(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003-05-12)
Annis, Patricia A.; Brewer, Mary Sue
Data was collected from carpet manufacturers and suppliers, reclaimable materials handlers and recyclers, and federal and local government agencies to quantify current material usage for carpet manufacturing, post-industrial and post-consumer carpet waste generation, waste disposal in landfills, and waste diversion for reuse, recycling, and energy generation, among others. The data provides a basis for assessing the impact of CARE on waste diversion in coming years.
(Georgia Institute of Technology.Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, 2000-05-02)
Dudka, S.; Das, K. C.; Annis, Patricia A.
Composts produced from a mixture of wool processing by-products and other components (e.g., wood-shavings, cotton-gin trash, biosolids, etc.) have a high content of major nutrients (NPK), high water holding capacity, and low levels of soluble salts, and they have slightly acidic to neutral pH. These composts were successfully used to grow ornamentals in a greenhouse, to establish turfgrass from seeds, and to produce sod on plastic. The market research showed that, in Georgia, the turfgrass industry and retail garden centers would be the largest and most profitable markets for wool-based composts and potting mixes, respectively. Cost-volume-profit analysis (CVP) indicated that production and sale of about 15,000 tons of the compost product would be a break-even point in units for the composting side of a hypothetical business. Since composting is also a waste management operation, revenues from accepting waste (tipping fees) can improve business profitability and, therefore, lower the break-even point.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1997-05-21)
Das, K. C.; Annis, Patricia A.; Tollner, E. W.
Two wool industry solid wastes presently landfilled were characterized for their potential for bioconversion to a value added product. The fibrous wastes were tested for physical and chemical properties and baseline biological degradation tests were performed. Carbon amendments were mixed with the wool waste and increased bio-stabilization was evaluated. The product of bioconverison was tested for chemical and agronomic properties, stability and phytotoxicity and weed seed destruction. Cotton gin trash was found to be the best among tested amendments, and it was seen that amending the wool wastes and composting increased its stability and reduced phytotoxicity. Weed seeds were present in fresh cotton gin trash, however, no germination of weed seeds were seen in any of the composted materials. It is felt that the final product can serve as a good slow N-release, highly water retaining soil amendment. Further work needs to be performed to enhance the physical nature of the product making it more suitable for storage, transportation and application.