In Ozark, Arkansas, a town of approximately 3,800 residents, a recycling initiative is helping fund youth programs while creating opportunities for environmental education and local resource recovery. What began as a collection point for the Cub Scouts has grown into Compost Network, a nonprofit that brings together recycling, in-vessel composting, community gardening, and hands-on learning.

In a conversation with Net Zero Compare, Byron Irwin, founder of Compost Network and CEO and President of Eco-Environmental Solutions, discussed how the project developed and what he has learned from approximately 20 years in composting equipment manufacturing and waste management. The discussion covered the economics of processing organic waste, the practical differences between composting technologies, and the challenges of building a community program that can sustain itself financially. His experience offers useful lessons for businesses, municipalities, and sustainability professionals evaluating waste recovery options, particularly in smaller communities where resources and infrastructure may be limited.

🎥 Watch the Full Conversation with Byron Irwin: In the full Net Zero Compare interview, Byron Irwin explains how Compost Network grew from a small recycling program into a broader community initiative. He discusses the operation and economics of in-vessel composting, the challenges of financing the project, and the response from residents and businesses. The recording also provides additional context on his experience with agricultural and commercial waste processing, his approach to environmental education, and his plans for expanding the project.

From a Cub Scouts Collection Point to a Community Recycling Program

Compost Network officially opened its broader sustainability campus on September 1, 2026, although recycling activities had been underway for several months. The project began when a local Cub Scouts group asked to place a trailer on Irwin's property to collect bottles and cans. After a vehicle struck the trailer during winter conditions, he decided a permanent collection facility would be safer and more practical. The location was already well suited to the purpose, sitting near a Walmart and a waste transfer station along a route regularly used by residents and businesses. Irwin designed the recycling area to be visible, accessible, and open 24 hours a day, allowing people to drop off accepted materials while running other errands.

The program soon expanded beyond bottles and cans to include cardboard, clothing, and scrap iron. According to Irwin, the facility collected more than 40,000 pounds of cardboard in less than four months, approximately 10,000 pounds of bottles and cans, and more than 5,000 pounds of iron. These volumes exceeded his expectations for a community of fewer than 4,000 people, particularly as local businesses and restaurants began participating. Irwin attributes much of that response to the convenience of the location and the fact that residents can see how their contributions benefit local organizations.

Revenue from the recovered materials helps fund youth programs. Irwin explained that the Cub Scouts can now participate in activities without parents having to cover the associated fees, while other collection efforts support groups including the Girl Scouts. Compost Network has also been developing a sports equipment donation facility where reusable items can be passed on to children who need them. Rather than relying entirely on occasional donations, the organization aims to establish recurring support through material recovery. Its long-term financial performance remains to be demonstrated, however, since collection volumes alone do not establish net revenue after operating costs or guarantee stable funding as recyclable commodity prices fluctuate.

Bringing Organic Waste Back Into Local Food Production

Recycling was the starting point, but Irwin also noticed that Ozark lacked a community garden and opportunities for residents to learn practical food-growing skills. Having grown up on a grain farm in Saskatchewan, Canada, he wanted to connect organic waste recovery with soil improvement and local food production. The Compost Network campus now includes nine raised garden beds, a greenhouse-related growing initiative, and infrastructure for collecting organic materials. At the time of the interview, the organization was preparing to begin accepting organics more broadly, meaning its recycling activities were considerably more established than its community composting operation.

The planned process combines food waste collected from residents with carbon-rich materials such as wood chips and shavings from local tree maintenance. Staff and volunteers are responsible for loading the equipment, managing the mixture, and removing unsuitable contaminants before processing. The finished compost is intended for the community garden, landscaping, and public beautification projects. Irwin also described plans to package compost for schools to sell as a fundraising product, potentially creating another source of income while demonstrating how organic waste can be returned to productive use.

This approach could reduce purchases of soil amendments and provide practical educational opportunities, but the economics will depend on collection costs, processing requirements, compost quality, and demand for the finished product. Producing compost locally is not automatically cheaper than purchasing it, particularly at smaller volumes. The potential benefit comes from combining waste treatment with a reliable local use for the recovered material.

How In-Vessel Composting Works

Through Eco-Environmental Solutions and related manufacturing operations, Irwin has spent approximately 20 years developing and supplying enclosed composting systems for agricultural, commercial, and community applications. In-vessel composting processes organic material inside an enclosed chamber rather than an exposed pile or windrow. The rotating equipment mixes and aerates the material, helping maintain conditions for microbial decomposition while limiting exposure to weather and wildlife. The process can also be managed within a relatively small physical footprint, making it suitable for locations where space is limited.

Irwin explained that his company's systems typically process material inside the drum for approximately seven to fourteen days, depending on feedstock composition and operating conditions. Compost Network then plans to cure the material for approximately another 30 days before using it. This distinction matters because material leaving an in-vessel system is not necessarily mature, stable compost ready for every application. Additional curing and appropriate quality checks may be required before the material can be safely used.

Irwin also described operating temperatures of approximately 140°F to 160°F, or about 60°C to 71°C. Maintaining appropriate temperatures, aeration, moisture, and treatment conditions is particularly relevant when processing animal-derived materials. Reaching a particular temperature, however, does not by itself demonstrate compliance with pathogen-reduction standards or establish that a finished batch meets applicable compost-quality requirements. Reliable processing depends on maintaining suitable conditions throughout the treatment cycle rather than achieving a single temperature reading.

In-Vessel Systems Versus Conventional Composting

Traditional windrow composting generally involves larger outdoor piles that must be managed through turning, aeration, and moisture control. Processing can take several months, depending on climate, materials, and operating practices. Irwin noted that exposed systems are more vulnerable to rainfall, temperature changes, and interference from wildlife. Enclosed systems offer greater control over these conditions and may reduce the space and manual handling required while helping operators manage odors and limit access by rodents when the equipment is properly maintained.

These characteristics can be particularly useful for schools, smaller municipalities, farms, and facilities with limited land or labor. There are limits to their suitability, however. Irwin explained that smaller systems can be expanded as volumes increase, but operations processing substantially more material may need multiple units or a different type of facility. Large centralized composting operations may achieve better economies of scale using conventional methods. The appropriate technology therefore depends on waste volumes and composition, available space, labor requirements, environmental controls, and the intended use of the finished compost, with equipment and maintenance costs considered alongside potential operational savings.

The Economics of Composting Depend on Local Conditions

One of the main commercial questions discussed during the interview was whether organizations can justify investing in composting equipment rather than continuing to use existing waste disposal services. Irwin indicated that the in-vessel systems his company supplies typically cost between $25,000 and $85,000, depending on the equipment. The currency was not specified during the conversation, and these figures should not be treated as complete installed project costs. Site preparation, collection infrastructure, electricity, maintenance, labor, curing facilities, and regulatory requirements may add considerably to the investment.

Local landfill tipping fees are often decisive. Irwin described Arkansas as a market where relatively inexpensive landfill disposal has historically discouraged investment in alternative treatment. In areas with higher tipping fees or substantial transportation costs, diverting organic waste can produce more immediate financial savings. Farms may also prioritize biosecurity and controlled treatment of animal byproducts, while schools may justify composting partly through educational benefits or available grants. Urban farms and community gardens may value access to locally produced compost, and correctional facilities may benefit from reducing the movement of waste outside secure premises.

Irwin discussed applications in poultry and livestock operations, meat processing, and aquaculture, where waste characteristics and handling requirements differ considerably. In these settings, disposal costs are only part of the calculation. Disease control, operational reliability, material volumes, and applicable treatment requirements can be equally important. A system that makes financial sense for a school cafeteria may be unsuitable for a large poultry operation, even when both generate organic waste.

An Example From Yellowknife, Canada

Irwin described a project in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, where fish waste was composted using locally available carbon-rich materials, including coffee grounds and brewing byproducts. Because suitable compost can be expensive to transport into the region, producing it locally created an alternative supply for gardens. According to Irwin, the initiative also developed into a commercially successful operation.

The example illustrates why organic waste processing cannot be evaluated solely through landfill savings. In remote markets, replacing an imported product may contribute substantially to the business case, particularly where transportation costs are high and suitable local materials are available. A similar operation in a region with inexpensive compost and low disposal fees could produce very different financial results.

Before Investing in Equipment, Understand the Waste Stream

Irwin recommends beginning with a waste audit rather than selecting equipment based on estimated capacity or general industry assumptions. The assessment should establish how much material an organization generates, what it contains, and how frequently it becomes available. Depending on the operation, this may involve measuring waste by weight or volume and identifying food scraps, manure, bedding, animal byproducts, or other organic materials. These measurements provide the foundation for determining whether composting is practical and what processing capacity may be required.

For agricultural businesses, Irwin examines factors such as animal numbers, mortality rates, bedding types, and cleaning schedules. A poultry operation, for example, requires a different assessment from a horse facility. For schools and cafeterias, the number of meals served and the amount of food waste produced can help estimate processing requirements. Irwin explained that his company has developed calculations for different agricultural applications through work involving the USDA and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Accurate sizing helps avoid two costly mistakes: installing equipment that cannot handle actual volumes or purchasing more capacity than the operation needs. Organizations should also establish whether suitable carbon-rich materials are available, how contamination will be managed, and where the finished compost will go. Local treatment requirements, permitting obligations, and operating responsibilities need to be understood before making a purchasing decision. For procurement and sustainability teams, a credible business case must account for the complete operation rather than the equipment purchase alone.

Making Environmental Education Part of Everyday Community Life

Compost Network differs from a conventional recycling or composting facility because it is also designed as a place for families and school groups to spend time. The approximately 4.1-acre campus includes the manufacturing facility, recycling infrastructure, a community garden, and a Bio-Dome Educational Center. Other features include a train, playhouses, a puppet theater, beehives, pollinator habitats, and areas where visitors can observe plants and animals. These activities are intended to encourage families to return rather than treat environmental education as a one-time visit.

Irwin wanted to address what he sees as a limitation of traditional industrial tours. Children may visit a recycling facility once without developing any lasting interest in the subject, particularly when the experience is largely observational. At Compost Network, they can learn how organic materials are collected, see composting equipment, observe plants growing in the garden, and explore pollination and other environmental topics through direct experience. The educational component is integrated into recreational activities rather than confined to a separate classroom.

According to Irwin, the initiative has attracted interest from schools, homeschool groups, and youth organizations. He believes hands-on participation can help children understand environmental processes more effectively and encourage them to involve their families. Those longer-term educational effects have not yet been formally measured, but the project demonstrates how waste infrastructure can be made accessible to the public while serving a broader educational purpose.

Introducing Young People to Manufacturing Careers

The educational program also benefits from Compost Network's proximity to an operating manufacturing facility. Students can observe how composting equipment is designed, fabricated, and assembled, providing exposure to technical occupations they might not otherwise encounter. Irwin described supervised visits where participants can see computer-aided design drawings, metal fabrication, plastics manufacturing, welding stations, CNC equipment, and assembly operations. They can also speak with engineers and production personnel about the work involved.

For young people in smaller communities, these experiences may help connect classroom subjects with potential careers. Students can follow the development of a product from initial design through manufacturing and assembly while learning about engineering, skilled trades, and industrial production. Irwin believes more manufacturers could offer similar opportunities through structured school visits and practical demonstrations. Existing facilities, equipment, and staff expertise can provide useful educational resources when visits are properly supervised and organized around workplace safety.

The approach connects environmental education with local workforce development. Rather than presenting sustainability as a separate professional field, it shows how technical and industrial skills contribute to producing and operating environmental technologies. In communities where young people may have limited exposure to different occupations, that connection could be particularly useful.

Measuring Results Beyond Collection Volumes

Compost Network has begun tracking its activities, although Irwin acknowledged that its measurement and reporting systems remain under development. The organization records the weight of recyclable materials received, scheduled educational visits, visitor numbers, and volunteer participation. These indicators provide an initial picture of activity and community involvement, but they do not yet amount to a complete environmental or social impact assessment. Irwin expects more formal guidelines and reporting practices to develop as the organization expands and recognizes that current measurements may not capture every material diverted or fully account for environmental performance.

For sustainability professionals, the distinction between activity and outcome is essential. Collecting a particular weight of recyclable material does not necessarily mean that all of it has been successfully recycled. Likewise, recording organic waste entering a composter does not establish the quantity or quality of usable compost produced. More detailed reporting would distinguish between materials received, materials successfully recovered, processing losses, and final destinations. Composting records could also include feedstock composition, contamination, operating conditions, finished compost quality, and beneficial use.

Claims about avoided greenhouse gas emissions would require an appropriate methodology and comparison with the alternative treatment or disposal scenario. Without that analysis, assigning a specific emissions reduction figure would be premature. The social benefits also need evidence, including participation figures, funds distributed to youth organizations, educational activities, and volunteer contributions. As the program matures, consistent measurement should make it easier to distinguish early participation from lasting environmental and community results.

Local Composting Versus Centralized Waste Processing

Irwin believes smaller municipalities should examine whether some organic waste could be processed locally instead of being transported to large centralized facilities. Keeping treatment close to the source may reduce transportation requirements and allow compost to be used where it is produced. Schools, community gardens, and municipal landscaping programs could potentially replace some purchased materials while providing opportunities for education and public participation. This is particularly relevant in areas where transportation is expensive or access to centralized processing infrastructure is limited.

Decentralized facilities still need trained operators, appropriate equipment, reliable feedstock supplies, contamination controls, and sufficient demand for finished compost. Smaller operations may also face higher costs per unit of material if processing volumes are inconsistent. Centralized facilities, meanwhile, can benefit from economies of scale, established collection networks, and specialized infrastructure. For larger cities or substantial waste streams, those advantages may outweigh the benefits of local processing.

The choice should be based on the complete cost and operational requirements of each approach, including transportation distances, disposal charges, available land, staffing, processing capacity, and demand for compost. Irwin's experience suggests that local processing deserves consideration, particularly for smaller communities, but it is not necessarily the most efficient solution in every setting.

What Other Communities Can Learn From Ozark

Although Compost Network expanded rapidly, Irwin does not recommend that other communities attempt to build an equivalent campus in a few months. He acknowledged that the project required more time, money, and work than initially anticipated. The Bio-Dome and associated infrastructure increased costs, while unexpectedly high recycling volumes created additional demands on volunteers and operations. Irwin and his businesses financed the initial expansion after attempts to secure external funding proved unsuccessful. He decided to proceed rather than continue waiting, although this approach may not be realistic for organizations without comparable resources.

His advice is to begin with a manageable project that addresses a specific local need. A community might install recycling bins, work with an existing youth organization, or establish a small garden, adding infrastructure as participation, funding, and operational capacity develop. Partnerships with schools, community organizations, local businesses, and municipal departments can help identify available resources and practical opportunities. A recycling collection point may generate material and revenue, while a garden can provide a use for compost and a setting for educational activities.

Irwin also hopes Compost Network will attract visitors who contribute to Ozark's economy through spending at restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. He described this as an agritourism opportunity for a town where commercial activity has faced challenges. The potential is plausible, but its economic contribution has not yet been quantified. Not every community will have the land, manufacturing facilities, financial resources, or volunteer support available in Ozark, so any replication effort should focus on the elements that address local needs and can be maintained over time.

Conclusion: Start With the Waste, Then Build the Case

Compost Network is still developing, and its long-term financial, environmental, and educational results remain to be established. Its early recycling volumes nevertheless show that a relatively small community can collect substantial quantities of recoverable material when participation is convenient and residents understand how their contributions are being used. The project also demonstrates how existing manufacturing expertise and community partnerships can support activities beyond conventional waste management.

For businesses, the most useful starting point is a reliable assessment of waste volumes, material characteristics, disposal costs, and potential recovery options. Composting may offer a practical alternative, particularly where disposal is expensive, or the finished material has a clear local use, but it must be evaluated against other treatment methods and the full cost of implementation. Municipalities and community organizations face a related challenge: identifying projects that meet local needs without expanding beyond their financial or operational capacity.

Irwin's experience suggests that opportunities can emerge when organizations examine waste management alongside existing community needs. Whether those opportunities deliver lasting value will depend on sound operations, realistic economics, sustained participation, and the ability to measure results as the project develops.

About the Guest

Byron Irwin is the founder of Compost Network in Ozark, Arkansas, and CEO and President of Eco-Environmental Solutions. He has approximately 20 years of experience in composting equipment manufacturing and resource recovery, with work spanning agricultural, commercial, and community applications.