Hawk Metheny - Batch-bin composting systems on the Appalachian Trail Appalachian Trail Conservancy Appalachian Mountain Club Exit Strategies Conference, 2010, Sustainable Summits Initiative

1. Batch-Bin Composting Systems
on the Appalachian Trail
•
Exit Strategies Conference
July 30, 2010
Hawk Metheny
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Appalachian Mountain Club

2. The Appalachian Trail
• 2,179 miles long through 14 states
• Designated a National Scenic Trail by the 1968 National
Scenic Trails Act. A unit of the National Park System.
• Foot travel only
• ~2 million visitors per year
• Maintained by the Cooperative Management System .
Federal and state agencies/non-profit/volunteers
• 30 Trail Clubs
• ~270 designated overnight sites—each with a toilet!

3. 14 States

4. Six NPS units

5. Eight National Forests

6. History of Composting on the A.T.
• Batch-Bin composting systems were developed by AMC on the A.T.
in the White Mountains in the mid-1970’s in response to a sharp
increase in visitation at remote backcountry campsites. Previous
waste management systems were pit toilets, Clivus, Soltran, or
airlifting out of waste.
• Earlier systems collected both urine and feces in the same container
—required significantly more bark mulch to absorb liquids and
properly compost sewage.
• “Beyond-The-Bin (B-T-B) system developed in 1995 with 2
prototypes. Liquid separation is fundamental benefit. Full upgrade
by 1998 to 12 systems.

8. B-T-B overview
Conditions necessary for
effective composting
• Oxygen
• Heat
• Absorption
• Dedicated operator
• Time
• * Hardwood Bark*

9. Hardwood Bark
acquired from local lumber mill

10. 50 lb. bags
~12 new bags per compost run
16-40 bags per site/per season

11. Bell-Jet Ranger
800 lb. external load capacity
(16) 50lb. bags

15. Essential tools

27. Urine collection barrel

50. Pros and Cons
+
+ Highly effective pathogen
mortality-- over >99.99%
reduction
+ Inert, soil-like end product
+ Inoffensive outhouse odor
+Suitable for high use areas
capable of processing
substantial volume in one
season
+Visitor education and
stewardship opportunity
+ Relatively low tech
-
- External mixing agent required
- Dedicated personnel
- Moderate amount of infrastructure
- Moderate initial upfront cost

51. More information
Backcountry Sanitation Manual
www.appalachiantrail.org
hmetheny@appalachiantrail.org