The Most Important Factor to Properly Size

Your Compost System

Also included in this newsletter:

• New Micro-Bin for small horse farm in MA 
• O2Compost Q&A - Can you compost old manure?
• April Offer Sneak Peek

How to Calculate Projected Waste Volume

The size of one of our equestrian compost systems is based on the projected monthly volume of manure plus stall bedding that is generated. Once that has been calculated, the other important factors (bin size, number of bins, and the structure footprint) can also be determined.

Manure Volume

Using a fairly reliable rule of thumb, each average size (1,100-1,200 lb) horse generates ~1 cubic yard of manure / month. Add to this the amount of stall bedding to estimate the total volume per horse. We adjust this rule of thumb value upwards for larger horses (e.g., Clydesdales and Friesians) and downwards for smaller horses (e.g., ponies and minis).

When shavings are used as stall bedding, we multiply the manure volume by 2. If wood pellets or hemp is being used, we multiply the manure volume by 1.5. For example, a 6-horse facility that uses shavings will generate roughly 12 cubic yards of waste per month.

Read more for tips on determining the number of bins you need, what size they should be, and how to estimate the footprint for our compost system.

Perfect Simplicity

Small Horse Farm Bin System

This O2Compost Micro-Bin is a classic representation of a simple rotational compost system for 2-4 horses. Jen D's only regret is that she didn't install it sooner.  Read more to find out what design element makes Jen's system very user friendly.

O2Compost Q&A

"I have a large volume of old horse manure. Would I be able to compost this in an O2Compost system?"

ANSWER: It is unlikely that we can generate much heat with manure that has been sitting for more than six to eight weeks. Old manure has already composted (albeit slowly and anaerobically) leaving insufficient energy for thermophilic composting. To achieve pathogen and weed seed destruction, our goal is to achieve pile temperatures of 131° F, or higher, for a minimum of three days. This is quite easy with fresh manure. With old manure, you may get some heating but it is improbable that we could reach these temperatures for the desired length of time.

When we work with clients who have completed construction of their new O2Compost system, we always recommend starting with fresh manure. Once the system is up and our clients have experienced success, they can add a small portion of their old manure (say 10% to 20% by volume) in with the new, if they choose. In this case, the manure would be "along for the ride".

Coming Next Month ...

Get ready for a savings opportunity! 

Steps you can take now ...

• Visit the Projects page on our website and see over 400 examples systems.
• Contact O2Compost and schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
• If an O2Compost System seems feasible for you at this time, ask us to provide a detailed proposal for the Training Program that is the best fit for your situation.
• Request a preliminary set of design drawings to help you select the best location for your compost structure.

But wait, there's more ...

• We will help you determine your monthly waste volume (see Peter's suggestions above).
• You can use the preliminary design to obtain concept level bids from potential contractors.
• You can also incorporate our proposal into your grant application.

More details arriving in your inbox on April 1st!