Ecolo Odor Control Systems Worldwide

been physical or operational in nature: locate the facility downwind from residences… keep doors closed during operating hours… move waste quickly from the tipping floor at closing… cover all waste daily .

In recent years a number of factors have heightened the importance of controlling odors associated with waste processing operations. As recycling technology has improved and the value of recycled materials has risen, a higher proportion of animal-and vegetable-based wastes have been diverted from disposal. Large composting operations are the latest generation of waste facilities to produce Bad Smells. At the same time, members of the public have become more sensitive to odor pollution-waste odors, especially- and more likely to complain about them to regulatory agencies.

In recent years as well, the technologies for controlling
waste odors have advanced in parallel with the advance

of waste processing and disposal technologies. The focus of this article is the neutralization of waste odors with essential oils.

Twenty years ago Ecolo developed the first formula in its line of precisely blended essential oils sold under the airSolution brand name, designed specifically to neutralize waste odors. In the intervening years many other firs have entered the plant based odor neutralization industry.

Although Ecolo and others have been advertising and exhibiting their products for many years, and serve long lists of satisfied customers, plant-based odor neutralizing technology has yet to be recognized in any “official” list of odor control technologies. The most recent list to come to our attention is the Ontario Ministry of Environmental and Energy Technical Bulletin (OMOEE 1996). In this bulletin waste odors are characterized in a list of major sources of odor under the heading “Landfills and Compost Facilities” (OMOEE, pp,4-5). Through an aerobic decomposition, landfills produce methane and small amounts of odorous reduced-sulphur compounds and a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Odors are produced by incoming waste as it begins to decay and by odorous VOCs such as paint solvents and cleaners. Incoming leaves, grass clippings and other plant wastes that are allowed to sit too long at composting facilities generate odors from anaerobic decay.