Summer in Alberta brings warm weather and sunshine, but the summer heat can also make people worry about odours. At Claystone, we know that smells are a big concern for our neighbours in Ryley and Beaver County. We take odour management very seriously, and we want to share the steps we take to control odours at our compost facility.

The Science of Composting 

Composting is a science. We use an advanced system called Aerated Static Pile composting. This simply means we pump oxygen into the compost piles. When organic waste breaks down with enough oxygen (an aerobic state), it produces very little smell. A healthy compost pile should just smell like soil or wood. However, if the oxygen runs out, the pile can create a foul, rotten odour. Keeping the air flowing is our top priority to prevent this from happening.

Steps We Take to Stop Odours 

To stop bad smells before they start, our team takes several direct actions:

• The Right Mix: As soon as organic waste arrives at our facility, we mix it with wood chips. This creates space in the pile to help air flow through it.
• Protective Covers: We cover the piles with a “biocover” made of wood chips and finished compost. This layer acts as a natural filter to trap and absorb smells before they can escape into the air.
• Daily Scent Checks: Our staff uses a special tool called a Nasal Ranger to test for odours around our site every single day. We also use an on-site weather station to track how the wind and heat might carry smells.
• Expert Monitoring: Our team includes staff with science and engineering degrees who constantly check the moisture, temperature, and oxygen levels of the compost piles to make sure they are breaking down properly.

A New Line of Defense 

We are always looking for ways to improve our site. Recently, we successfully tested a product called Ecosorb. It is a safe, plant-based mist that permanently neutralizes odour molecules instead of just covering them up. We are now working on the engineering and design to install a piping system for Ecosorb around the edge of our compost facility. Once built, this will act as our final line of defense against odours.

Our Commitment to You 

Many of our staff live and work right here in the community, and we want to be good neighbours. We are committed to open communication and building your trust. To keep you informed, we now post our daily odour check results online at www.claystonewaste.com/odours.

If you ever notice a strong odour, please let us know by filling out the Odour Issues form at www.claystonewaste.com/resident-information. Your feedback helps us act quickly to find the source and fix the problem.