In-vessel Composting is a practice in disposing of organic refuse in large batches. Unlike conventional composting or methods like windrows, in-vessels take up less land, process organics faster, and can handle a much wider array of organics. Because of their versatility, this form of composting has become popular among large food processing plants.

In a specially designed container that can vary in size from small vessels to silos, an extensive variety of organics is stored for decomposition. During the process, the internal temperature, moisture, and aeration of the container have to be controlled to ensure that no leachate or odor is produced. While decomposition occurs at a faster rate than in conventional composting processes, the compost must be left for between a few weeks or months to allow microbes in the pile to settle and the pile to cool.

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Other Sources

United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Types of Composting and Understanding the Process.” EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/types-composting-and-understanding-process. Accessed August 9, 2016.

Zero Waste Scotland. “What is in-vessel composting?” Zero Waste Scotland. http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/what-vessel-composting-0. Accessed August 9, 2016.