After nearly 11 years of dedicated service, Al Friedges, the Biomass Processing Manager and the driving force behind the success of the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility (ORF), is bidding farewell to his celebrated career. Friedges’ last day, January 5, 2024, marks the end of an era filled with accomplishments, laughter,…
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Depackaging machine revolutionizes large-scale composting Throughout the 20th and now 21st centuries, the process of industrial composting continues to change and evolve. While the decomposition of organic material is inherently natural, the right process can make it more efficient and more effective. Additionally, the more food products we can compost,…
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In our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’ve harnessed the power of the sun to help operate our composting facility. Solar panels, once seen as a futuristic solution, have now become an essential tool in our mission to reduce our carbon footprint and embrace clean, renewable energy. Let’s look at the…
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Autumn is upon us, which means that the annual pumpkin craze is kicking off in full force. Consumers are bombarded with pumpkin-flavored desserts, coffee, scented candles, and so much more. It’s clear that pumpkins are the talk of the season and if you’re not eating, drinking, or smelling them, then…
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Now that you’re signed up for the Household Organics Recycling Program at the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility and getting ready to collect your fall yard waste, it’s time to start considering how to properly handle this organic material. You may have questions like “How do I store food waste?” or…
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Since the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community first opened their Organics Recycling Facility (ORF) in 2011, the team has diligently worked to improve the efficiency and quality of the facility’s contributions to sustainability. Each year the ORF redirects an average of 70,000 tons of organic material away from landfills. This number…
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When most people hear “compost” the first thing that comes to mind might be old tree stumps or banana peels. However, you may be surprised by the number of things around your house that can be turned into nutrient-rich compost blends for gardening and landscaping, both indoors and outdoors. So,…
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Similar to when we shop for fresh foods at the market, we also want to know that the produce from our gardens and plants in our yards grow from top-quality soil and soil amendments such as compost. For the compost industry, the United States Composting Council (USCC) sets the standards…
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Celebrated during the first full week of May each year, International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) works to raise public awareness on why it is important to compost organics and to use compost products. Throughout that week, Community, school, government, and business events are held worldwide to encourage and celebrate the…
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Ah, springtime! The time of year when flowers start to bloom, the sun sets a little later, and—most importantly—the chance to take on the age-old ritual of spring cleaning! One of the best ways to welcome the new season is to freshen up our homes, declutter, and make room for…
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