MWRA 2006-2007 Contest: Frequently Asked Questions about Bay State Fertilizer

POSTER AND WRITING CONTEST 2005-2006:
FAQs ABOUT BAY STATE FERTILIZER
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

MORE INFORMATION

>	Go back to School Program Main Page
>	FAQS for students
>	FAQs for teachers
>	Rules and details

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ELIGIBILITY

Contests limited to schools located within the MWRA service area.
> Eligible communities

FORMS AND LABELS

>	Registration Forms (.doc) \| (.pdf)

>	Student Labels for Contest Entries (.doc) \| (.pdf)

FOR STUDENTS

Need inspiration? Check out our poster and writing contest winners for 2005-2006

>	Poster winners
>	Writing winners

CONTACT INFO

>	MWRA Staff Contacts


BAY STATE FERTILIZER - QUESTIONS
•	How much does Bay State Fertilizer cost ?
•	How much does it cost to produce the fertilizer?
•	What is done with any heavy metals removed from the sludge during the fertilizer manufacturing process?
•	How many people are employed by to manufacture the product?
> BAY STATE FERTILIZER MAIN PAGE

How much does Bay State Fertilizer cost?

MWRA charges retailers and other bulk customers (such as landscaping companies and golf course owners) between $4.10 and $4.70 per 40-pound bag, delivered. The usual price per bag at the store ranges from $6.99 to $8.99.

How much does it cost to produce the fertilizer?

It costs approximately $300 to produce a ton of fertilizer.

Recycling sludge into fertilizer is more cost-effective than disposing of it in a landfill. It is also better for the environment.

We pay a contractor, New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCo), to process and distribute almost all of the product.

What is done with any heavy metals removed from the sludge during the fertilizer manufacturing process?

Metals are disposed of and/or treated in accordance with strict state and federal standards.

How many people are employed by to manufacture the product?

Approximately 35 people are employed in the manufacture of Bay State Fertilizer. Most of the men and women who manufacture and distribute Bay State Fertilizer are employed by an MWRA contractor, New England Fertilizer Company (NEFCo) (outside link). Several MWRA staff are also involved in the program.