How to start a composting business

Why you need to start a compost business

There are lots of pros to starting a compost business. From providing an eco-friendly service to your local community to boosting organic food production and creating jobs.

Starting a composting business has never been easier. In this blog we explore the steps for launching a successful composting enterprise. Whether you’re new to composting or are looking for an extra revenue stream to bump your existing business, at Machinery Partner, we’ve got everything you need to get your compost company off the ground.

Want to find out more reasons to start your own composting business? Or are you already convinced? Read on to find out how to start your own composting business!

How to start a composting business

No matter if you are partnering with a landscaping company, or setting up an independent compost company, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow before starting your compost business.

1. Do your compost homework

Before kicking things off, it is really important to do your research. By researching all you need to start a compost business, you’ll be able to use this vital information to make the best choices. This will help you choose the right equipment, find the cost of compost activities, and the potential to run a successful enterprise. Supply and demand is important when you are setting up a composting business. You can find out more about compost supply & demand here.

• Suppliers – Are there enough suppliers of composting feedstocks in your area? Look at restaurants and hotels willing to provide food waste. Are there gardening, and landscaping services or your own existing operations to get your hands on the materials you’ll need to make your compost.
• Competition – How many other compositing businesses are there around you? If you’re lucky, none. However, if there is local competition, you’ll need to make sure that there is enough demand for compost before starting your own business.
• Demand – Is there a market for your compost? Ask around, do surveys and speak to business owners to find out if there is enough of a need for your compost.

2. Master the composting process

Composting involves taking organic material, mixing it, and breaking it down into a fertile product. There are three main methods for making compost:

• Aerobic composting – This process involves mixing the compost material with oxygen. This helps speed up the breakdown of the plants, food and other material into a healthy mix of decaying matter and nutrients. Aerobic composting is a popular, low-effort method that needs regular mixing of compost piles.
• Anaerobic composting – This composting method doesn't need any oxygen - allowing bacteria to do the ‘breaking down’ by quickly growing and allowing materials to ‘rot’. Anaerobic composting can make different kinds of gasses and can be very smelly. It might not be the best kind of composting in a residential area due to the smell but it is faster than aerobic methods and can often lead to compost that is very rich in nutrients.
• Vermicomposting – Finally, vermicomposting is a more recent method and is quickly growing in popularity among home composters. Worms are introduced into the compost, where they consume the decaying matter, along with oxygen and additional moisture. Their waste (called ‘worm castings’) is an excellent form of consistent fertilizer which adds nutrients to the compost and speeds up the process.

3. Choose a location and site for your composting operation

Next, you’ll need to find a suitable site for your compost business. These are the main things to think about when choosing a location for your compost business.

• Space – You’ll need to ensure that you have enough square feet to store your un-composted materials, your equipment and any bins or containers you use for composting.
• Ventilation – Your location should have proper ventilation to allow any smells or gases to vent correctly or for enough airflow to occur for your composting.
• Location – The composting process can result in odorous or smelly products, affecting the surrounding area. Try to find a location that is correctly zoned for your business, is far enough away from residents or other businesses so that your activities won’t bother them and where any noise from your equipment won’t become a problem.

4. Find out about compost permits and permissions

Finally, you must pay careful attention to local laws and regulations regarding composting. As you’ll be working with organic materials and heavy equipment, there might be permits needed. Speak to your local council to learn about the regulations for starting a compost business in your area. To find out more about the permits and permissions you need for your compost business check out out blog.

Important things to remember before starting a compost business

Before you start investing in your composting business, you should think about what it really takes to own and run your company.

Startup costs

Think about how much money you’ll need to start a compost business, from equipment to permits and land. You can think about different financing options and the best way to fund your business. This could be renting equipment or buying it on finance.

Staff requirements

Look at hiring people with experience with composting or who will be able to operate the equipment used in your compost business.

Equipment needs

Composting businesses require the right specialized heavy equipment. This may include rented or purchased equipment like a screening box or a trommel to separate out unwanted materials like plastic or rocks. For loading and transport, you can look at excavators which come in a whole range of sizes.

Follow these links to learn more about screening topsoil and using a trommel for starting a compost business.

How to promote your compost business

Once you have started your compost business, you’ll need to market and advertise it to attract customers and promote your compost products. There are many ways that you can market your composting business, including using social media platforms like Facebook. You could also set up a website where people can search for you and learn more about your business. Don’t forget about promoting your services at local retail shops and in local papers.

Now you know how to start your compost business - Machinery Partner are here to help

Learning how to start a composting business has never been easier or more profitable. At Machinery Partner, we understand what it takes to launch a compost company.

We provide a range of equipment for your composting needs, along with financing options that will help you to get up and composting in no time. Our team is always here to help, offer advice and walk you through our range of trommels, screeners, excavators, and anything else you require to start a compost business today, just give us a call!