COMPOSTABLE MATERIAL TRANSPORT USING FRONT-END LOADERS

Revision Date: 5/00
Process Code: Navy/Marines: N/A; Air Force: N/A; Army: N/A
Usage: Navy: Medium; Marines: Medium;Army: Medium; Air Force: Low
Compliance Impact: Low
Alternative for: N/A
Applicable EPCRA Targeted Constituents: N/A
Overview: A front-end loader is one of the most important components of a composting operation. Typically, front-end loaders are used to move quantities of compostable materials. It may be the only piece of equipment required for a small facility using a low-level technology approach. Loaders can be used to fill a tub grinder, load material into a compost mixer, mix shredded or ground feedstock, turn and aerate compost, combine decomposing windrows, and move finished compost off site. Unless the operation is a backyard composting project, a loader is a required piece of equipment for composting.

Front-end loaders may be fitted with attachments, such as claws for moving woody wastes, or simple compost turners for the mixing and aeration of windrows. In compost operations, a large capacity bucket, usually larger than 4 cubic yards (cy) and possibly up to 10 cy, is required.

Compost reduces the amount of waste to be disposed. Complete recovery of yard waste will reduce the amount of waste disposed in landfills by an average of 15.9% (EPA, 1994).
Compliance Benefit: Composting will help meet the requirements under Executive Order 13101 requiring executive agencies (e.g., DOD) to incorporate waste prevention and recycling in their daily operations.

States and/or localities may have additional regulations on composting which should be followed. The use of a front-end loader will increase fuel usage on site which may a increase facility’s need to comply with SARA (40 CFR 355 and EO 12856) reporting requirements and SPCC (40 CFR 112) issues.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.
Materials Compatibility:
N/A


Safety and Health: Safety issues associated with using front end loaders concern the operation of power equipment. Operators should be specifically trained in the proper operation of the loader. Machinery should not be used if workers are on medication. Proper personal protection equipment (PP) including gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection should be used if needed.

Consult the base safety office on proper protective gear and training prior to using mechanized equipment.
Benefits:
  • Efficient material handling with oversized buckets.
  • Functions as a compost turner with attachments.
  • Versatility for other uses.
  • Can handle all composting equipment needs for small to medium projects.


Disadvantages:
  • Slower than a windrow turner for turning compost.


Economic Analysis: Front end loaders typically cost in the range from $80,000 to $160,000. The ecomomic analysis presented is based on an aerated static pile compost operation. The capital costs include compost pads with air lines, blowers, a tub grinder, compost mixer, trommel screen, front end loaders, and offices.

Assumptions:

  • Process 25,000 tons/yr of wood and yard waste.
  • Produce 15,000 tons/yr of finished compost.Capital Costs: $3,000,000
  • Solid waste disposal costs: $13/ton
  • Operating costs (labor & maintenance): $25/ton
  • Avoided topsoil purchases: $50/ton
  • Hauling to landfill: $5/ton
  • Hauling to composting facility: $2/ton

Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Diversion and Disposal Using a Composting Facility

 
Diversion
Disposal
Operational Costs:    
Labor & maintenance: $625,000 $0
Landfill costs: $0 $325,000
Hauling costs: $50,000 $125,000
Total Operational Costs: $675,000 $450,000
Total Recovered Income: $750,000 $0
Net Annual Cost/Benefit: $75,000 -$450,000

Economic Analysis Summary

    Annual Savings for Composting Facility: $525,000
    Capital Cost for Diversion Equipment/Process: $3,000,000
    Payback Period for Investment in Equipment/Process: < 6 years

Click Here to view an Active Spreadsheet for this Economic Analysis and Enter Your Own Values.
Approving Authority: Approval is controlled locally and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted. Major claimant approval is not required.


NSN/MSDS:
Product NSN Unit Size Cost MSDS*
Bucket, scoop type loader 3830-00-279-6307 ea. $Local Purchase  
Loader/backhoe 3805-01-335-5071 ea. $27,000  

*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs.
The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example.

Points of Contact: Air Force:
Mr. Donald Hopson
U.S. Air Force Academy, 510 CES/CEV
8120 Edgerton Drive
Suite 40
Colorado Springs, CO 80840-2400
Phone: (719) 333-8393
 
Navy:
Mr. Wallace Eakes
Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center
1100 23rd Ave.
ESC 426
Port Hueneme, CA 93043-4370
Phone: (805) 982-4882
DSN: 551-4882
FAX: (805) 982-4832

Mr. John Comstock
Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center
1100 23rd Avenue
Port Hueneme, CA 93043-4370
Phone: (805) 982-5315

Vendors: Case Corporation
700 State Street
Racine,  WI   53404
Phone: (414) 636-6011 
FAX: (414) 636-7809
  Caterpillar, Inc.
100-T NE Adams Street
Peoria,  IL   61629-0002
Phone: (309) 675-5394 
FAX: (309) 675-4660
  John Deere
Dubuque Works
P.O. Box 538
Dubuque,  IA   52001
Phone: (319) 589-5151 
FAX: (319) 589-5044

Sources: Mr. John Comstock, Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, May 1999.
J. I. Case Corporation, March 1995
Caterpillar, Inc., March 1995
John Deere, March 1995.
Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, 1989.
Management Strategies for Landscape Waste--Collection, Composting, Marketing ILENR/RR-89/09.


[Back]