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Abstract

A rapid composting system was designed by ENGR215 Team 6 to find a better use for the green waste generated at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. Below is a detailed page on the process and cost of building the rapid compost system.

Problem Statement

The Friends of the Dunes invites volunteers every week to remove invasive plants in the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. Each week, a volume of approximately 6’x6’x6’ of green waste is generated and shipped off the site to be taken care of miles away. In an effort to manage the waste on site, rather than shipping it, this rapid composting system was designed.

Criteria

Criteria Weight Constraint
Cost 4 Less than $400
Ease of Use 7 Usable by untrained volunteers
Educational Value 6 At least volunteers learn more about rapid compost systems
Effectiveness 9 Must be able to process about 6’x6’x6’ of yard waste every 14-21 days
Labor Intensity 5 Cannot require more maintenance than 1-2 times a week for 2-3 hours each day
Availability of Amendments 2 Bought locally and cheaply
Aesthetics 6 More professional than a tarp
Safety 10 Non-toxic and will not spontaneously combust
Durability 8 Stable for at least one year

Description of Final Project

The rapid compost system is a three chamber compost bin with no mechanical parts. The structure is supported by wood beams and insulated with beach grass bales. To protect the insulating bales from wet weather, a hand mixed lime plaster seals the walls. The ground under the structure has been compacted thoroughly and covered with wood pallets to prevent the compost materials from contacting the earth. A roof will be slightly larger than the structure, and pitched at an angle, to keep rain from soaking through the plaster. Doors were made from donated wood that slides into place.

File: FOTD Compost Location.jpg
How to Build the Rapid Compost System

Materials Cost

Materials Quantity Potential Cost Our Cost
Pallets 3 $23.75/pallet Donated
Beach Grass Bales 18 Free Donated
Straw Bales 18 $9.12/bale $9.12/bale 164.16
Lime Plaster 48ft2 $50.00 $50.00
Wood twelve 2”x4”x4’ Free Free
Nails and Wire Staples 1lb $2.49/lb Donated
Chicken Wire 48ft2 $12.00 $12.00
Rebar five 4' bars $3.00/bar $3.00/bar
Corrugated Sheet Metal one 4'x15' sheet Free Free
Total


Design Cost

Figure 8: Time Invested

Group Time input.jpg

Test Results

Will update when there are results.

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