Dust management, mitigation at composting facilities

At most composting facilities, several aspects of the operation can generate dust, particularly waste receiving, loading, conveying, curing, screening, roadways, and hauling. At certain stages during composting, good process management practices will inherently lead to dust generation. Various aspects of compost facility management that are impacted by dust. Fortunately, several dust control measures are now available and these are as follows: Dampen loads on the tipping floor; Enclose and ventilate potentially dusty process areas; Provide filter mask for employees; Install dust hoods around conveyor transfer points or other localized dust sources; Pave on-site roads and keep them free of debris; Regularly sweep spilled compost and other materials from loading or processing areas; Periodically clean beams, light fixtures, equipment, and other surfaces as necessary even if proper dust control measures are in place; and Implement standard operating procedures for housekeeping to control dust.