Mastering organics extraction: Insights from a trusted expert

Embarking on the journey of mastering organic extraction begins with a critical examination of the collection methods employed. Within this realm, three primary solutions emerge as pillars: extraction from mixed solid waste (MSW), the largest collection method; source-separated organics (SSO), predominantly catering to commercial and institutional sectors; and co-collection, heralded as favorable within residential spaces. While SSO necessitates using a depackager, both co-collection and MSW require intricate processes in sorting, bag opening and screening. Machinex takes you on a deep dive into the intricacies of these methods while exploring its innovative solutions for organic extraction and processing.

When organics arrive sorted

SSO is optimally applied in commercial and institutional settings, including schools, restaurants and similar establishments. Operating as a distinct collection route, SSO contributes significantly to the tonnage generated while enhancing sustainability for the hauler and the environment at each stop along the way.

In the realm of SSO, a food depackager plays a pivotal role by crushing and tearing open packaging, facilitating organics extraction. Alternatively, advanced techniques such as hydro pulping also maximize utilization of the organic potential of the waste. Both these processes enable efficient extraction and recovery of organic material.

Screening is another efficient alternative to separate incoming organic material from waste. For example, the MACH Trommel™ screen is designed with the flexibility to change the screen sizing to accommodate changes in material composition.

Machinex has completed several SSO projects in North America to create compost.

Make it two in one

For co-collection, the bags of organic material must be sorted out of the MSW stream before being opened to remove the organics for processing.

Within a co-collection system design, technologies such as optical sorters or robots are best suited for sorting bags of organics prior to depackaging. An optical sorter, such as the MACH Hyspec®, employs a sophisticated detection system to identify the specific organic bag type and uses air ejection to separate them from the material stream. A robot powered by artificial intelligence, like the SamurAI® by Machinex, also can recover bags from a picking belt.

Machinex’s experts evaluate the use of one sorting technology over another during the system design phase based on factors such as incoming tonnage, project performance, building layout and more.

With Machinex’s experience in processing organic waste in the U.K. and EU, its engineering team designed an optical sorter from the ground up, making significant adjustments to transition from sorting single-stream recyclables to collection bags filled with organic matter.

The company recently completed a progressive new 80-ton-per-hour organic material recovery system to process co-collected material in Quebec City, Canada. This method is particularly well-suited for high-density residential spaces, enabling haulers to operate fewer trucks, thereby reducing associated costs and minimizing environmental impact from emissions and road usage. Moreover, co-collection simplifies waste disposal for homeowners who can conveniently tie up a bag and dispose of it in the trash without the need for an extra container. Additionally, co-collection proves effective at commercial sites with space restrictions, further highlighting its versatility and practicality.

Recover before it’s too late!

MSW processing typically integrates a combination of equipment, such as bag openers, screens, trommels and organic presses. The bag-opener liberates organic material from the bags used to collect it, and screens can be used to sort loose 2-inch minus organic material, while MACH Trommels™ can be used to separate organics and remove plastics from the stream. By capturing the 2-inch-minus material, facility operators have a great opportunity to meet diversion goals and provide feedstock for anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities.

Machinex has completed several systems in North America and the U.K., successfully extracting organic material while diverting up to 95 percent of the waste from landfill when combined with AD facilities.

Premium products regardless of the collection method

Why opt for an organic treatment process? Machinex provides a range of comprehensive turnkey solutions designed to extract organic material from different waste streams, resulting in a premium-quality end product. Its expertise and cutting-edge equipment elevate renowned organic processes, such as anaerobic digestion, composting treatment and the preparation of fuel from organic material.

Having completed projects based on all three collection methods, Machinex is best positioned to aid you in modeling your next organics management infrastructure.