Monolithic conducts compost cover testing for MOR, Inc.

Barry Byers Posted November 19, 2008 5:00pm Business spotlight

Image: Texas Best Smiles — Accepting a framed, “Thank you,” for their participation in the Monolithic compost cover testing project are “Texas Best Smokehouse" employees Albert Estrada and Rosie Duron. — Texas Best Smiles — Accepting a framed, “Thank you,” for their participation in the Monolithic compost cover testing project are “Texas Best Smokehouse" employees Albert Estrada and Rosie Duron. (Barry Byers)

Monolithic has been participating in compost pile studies for the past several months. With recent landfill closings around the country and odorous chicken farms, etc. on the rise, David South was asked to do some independent testing at the request of John Bouey, President of Managed Organic Recycling, Inc. (MOR) based in California. Mr. South has been developing an odor reducing compost cover that can withstand brutal weather conditions while properly containing pungent compost smells.

In order to truly test the odor reducing Monolithic compost covers, Monolithic needed ingredients on a large scale. A larger pile of food waste and wood chips would ensure more energy within the compost mixture. Since the optimal composting temperature ranges between 110º and 160º, Monolithic relied on a little help from its neighbors and local town kitchens.

Therefore, the Monolithic food waste collection drive was organized and a two week partnership between Monolithic and several area businesses and home owners was established during the month of October. The collection schedule required daily (sometimes nightly) trash pick-ups. Each participating party was given a Monolithic trash bin to collect organic food scraps for the Monolithic compost cover pilot study. Monolithic would like to give a sincere, “Thank you,” to the following businesses and residents located in or near the city of Italy, Texas for their assistance and time:  

Mamma’s Place – Italy, Texas 

Uptown Cafe – Italy, Texas 

Texas Best Smokehouse – Italy, Texas 

Trinity Mission Health & Rehabilitation Center – Italy, Texas 

Monolithic Dome Institute – Italy, Texas

 Fran’s Fryers – Milford, Texas

 Tessa & Mike South – Italy, Texas 

Ann & Ervin Byers – Italy, Texas 

Monolithic constructed the In-vessel Aerated Static Pile (IASP) under the guidance of MOR. MOR, an industry leader in compost recycling. David South of Monolithic teamed with MOR to ultimately have a positive global impact. The goal is to convert individual and organically farmed compost piles into nutrient-enriched top soil. A constant replenishment of a properly recycled top soil promotes healthier gardens and crops while keeping our planet whole. Developing a compost cover that makes decomposition faster and more affordable while containing odors and smells is truly what the Monolithic test site is all about.

Just to clarify, the cover worked perfect! Thanks again to everyone who assisted Monolithic in performing the test.

Thank You Doris Mitchell — Doris Mitchell, owner of the Uptown Cafe, accepts a framed, "Thank you,” for the Uptown Cafe’s participation in Monolithic’s food waste drive to test a specialized compost cover. (Barry Byers)

Patsy Cook — Patsy Cook poses with a “Thank you” frame presented by Monolithic to the Trinity Mission Health & Rehabilitation Center in Italy, Texas. (Barry Byers)

Mamma’s Place Pitches In — Juanita “Mamma” Martinez, owner of “Mamma’s Place” in Italy, Texas, pauses from cooking her famous breakfast burritos to receive a framed "Thank you” for her restaurant’s participation in the Monolithic compost cover testing project. Also pictured are: Martha Salazar, Margarita Salazar & Gloria Quintero. (Barry Byers)

Horticulturist Ervin Byers — Ervin Byers marvels at the pace at which his plant is growing using mulch from the Monolithic compost cover test pile. (Barry Byers)