Phoenix Power Recyclers is among Australia’s leading organics recycling companies. Social and environmental demands have influenced council and government policies and perceptions on sustainable practices, where now the onus is on the reuse of organic product. Phoenix accepts organic product from the Gold Coast, Brisbane City and the Pine Rivers Shire Councils and proactively conducts trials into ensuring quality assured and marketable products.

Each year on average an adult person generates 130kg of organic product. In SE QLD alone 193,500 tonnes of organic product is produced per annum- Phoenix converts 90,000 tonnes of this amount into reusable product and markets these as certified organic soils, composts, soil conditioners and mulch products.

Composting is an aerobic progression that depends on the work of micro-organisms decomposing organic materials. During composting the heat generated from microbial behavior is processed within the compost compendium. Beneficial bacteria and fungi process organics and release large amounts of energy and heat to temperatures between 60°C and 70°C, for prolonged period of times. During this phase all weed seeds and pathogens are destroyed.

These windrows are watered when required to maintain temperature levels and are turned regularly to reduce odour emissions and to assist with the composting cycle. The composting process is monitored under highly controlled conditions and is only complete once the cooling and maturation stages are fulfilled naturally over the 12 week cycle. Phoenix operates a fully E.P.A approved facility at Yatala and complies with the Australian Standards for Composts, Soil Conditions and Mulches (AS4454).

Beneficial Effects of Compost Use

• As a soil conditioner to improve chemical and physical soil properties or repair damaged soils
• As a lawn top dressing to rejuvenate damaged soils by adding vital organics to the soil and increases water holding capacity
• As a mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds and increases water holding capacity and root formations
• As a prescribed compost in gardens to increase and sustain microbial activity
• Suppression of plant pathogens
• Regulates soil temperatures and prevents soil erosion
• Increased yields and water saving of up to 20%
• Reduced need for use of artificial fertilisers as organic matter is returned to the soil
• Plants develop an increased resistance to pests and diseases with the restoration of natural balance (Soil pH) to the soil food web
• Increased microbial and earthworm activity– 30 year impact from composted organics