Shark Composting Experiment

In 2008, O2Compost was hired by the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) to help conduct a large scale pilot project using the Aerated Static Pile Method of Composting. The project took place at the Amboy Compost Facility in Camillus, New York (near Syracuse), and the objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ASP Method to process two separate feedstock mixes consisting of: 1) shredded yard debris; and 2) shredded yard debris mixed with municipal food waste.

With this pilot project, we were also able to demonstrate that ASP Composting mitigated adverse impacts from odors and compost leachate. By all measures, the project was a success.

Years later, in February 2026, Greg contacted O2Compost to ask an unexpected question: "Can we compost sharks?" 

A local research facility had lost a contract that somehow involved the study of sharks, and they had 13,000 pounds of frozen shark bodies to dispose of immediately. Peter's response was, "There's only one way to find out. Let's give it a try."

Greg and his team constructed a new Aerated Static Pile with all of the shark bodies and, despite outside air temperatures of -17°F and 144 inches of snow, it worked beautifully. The only thing that didn't break down were the shark vertebrae, several of which Greg keeps on his desk as a reminder of that episode in composting history. 

Read the full article on our blog.

The Power of Horses

Doing Good Work, One Nonprofit at a Time

We love helping nonprofits get started with composting. Our systems help to free up resources so there's more time for the real work at hand. The Lotus Herd is a nonprofit facility offering equine-assisted therapy for elderly and young adults with autism or physical/mental illness. 

Learn more about our collaboration with this wonderful facility.

O2Compost Q&A: Maintaining Moisture in the Compost Pile

"We live in a dry, warm climate and do not use stall bedding. How do I keep the pile wet as we fill the bins prior to aeration?"

ANSWER: Because you do not use any stall bedding material, managing the moisture in the manure can be challenging. If it becomes too wet, it will also become too dense to allow for adequate airflow through the mix. If this becomes a problem, I suggest adding a small amount of wood pellets in with the manure. The pellets will break open when they get wet, returning to their fine sawdust consistency. The sawdust will create porosity in the mix which will allow for airflow. Alternatively, you can do the same thing with wood shavings but, like the pine needles, they will break down slowly.

"In the heat of Southern California, do I need to tarp the pile between the additions to keep what moisture is in the pile from evaporating?"

ANSWER: Yes, adding water to the mix should be part of your standard operating procedure (SOP). Tarps do work, or you can simply water the top of the pile as you are filling the bin to re-hydrate the top six inches. A lightweight "floating" cover on top of the filled bin can also help retain moisture but most people do not bother with it for a permanently constructed system.

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