The Earth Bin Composting Unit
West Irondequoit School District's Earth Bin composting unit is located at Helmer Nature Center. Positioned in the woods to the west of the softball field, the Earth Bin is surrounded by a wooden fence screened by trees and shrubbery. WICSD uses the Earth Bin to compost kitchen prep scraps, wood chips, and all of the leaves gathered from all school district properties. The school district then uses the finished compost product on landscaping, lawn care and athletic fields.
The Earth Bin by Green Mountain Technologies is specifically designed for use in suburban/urban settings where large acreage is not readily available. The efficient design greatly reduces composting time and offers superior odor control. Leaves and other compost material are transformed into topsoil within four to eight weeks. The whole decomposition process takes place entirely within the covered bin. Compost material is mixed and advanced through the system using an automatic auger on a carriage. The bin is recessed several feet below ground, with a clear side wall and loading door that allows students to view bin operation and the different stages of the composting process.
As an alternative to landfill disposal, The Earth Bin composting system has significantly reduced the environmental and long-term monetary costs of leaf waste management. In addition to reducing disposal costs, the Earth Bin provides needed topsoil to school district properties and an educational resource to students and members of the community.
We are
excited about the Earth Bin and its benefits to West Irondequoit!
The compost facility is to the left, inside
the trees above the softball field.
The Earth Bin is manufactured by