An initial assessment of spent mushroom compost as a potential energy feedstock

The Irish mushroom industry has expanded rapidly in the last decade, partic ularly in the border counties. Its success has generated concern, however, as the production of spent mushroom compost (SMC) has increased. Until rece ntly, SMC as an agricultural waste has been disposed of without due conside ration to the environment. As County Councils increasingly address river po llution, restrictions will prevent expansion of the mushroom industry witho ut an SMC waste management solution. This paper looks at the availability a nd composition of SMC and considers its potential as an energy feedstock. V ariability in SMC composition was investigated by sampling from various loc ations over several months. Analyses showed that, on a dry ash free basis, SMC has a calorific value equivalent to sewage sludge which has been succes sfully fired for many years. Compositional analysis confirmed the dry fuel as consistent in make-up and showed the moisture content to vary within 60- 77%, on an as-received basis. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.