix, add 50 to 60% water.
Fil bag: Fil  the LDPE bag by means of the Compost bagging machine, and subsequently hook up the blower which provides the optimum oxygen supply.
Check the process: For 12 to 15 weeks the temperature has to be checked at regular intervals so that the process may be slightly adjusted if necessary.
Sieving: After the composting process the product must be sieved upon which the oversized fractions may be processed again.
End product: Now, the end result is a homogenous product which is suitable for many purposes.

Technological Advantages 

ß      Controlled Environment

• CCS is a closed "container"
• Not influenced by the weather, rain and wind (dispersal)
• Control able run off
• Control able odour emission
• Friendly to the environment

ß      Controlled Process

• Temperature control
• Forced oxygen supply
• Addition of water
• Addition of inoculant

ß      Space-efficient 

• No need for space and time to move product
• No need for confined space
• Simple location is sufficient (concrete yarding/water/electricity)

ß      Simple Technology

• Proven "bagging" technology
• Simple to manage / check

Economic Advantages

ß      Relatively low investment

• Investment in concrete yarding required if not available
• Required aeration equipment
• Temperature meter

ß      Short Processing Time

• 12 to 15 weeks between start of process and end product
• No need for intermediate moving of product

ß      Products with Composting Difficulties

• Products with odour problems can be easily processed

ß      Flexible System

• Not tied to a location
• Lease only when needed

ß      Various Applications 

• Anticipate Changes in Legislation
• "Label ed" compost due to constant, proper mixing ratio
• Evaporation
• Processing of fixed and liquid manure
• "Purification" of soil