This study provides a comprehensive life cycle inventory for windrow composting systems in Australia, and models the environmental impacts of these systems in NSW using life cycle assessment modelling. This study is the first time, internationally, that life cycle inventory data for the post-application impacts of composting systems has been developed and published in a significant and comprehensive manner. Download the report

The study found that significant environmental benefits arise from the commercial composting system, including net greenhouse benefits, even where composts are transported significant distances (in this study 600 km) for agricultural application.

Whilst this life cycle assessment study is valuable in its own right in identifying and quantifying the environmental externalities of the composting system, the life cycle inventory data in this study is also developed and documented transparently to allow for refinement as additional research and performance data becomes available, and for application in future comparative life cycle assessment studies.

A series of user-friendly fact sheets have been developed to guide users on the environmental benefits of using recycled organics in a range of applications. In particular, Fact Sheet 1 is a summary of the outcomes from the study "Life Cycle Inventory and Life Cycle Assessment for Windrow Composting Systems" titled Organics recycling offers major environmental benefits.

Fact Sheets: Performance benefits of using recycled organics in the environment