New Halifax organics facility turns food waste into high-grade compost

Halifax residents can now take pride in knowing that the food scraps they throw in their green bins have a new purpose and value. The newly opened organics waste facility in Goodwood, operated by AIM Environmental Management, is revolutionizing the way organic waste is processed in the capital region.

Sean Hagan, the general manager of the facility, describes the new technology as a “Ferrari compared to the jalopies” of the past. The facility boasts higher standards and modern technology that allow for quicker processing of waste. By shredding the waste and controlling moisture, air, and pH levels in large containers, the composting process is accelerated, taking only three months compared to over a year in previous facilities.

The end result is class A compost that meets provincial Environment Department guidelines and is sold to local agricultural companies. The revenue generated from the compost is split between the municipality and Harbour City Renewables, the parent organization of AIM. This innovative process of turning old food into new food for plants not only benefits the environment but also makes economic sense.

Kirk Symonds, manager of education and promotion for Halifax’s solid waste department, highlights the city’s plans to offer the high-quality compost to the public in giveaways next year. This initiative aims to show residents the tangible impact of their efforts in separating organic waste.

The facility also prioritizes odor control measures, with an airlock system for garbage trucks to contain strong smells and advanced air scrubbers to filter odors before being vented out. This technology has been a “breath of fresh air” for both facility operators and nearby residents.

Additionally, the facility produces a second product, ammonium sulfate, which can be sold to farmers as liquid fertilizer. With a current capacity of 53,000 tonnes of waste per year, the facility has the potential to handle up to 75,000 tonnes with future expansions.

The project, operated by Harbour City Renewables, was financed through a public-private partnership and is part of Maple Reinders Group’s portfolio of similar facilities in other Canadian cities. The municipality covers construction, operating, and composting costs through a monthly fee as part of the contract.

As the new facility comes online, the municipality is looking to decommission the two former facilities, optimizing waste management practices in Halifax. The total capital and operating costs for the facility over the next year are projected to be around $16.3 million, with a slight increase due to the transition to the new facility.

This state-of-the-art organics waste facility in Goodwood represents a significant step towards sustainable waste management practices in Halifax, benefiting both the environment and the community.