Development of a Household Food Waste Composter:QFD Approach and Fertilizer Nutrient Analysis

Abstract

This research focuses on the development of a household food waste composter using a QFD approach to enhance efficiency, usability, and sustainability. QFD was used to convert consumer requirements into technical specifications. The House of Quality, a key component of QFD, was employed to prioritize design features based on the importance of user needs and the complexity of implementation. This ensured that the final product met user expectations for fast processing (4–8 hours), effective odor control, and automation. The House of Quality framework guided the prioritization of key features, optimizing design parameters to improve performance and user satisfaction. The composter design was developed with a compact, automated, and odor-controlled system, making it suitable for indoor household use. The system integrates self-regulating sensors to control temperature, humidity, and aeration, ensuring optimal composting conditions. Additionally, an advanced odor management system, combining HEPA filtration, activated carbon, and UV-C sterilization, effectively reduces unpleasant smells, addressing a major limitation of traditional composting methods. To evaluate the quality of the produced compost, a nutrient analysis was conducted. The nutrient analysis of the produced compost confirmed its fertilizer suitability, with nitrate concentrations (7.5–35.1 ppm), nitrite levels (1.6–1.7 ppm), and phosphate content (29.8–38.2 ppm). The compost maintained a slightly acidic pH (5.45–5.71) and moderate electrical conductivity (470.7–520.4 µS/cm), indicating optimal nutrient retention for plant growth. These results validate the effectiveness of the prototype in producing high-quality organic fertilizer while supporting sustainable waste management practices. This study highlights the importance of a QFD-driven approach in product innovation, ensuring that the developed composter aligns with market demands and environmental goals. The findings demonstrate the potential of smart composting systems to contribute to household waste reduction, soil enrichment, and eco-friendly waste management solutions. This solution not only supports sustainable household waste management but also reduces landfill burden and promotes cost-effective organic fertilizer production.