Biosolids Compost… What's It Worth?

Biosolids composting in the United States continues to proliferate with nearly 260 active projects according to Beecher and Goldstein (2010). Many utilities continue to consider composting as a proven biosolids management alternative, especially when management of other materials such as brush and yard wastes is included. However, with the exception of anecdotal information about occasional case studies, little information exists in the public domain on the value of compost products being generated. Due to lack of this information, many would-be planners and designers of new biosolids compost facilities believe that a cost for disposal of compost produced must be included. The fact is, majority of facilities have robust marketing programs and many of them are sold out of compost products. But, limited information exists on the regional pricing of compost sold, the methods used for sale and the marketing efforts being practiced. Further, little is known about the breakdown of market segments to where compost is being sold on a national basis. In order to determine more accurate information on the marketing practices and the value of compost products throughout the U.S, a survey was conducted on biosolids composting facilities to gather definitive data on the value received from the sales of compost products, its nutrient contents, the marketing methods used (in house staff, contract sales, etc.) and the overall impact on operating costs that the revenues of these products offset.Sixty biosolids composting facilities were randomly selected and contacted for the survey effort and 25 survey responses were received. The facilities that responded back were of various size ranges, with varying years of operating experience and from different regions in the United States. A total compost production of approximately 627,215 CY annually was reported by all the surveyed facilities and 80% of them were selling their products. The price of compost ranged from $2/CY to $22/CY, with an overall average of $10.21/CY. Average regional price for compost product was also determined and was found to be highest in the midwestern and mountain region at $12.95/CY and lowest in the northeastern region at $7.65. Primarily, facilities either adopted a uniform pricing structure or had a volume-based pricing structure for product purchased. Ranges of customers served were mostly local residents, landscapers, nurseries and soil blenders. It was also found that on an average, facilities that advertised their product received twice as much the price on their sales when compared to facilities that did not advertise their products. The percent of the O&M cost that was covered by the product sales revenue varied significantly between facilities, however, in several cases, up to one third of the O&M cost was offset by the revenue generated through the sale of compost.The results obtained from the survey validated that biosolids compost product has great value and is highly accepted and marketable. This information will provide useful and meaningful data to planners and engineers who are considering composting as an alternative for biosolids management or who are actually developing new or expanded facilities.