AEROBIC COMPOSTING:
Aerobic composting is decomposition of organic matter using microorganisms that require oxygen. As aerobic digestion takes place the by-products are heat, water and carbon dioxide (CO2). Additionally, CO2 is only 1/20th as harmful to the environment as methane (the main by-product of anaerobic degradation)
The heat produced in aerobic composting is sufficient to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens as these organisms are not adapted to these environmental conditions. It also helps support the growth of beneficial bacteria species including psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic bacteria which thrive at the higher temperature levels.
From start to finish, the in-vessel aerobic composting process takes only 8-10 days. No leachate is produced as any surplus moisture is extracted.
ANAEROBIC COMPOSTING:
Anaerobic composting is decomposition that occurs using microorganisms that do not require oxygen to survive. In an anaerobic system the majority of the chemical energy contained within the starting material is released as methane. The process is characterised by very strong odours and only a small amount of heat is generated meaning decomposition takes much longer and doesn’t reach sufficient temperatures to safely kill plant pathogens, weed and seeds. To overcome these limitations external (artificial) heat is normally added. As the material is broken down by anaerobic digestion, it creates a sludge-like material that is even more difficult to break down. This material, digestate, typically requires aerobic composting to complete the stabilization process.