Alpha Ridge, Maryland Composting Facility

At the Alpha Ridge Landfill in Marriottsville, Maryland, Howard County operates a commercial composting program focused on responsibly managing organic waste while adhering to rigorous environmental and regulatory standards. Spanning 15 acres, the facility transforms food scraps, yard waste, and manure into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that is used in county landscaping projects and offered to local residents and commercial customers.

To support the initial phases of compost manufacturing, the GC Fabric Building Division constructed a 155’ x 224’ fabric enclosure dedicated to material pre‑processing. Within this covered structure, incoming food waste and green waste are blended and prepared for composting. Larger materials are reduced in size using a grinding machine, resulting in a more uniform mix that supports efficient downstream processing. The enclosed workspace improves material handling while allowing operations to continue smoothly regardless of weather conditions.

Collectively, these components form a streamlined and scalable composting system—from material intake and grinding through curing and final product distribution—while advancing the County’s sustainability initiatives and safeguarding the surrounding environment.

Features

• 155' x 224' Genesis Series from Britespan Building Systems
• Pier Foundation
• Independent Bunker Panels
• Open-ended Design
• Metal Framed Openings
• Ramp Access
• 34,720 SF