Good morning Laurie,,, and all in the network.

When with the zoo 6 years ago, and I believe we have had this question
asked in the past,,,, the zoo would simply have a farmer that took the
'roll-off' dumpster filled each week and taken to the farmers field
where he would spread it onto his land. The zoo still paid the hauling
and the farmer received the free product.

Particular animal species, (gorilla was one of them and I believe gaur
or bentang was another) had to be taken to a lisc. hazardous material
dump site.

Speaking with a local compost facility as I received your e-mail
though, he mentioned that some municipalities and parts of the state and
country require special permits due to zoning and residential areas near
by.

He does take manure from near by cattle farmers too.

He suggested you contact the ,,, US Compost Council which is apparently
nation wide to get information for your area. Try a search on the net,,,
http://compostingcouncil.org/index.cfm

Hope this help,,,, Happy Holiday's too!

Gary.


Gary Wangler,
Horticulturist / Supervisor
St. Louis Children's Hospital
1 Children's Place
St. Louis, Missoouri 63110

(314) 454-4770

>>> LSpangler@... 12/15/2005 8:18 AM >>>
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.