FAQ’s

What sizes of composters are available?

The composter is available in 6’ to 10’ diameters and up to 128’ long.  Special sizes are also available upon request. The size of composter is based on the volume of organic waste material and amendments to be composted.

Is heat added to the system?

No.  The bacteria that are naturally living in the waste material generate the heat needed as a by-product of the decomposition process. 

Will the composter work in sub-zero temperatures?

Yes.  The heat that is generated by the bacteria is maintained because the vessel is insulated with 3 ” of insulation. 

Do you have to add more bacteria than what occur naturally to the composter?

No, but we do offer a microbial package comprised of waste specific bacteria and pharmaceutical grade humic acid.  This additive will speed up the process even faster, reduce volume even further, and help breakdown the carbon source more completely so that more carbon is available for the decomposition process.  Also, the recipe of this accelerant can be customized with waste-specific microbes in order to tackle difficult wastes.  Call for more information on this remarkable product.

How does the composter make compost so fast?

It does so by tightly controlling the factors that are needed for natural decomposition to occur.  The vessel provides a perfect environment for the decomposition process by the naturally occurring aerobic bacteria to take place by controlling all the factors—moisture, oxygen, temperature, carbon and nitrogen—within the specific parameters that good composting requires (Mother Nature’s rules!).

Mother Nature’s Rules

  • Carbon / Nitrogen ratio must be within the range of 20 – 30:1.
  • Moisture content must be within the range of 40% - 65%.
  • Aeration of all material

How is pathogen-free compost achieved?

X-Act Composting Systems follows the EPA Rule Part 503 as a guide to it’s composting protocol.  These basic guidelines of composting are applied to any type of organic waste, which may or may not have the potential for human contact. 

EPA Rule Part 503

Viruses and pathogens can be reduced to undetectable levels through proper composting.  In addition, vector attraction can be reduced to almost zero with proper composting techniques.

  • Within the vessel, the composting temperature must be maintained between 55°C to 65°C for 3 days.
  • Demonstrate and meet a 38% reduction in volatile solids and/or maintain minimum temperature of 40°C for 11 additional days.
  • Finished material test results show a Fecal Coliform count of < 1000 MPN/g.

Have there been any independent studies done using the X-Act System?

Cornell University is currently studying the X-Act System in-depth, from many aspects, and the compost it produces. 

Are the tests of the compost certified?

Absolutely.  All raw material and compost testing is conducted by A&L Labs, an independent international laboratory specializing in environmental and agricultural analysis.

Does the X-Act In-Vessel Composter qualify for government funding?

Yes, but the funding varies depending on your market sector and location.  Please contact us for details. 

Can you help me sell my compost?

Very likely yes!  We have networked with compost companies that will buy your bulk compost.  Please get in touch with us for more information.

Where can I see an X-Act Composter in operation?

We have a composter working in the Finger Lakes area of Upstate New York, which you are welcome to visit.

What sorts of waste can be composted?

Any organic material can be composted.  Get in touch with us to discuss your particular organic waste challenges.

What can I use the compost for?

Erosion control.  Studies have shown that compost is great for controlling erosion of embankments and hillsides whether they are adjacent to roadsides, creeks, lakes or wherever—the stuff really works!

Soil amendment.  Compost improves the moisture retention capacity of soils, adds nutrients, and improves the soil condition and structure.  Scientific studies show that field soils exhibit measurable benefits from compost—even after 8 years from the initial application.

Soil remediation.  Composting degrades volatile organic compounds, and many types of contaminants in soils, plus it binds heavy metals so they are not plant available.  We can even help you produce “designer compost” specifically tailored to a particular pollutant.  Call and ask us about this.

Animal bedding.  Our compost is pathogen free, dry and provides maximum comfort and healthy bedding for any type of animal. 

Flower beds, golf courses, parklands.  Most gardeners would give their “eye teeth” for great quality compost that is weed seed free.