Fertile waste: The animal waste composting plant turns horse waste into organic compost for horticultural use.

The animal waste composting plant in Ngau Tam Mei is ready to handle the horse-stable waste from the 2008 Olympic & Paralympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong from August to September, the Environmental Protection Department says.

The plant can treat about 20 tonnes of such waste every day and turn it into useful organic compost suitable for landscaping, horticultural and agricultural uses.

Its composting technology ensures effective elimination of all harmful disease-producing bacteria and micro-organisms. It also contains and treats potentially odorous emissions.

The department said today turning horse waste into useful compost is an important contribution to the equestrian events' environmental commitment.

The plant's total cost for the design and construction, including a two-year trial operation, was $37 million.