4 minute read
Green Opportunity becomes Reality for Claystone Waste
Green Opportunity becomes Reality for Claystone Waste
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
After nearly a year since opening its compositing facility, Claystone Waste sold its first load of compost to Beaver County Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec on May 13. In return, Claystone Waste will donating proceeds from that sale to one of the local food banks. Hrabec will be matching Claystone’s donation and giving it to the other local food bank.
Hrabec commented that, “It was an honour to receive the first load of compost from Claystone Waste, which Beaver County is the largest shareholder. They have worked hard at diversifying their business as the waste stream is changing globally.
It had not come without its challenges and some adversity. Municipal governments are also challenged with the shrinking dollar and having Claystone as a municipal corporation definitely ensures that we continue to provide good services to the residents of Beaver County.”
He pointed out that, “Claystone provides over $50,000 to Beaver County in a Community Enhancement Grant for community organizations throughout the whole county.”
The load Hrabec purchased is roughly 1.5 tonnes. He said some of the compost will go in the greenhouse and some in the garden. He noted that the compost will have to be mixed with about one-third to two-thirds of black dirt.
Janet Tecklenborg, Director of Facilities for Claystone Waste, said, “Since opening our state-of-the-art composting facility in July 2023, our mission has been to expand our organics infrastructure to meet demand. There is strong demand from Alberta municipalities and businesses for our composting services as both government and commercial enterprises look to reduce waste and meet their waste diversion goals.
Our intent is to produce horticultural grade finished compost for use in industries that include but is not limited to local residents, farmers, and ranchers, residential and commercial landscapers and gardeners, food production facilities, civil construction, environmental remediation opportunities, and local businesses.
Our aerated process uses source separated organics that include food waste with recycled wood, straw, or other amendments, water, and air to break down the organic food waste into a soil amendment. The process takes approximately four to six months depending on the weather and material. A mixer is used to create a uniform blend of material that is moved with heavy equipment to an aerated static pile where fans blow air into the piles. Row material mixing and moisture adjustments occur during the process. Once the material has been processed and meets regulatory thresholds, it is moved to the cure pad to mature for a minimum of 21 days before final screening is completed and the compost is ready for use.
The compost must meet the guidelines set out in the Canadian Council of Ministers for the Environment (CCME) Guidelines for Compost Quality. We are striving toward the production of Category A compost.”
She went on to say, “Compost is now available for sale. It must be pre-ordered through our sales team, with pricing based on the tonnage required and any potential delivery costs. Pickup in Ryley can be arranged when coordinated with our sales team. In the near future you will be able to directly order from our website.
Tecklenborg pointed out that its shareholders include Beaver County, Tofield, Viking, Ryley, and Holden. “We are privileged to continue to work alongside our shareholders. Our dedication to sustainability drives us to innovate and implement practices that minimize our environmental impact. We provide our communities with sustainable and environmentally responsible waste management solutions while ensuring we foster a strong workplace culture for our employees.
As we continue to move forward, Claystone will continue to explore new and innovative ways to improve our services that focuses our efforts on our customers and the communities in which we work with. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our shareholders.”
