Compost waste producers play a pivotal role in the management of annual organic waste disposals, reducing organic waste disposal by 50%. However, industrial compost production generates a water effluent (leachates) that contains hazardous substances that could cause adverse problems to the environment. Composting leachate contamination is characterized by high concentrations of moderately biodegradable organic matter and nutrients, and by the presence of heavy metals, all of which exceed National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (NRWQC) for freshwater aquatic life. 

Compost leachates streams typically consist of water mixed with insoluble solids, organics (soluble and insoluble), and metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe, Ni, Cd). Compost leachates sometimes contain high levels of chlorine, ammonia, phosphorus, and microorganisms (various bacteria) in the effluent discharges that are harmful to aquatic life and natural animal habitats.