projects and services

baltimore city composting facility

The Baltimore City Composting Facility has been an integral component of biosolids management for the City of Baltimore since 1988. The facility is operated through a partnership between the Authority, Baltimore City and Veolia Water North America. To date, the facility has processed over 650,000 dewatered tons (wet tons) of biosolids and has produced in excess of 825,000 cubic yards of Exceptional Quality, Orgro®* High Organic Compost. With a design capability of 210 wet tons per day, and a minimum processing time of 44 days, the in-vessel process ensures a Class A product can be put to market. Processed biosolids are received from Baltimore City’s Back River Waste Water Treatment Plant and mixed with wood amendments, which provide a carbon source for the composting process and act as a bulking agent to ensure thorough composting. The mixed material is placed into a “cell” in the composting reactor and is computer monitored for oxygen, moisture and temperature through the 14-day initial phase of composting. During this initial phase, the mixture is turned to provide additional aeration and ensure the uniformity of the product.

The composted material is then moved outside for additional curing to meet Federal pathogen and vector-attraction reduction requirements. The final step for the mature compost is screening to provide a fine, homogenous material that is sold for use on golf courses, athletic surfaces and the lawn of the residence of the Vice President of the United States. The facility has been recognized for excellence in operation (2001 OpEx Award from US Filter) and has hosted several tours (Institute for Public-Private Partnerships and the Water Environment Federation). The facility staff has also conducted tours for environmental engineering students from The John Hopkins University and participants in the University of Maryland’s Better Composting School.

To purchase Orgro®* High Organic Compost please call 410.354.1636.

For a tour of the Baltimore City Composting facility, please contact Tom Fantom at 410.354.1636.

Operations Overview

To learn more about the Baltimore Compost Facility, please contact Veolia Water North America at (410) 354-1636.

NOTE:  The Orgro® website is currently off-line and in the process of being redesigned.  Once complete, a new weblink will be provided.