From Empty Land to Sustainable Infrastructure: The Shafter Wasco CASP Facility

  • YearOctober 10, 2025

  • LocationKern County, CA


Transforming Empty Land Into a State-of-the-Art Composting Facility

What was once 20 acres of flat, undeveloped land has been transformed into a modern, fully operational composting facility at the Shafter Wasco Landfill. This project represents a major step forward in Kern County’s efforts to divert organic materials from landfills, improve sustainability, and support the region’s agricultural community.

Project Highlights

  • 48,000 tons of imported soil were used to build the site’s foundation.

  • 32 composting bunkers were constructed, each with 4-foot walls and 165-foot lengths.

  • Integrated in-ground trenching and piping systems were installed to support composting operations.

  • A smart aeration and monitoring system allows operators to control temperature and oxygen levels, ensuring faster and more efficient composting.

This advanced infrastructure enables air to be pumped directly into the bunkers, accelerating the composting process and creating a high-quality finished product that can be reused for landscaping, beautification projects, and agriculture.

Environmental & Community Impact

The Shafter Wasco CASP Facility is designed to divert up to 100,000 tons of organic material annually, including:

  • Grass clippings and brush

  • Tree trimmings and landscaping waste

  • Food scraps and other organic materials

By processing this material into compost, the facility helps reduce landfill use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support local farmers with nutrient-rich compost for their crops.

Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

Like any large-scale infrastructure project, construction came with its share of challenges — from rebar discrepancies to elevation issues and material adjustments. Through close coordination with engineers, Kern County, and our construction partners, these challenges were identified early and resolved efficiently.

Clear communication was key. Regular daily and weekly meetings kept all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that the project stayed on track.

A Safe, On-Time, and On-Budget Success

The project team is proud to have:

  • Completed the facility on schedule and within budget

  • Maintained a zero-incident safety record throughout construction

  • Fostered a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration on site

At peak, nearly 100 crew members worked together to bring this ambitious vision to life — safely and efficiently.

The Result: A cutting-edge composting facility that advances Kern County’s environmental goals and provides lasting value to the community.




Check Out The Project Video Below