Hi Laurie,
We are in the same situation as you described. Too much waste for small
homeowner-type operation, but no space for windrow operation.

We found a local company that was interested in starting a compost business. I
found this contact through the University of Georgia Outreach Engineering
Program.

Currently, the company provides a 20 cu yd dump trailer which is hauled off
grounds once per week to their facility for composting. We use this strictly
for Elephant Waste and bedding at the moment. We were able to negotiate a rate
that was comparable to that of the previous disposal fee. We are in the process
of purchasing the compost back from the company to use on grounds. I hope to
market and sell the product in small quantity soon.

The landscape waste we generate in the Horticulture department is chipped and
put back into the landscape. The other waste (bamboo from Pandas) is collected
by another company that composts this as green waste.

It has been a learning experience to go through this exercise, but very
worthwhile. Please contact me if you would like any other information. Good
Luck!


Danielle L. Green
Curator of Horticulture
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E.
Atlanta, GA 30315

Phone 404-624-5620
Fax 404-624-5841

>>> LSpangler@... 12/15/05 09:18AM >>>
We do not generate enough waste nor have the space for a large scale (windrow
type) compost operation. However, we are surpassing the ability to compost on
a homeowner's level with backyard compost bins. Do any of you work with a local
company that would pick up livestock manure for composting? If so what kind of
container is used for holding the manure? I would like to approach a local
quarry that already uses leaves to make a topsoil that they sell. They want
more organic matter so I see an opportunity there but want to have more
information before approaching them.

Laurie Spangler, Interim Curator/Director
Conservation Coordinator/Registrar
Mill Mountain Zoo
PO Box 123484
Roanoke VA 24034

Phone: (540) 343-3241
Fax: (540) 343-4066

Mill Mountain Zoo's Conservation Vision is to empower and inspire zoo staff,
guests and the community to take conservation action.