Composting for Organic Waste Management

Effective organic-waste management relies on the availability and acceptability of the treatment technology. One such technology is composting. The main objectives of composting are to decompose the organic fraction of waste to a stable condition; reduce its volume, weight, and moisture content; minimize potential odor; destroy pathogens; and increase potential nutrients for agricultural application. Emission of odor is a serious concern during composting of any organic substrate that results from microbial degradation of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the substrate. To enhance microbial activities for fast composting, microbial inocula or compost starters may be used, especially for commercial composters. Compost systems can be classified into three broad categories, namely windrows, in-vessel systems, and vermicomposting. Cost-effective and sustainable decentralized composting technology has many advantages, but success depends on the quality of the compost product.