Steve Ross-Smith is the founder of the Worm Research Centre. He has a wealth
of environmental and farming experience having run an organic farm since 1986.
His many practical skills bring originality and efficiency to all the projects
undertaken here at the Centre. He is an innovative thinker and, recognising
the enormous gaps in information regarding small scale composting and vermiculture,
has been tackling the problem head on. Using his skills in engineering, design
and technology (HND Distinctions) many new ideas are now being researched
and developed to create workable solutions to the enormous organic waste stream
problems faced by small commercial businesses. Please contact us if you think
there is something we can help you with. The Centre are the North of England
key Compost Doctors working with CRN UK (Community Recycling Network UK) and
the CCN (Community Composting Network), to support businesses in improving
their environmental resource efficiency. See the relevant tab for more information
on how we can support you. |
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Initiatives
BIFFA project
A research programme was devised and undertaken in order to contribute to the
knowledge and understanding composting systems, which utilise earthworms as
the main processing agent (vermicomposting). The programme aimed to build on
previous research carried out here at the Centre. It was based on large scale
vermicomposting trials which took place over a period of 18 months up until
Nov 2003. The report can be found here. Partner: The Integrated Waste Systems
Research group at the Open University. (IWS) the largest academic group in the
UK researching wastes and related issues. It is dedicated to reducing the landfilling
of waste through research into more sustainable, alternative processes such
as recycling, composting and energy from waste. This is the most recent of many
trials undertaken in partnership with the OU.
ONYX project
Investigation into adding value to waste derived compost: Combining worm composting
and conventional composting systems to enhance waste stabilisation rates and
compost quality. This is a 15 month trial took place here at the Centre and
involved numerous site visits from interested parties. Partner: The Integrated
Waste Systems Research group at the Open University. (IWS) the largest academic
group in the UK researching wastes and related issues. It is dedicated to reducing
the landfilling of waste through research into more sustainable, alternative
processes such as recycling, composting and energy from waste. This is the most
recent of many trials undertaken in partnership with the OU.
Seafish Industry
This project investigated the use of vermicomposting as a landfill diversification
for seafish waste and looked at other possible uses for the waste ie. Shell
in the building industry. Partner: The Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish)
works across all sectors of the UK seafood industry to promote good quality,
sustainable seafood. Research and projects are aimed at raising standards, improving
efficiency and ensuring that the fish industry develops in a viable way. Open
University IWS
Business in the Community/ Green Business Network Composting Feasibility Study.
Investigated composting as an alternative disposal method for food waste produced
by North Yorkshire Businesses using 5 business models in the Objective 2 area.
The purpose of the study was to ascertain the economic viability of diverting
food waste from landfill by using composting disposal methods. The study has
formed the basis of a business proposal for further funding to encourage composting
activity. The project was being managed and run by the Centre, workshops and
demonstrations were be held for the businesses involved and others in the Network.
Department of Trade and Industry
A lot of interest has been generated by the innovation award given to the Centre
to trial a newly designed system of breeding worms. The trial is took place
over a 15 month period at the Centre and at a farm in North Yorkshire. Coordinated
by Business Link it looked at the whole concept of worm breeding on a large
scale.
Organic Recycling
In the research and viability stage of setting up the first commercial vermicomposting
site using the technological innovations developed at the Worm Research Centre.
This trial will ascertain the value of using vermicomposting in a commercial
composting environment. . The project is already attracting a lot of interest.
The system would be put into full commercial operation for a period of 12 months
(to have experience in all UK conditions). The expected results of this work
will mean that vermicomposting for the first time has a scientifically proven
place in the waste industry; it has been neglected for years because of poor
technology and lack of innovation. Partner: Organic Recycling Ltd Peterborough
Community Composting Network
Seminars and exhibitions providing information days and workshops in vermiculture
for members. Current project:development of small scale trommel Jimmy Riddle
for use on smaller scale composting facilities, using and monitoring new design
modular worm beds at a community composting site. Partner: Seagull , Skegness
a community project which undertakes community recycling, including composting,
waste reduction, conservation & water & air quality. They also run a Resource
Centre and a Conservation Site. An article about the Worm Research Centre project
is to be published in Septembers national members magazine.
Salad Production Industry
Trials into the use of worms to clean organic waste from pre-packed salad waste.
The worms clean the plastic packaging so it can be recycled at the same time
as organic matter is composted. Partner: Hedon Salads Ltd. one of the UK's largest
independent Glasshouse Companies which produces, packs and distributes a wide
range of salad produce 365 days of the year.
Paper Industry
Investigating the use of cardboard waste as a worm bedding for vermicomposting
units. Investigating other possible uses for the waste. Partner: Smurfit Recycling,
a division of the Jefferson Smurfit Group, the largest recovered paper processor
in the World. It handles in excess of 500,000 tonnes per year. This is collected
from a variety of sources with the company servicing local authorities, retail
sector, publishers and printers, offices, converters and general industry.
Egg Industry Investigating the use of vermicomposting as a landfill diversification
for egg industry waste. Investigating other possible uses for the waste. Partner:
University of Bristol: Interface Analysis Centre - established with the collaboration
of the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science and Engineering, presently
with cross-links to the Medical Faculty and Biological Sciences. In addition,
much of its work is in direct collaboration with industry and public bodies,
such as the National Trust, local government and hospitals. |
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