Making Compost at Household Level; A Solution for Organic Waste

Waste management has become a critical consideration with the increase in the human population and their needs. Waste as a matter, can be in a solid or liquid or gaseous state. Proper waste management can solve the environmental, social and economic issues that can arise with waste generation.

A lot of health issues can be created by the problems of waste management. So it is necessary to provide sustainable waste management approaches to solve these issues. Therefore, composting household organic waste can be identified as a sustainable way of waste management where the entire world would be benefited in numerous ways. So today let’s see how we can make compost by using household organic waste.

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• Article by: R.M.Apeksha Rathnayaka, Environmental Management and Forestry, Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

What is household-level organic waste?

Households generate different varieties of waste through their day-to-day activities. Household-level organic waste refers to any type of organic waste that is generated in households as a result of daily activities.

Examples of household level organic waste

• Food waste - This includes leftovers, spoiled food, and expired products
• Yard waste - Yard waste can include grass clippings, leaves, and branches.
• Paper products - Paper products such as newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes
• Other biodegradable materials that are commonly found in households

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Current management practices of household organic waste

Proper disposal of household organic waste is important for environmental and health reasons. Organic waste that is not properly disposed of can attract pests, create unpleasant odors, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling, composting, and proper disposal in designated bins or facilities are effective ways to manage household organic waste.

The current management practices of household organic waste vary depending on the location and resources available in a particular area. However, some common practices include followings.

• Composting
• Vermicomposting
• Biogas production
• Landfilling
• Incineration / burning

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Composting as a way of organic waste management at the household level

Composting can be defined as a natural process of decomposition that transforms organic material into nutrient-rich soil. The process may include different microorganisms including decomposing bacteria and fungi who will feed on organic material through the composting process. Composting is an aerobic (oxygen required) and controlled process that derives a dark, crumbly material.

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Advantages and disadvantages of composting household-level organic waste

The advantages of household-level composting process

• Composting can divert a significant amount of organic waste from landfill, reducing the volume of waste that needs to be transported and processed.
• Compost is an excellent source of nutrients for plants and can improve soil quality by promoting healthy microbial activity, increasing soil water retention, and improving soil structure. It will create enriched soil.
• Since composting can save money by reducing the need to purchase fertilizers and soil amendments, this is a cost-effective method.
• Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions that result from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills. So this can be identified as an environmentally friendly solution for organic waste management.
• Composting is a valuable learning experience for both children and adults since it provides an opportunity to learn about the natural process of decomposition and the importance of waste reduction.

The disadvantages of household-level composting process

• There are space limitations since composting requires a certain amount of space, which may be a challenge for those who live in small apartments or homes with limited outdoor space.
• This is a time-consuming process since it requires ongoing maintenance, such as turning the compost pile and monitoring moisture levels, which may be time-consuming for some individuals.
• If not properly managed, composting can produce unpleasant odors that may be bothersome to your neighbors.
• Composting can attract pests such as rodents and flies, which can be a nuisance.

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How to make compost and process pf manufacturing household compost

Sources compatible with composting

It is necessary to identify what are the sources that are compatible with composting since some materials should not be composted. These materials include meat, dairy, and bones, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.

• Your yard waste can be used that includes leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs.
• Eggshells are rich in calcium, which can benefit your compost pile.
• Fruit and vegetable scraps including peels, cores, and ends of fruits and vegetables can be used.
• Coffee grounds are a good source of nitrogen, while the filters can help with aeration.
• Shredded paper and cardboard can be used as a source of carbon and can help balance nitrogen-rich materials.
• Manure from herbivorous animals such as cows, horses, and rabbits can be added to the compost pile.
• Wood chips and sawdust can be used as a source of carbon but should be mixed with nitrogen-rich materials.

Additionally, it's important to avoid composting weeds and plants that have been treated with pesticides, as the chemicals can remain in the compost and potentially harm plants.

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Required organic waste and other materials quantities

The required quantities of organic waste and other materials in composting can vary depending on

• The specific composting methods being used
• Types of materials being composted.

However, as a general rule, composting requires a mixture of "browns" (carbon-rich materials) and "greens" (nitrogen-rich materials) to create a balanced and effective composting environment.

A good ratio to aim for is roughly 30:1 browns to greens by volume. This means that for every two or three parts of carbon-rich materials (such as leaves, twigs, or shredded paper), you should add one part of nitrogen-rich materials (such as food scraps, grass clippings, or manure). The specific quantities of materials you'll need will depend on factors such as,

• Size of your compost pile or bin
• Frequency of turning or aerating the compost
• The desired outcome of your composting (e.g. nutrient-rich soil amendment for gardening or landscaping).

In general, it's best to start with a small number of materials and gradually build up the pile or bin as you add more. This will help ensure that the composting process proceeds smoothly and that the mixture remains well-balanced.

It's also important to avoid adding materials that can disrupt the composting process, such as meat, dairy, or oily foods, as well as any materials that may contain harmful chemicals or pathogens.

Required water content and water adding frequency

The water content of compost should ideally be between 40% to 60% moisture content by weight. It is essential to maintain proper moisture levels in the compost pile, as moisture is necessary for the breakdown of organic materials by microorganisms. However, if the compost pile becomes too wet, it can become anaerobic and produce unpleasant odors.

The frequency of water addition will depend on various factors, such as

• Type of materials being composted
• Size of the compost pile
• Climate conditions

In general, the compost pile should be moist but not too wet. It is recommended to add water when the compost pile feels dry to the touch or when the materials are not breaking down as quickly as they should be.

How to identify the water requirements of a compost pile

To determine whether the compost pile needs more water, you can perform a simple squeeze test. Grab a handful of compost material and squeeze it tightly in your hand. If water drips out, the compost is too wet and needs to be aerated or some dry material added. If no water comes out and the material sticks together, the compost is at the right moisture level. If the material falls apart and crumbles, it is too dry and needs more water.

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Process flow diagram

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Successful events in the world to encourage composting

Community Composting in the United States

Community composting programs have become increasingly popular in cities across the United States. Here the residents can drop off their food scraps at designated composting sites in particular areas. After waste will be collected and converted into compost. In New York City, for example, the program allows residents to drop off their food waste at farmers' markets and other designated locations. Then the waste is collected and turned into compost.

A circular food waste composting in China

The WIPO GREEN China Cities Green Technology Acceleration Project was initiated in 2021. It supports the development and implementation of innovative green technologies in China. One of the successful achievements of this project is the circular composting solution to food waste in China.

Since China produces a significant amount of food waste, which creates environmental problems and poses challenges for waste management, circular composting is a sustainable and innovative approach. Through this, food waste is converted into high-quality compost that can be used for agriculture and landscaping.

The circular composting solution is called Ecosystem Technology, which is based on a closed-loop system. It uses a combination of anaerobic and aerobic digestion to break down food waste. Then it produces compost. The system also generates biogas, which can be used as a source of renewable energy. Especially the Lake View Hotel in Beijing, has followed this method to manage its kitchen waste.

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