Literature reviews indicated that batteries, ferrous, non-ferrous materials, and electronic products are major contributors of trace metals in municipal solid waste (MSW). In order to assess the impact of various contaminants on the trace metal content of compost, contaminants including alkaline batteries, galvanized nails, Zn-plated screws, copper wires and electronic cables were exposed to a thermophilic composting process for three weeks. The increase in trace metal content in the compost product was measured, after the composting process. The results showed that the main contributors of trace metals are copper wires and galvanized nails. They contributed 51.9% of the CCME A limit for copper and 29.5% of the CCME A limit for zinc, respectively. To ensure the compost quality reaches the CCME category A criteria, contaminants made from bare copper or coated with zinc should be removed from the composting feedstock as much as possible. / Environmental Engineering

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