YEAR 2000 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PLANS  

Agency: Caledonia Correctional Institution

Title: Composting

Project Initiation: Ongoing

Contact:

Randy Lee, Superintendent,
Caledonia Correctional Institution,
(252) 826-5621
rlee@doc.state.nc.us

Project Description: Operating with a bin system, Caledonia Correctional Institution's utilization of composting to reduce waste produces outstanding results. From July 1999 to March 2000, 226,536 pounds of kitchen waste was reduced to 56,680 pounds of compost. Caledonia was the first prison in North Carolina to implement on-site composting. The composting system consists of 12 bins divided into two rows of six. The capacity of each of the 39 bins is 9,700 pounds of food residuals. Wood chips are used as a bulking agent. The bin must maintain temperatures between 113-160 degrees Fahrenheit for two consecutive weeks or a temperature of 131 degrees or higher for three consecutive days. This kills the pathogens and reduces smell and insect control.

Actions Necessary for Implementation: The forced-air static composting system cost $40,000 and was designed by N.C. State University and was constructed by the prison's maintenance staff.

Anticipated Environmental Sustainability Benefits: Composting stabilizes organic waste products. The composting agent on the ground can also be used for pulping agent. The final composting products are being tested for suitability in flower beds and land applications.