Aerobic Composting of Household Biodegradable Waste—An Experimental Study

Abstract

Composting is one of the methods for better management of the solid waste which results in a profitable product. The main objective of the work was to carry out composting of the biodegradable waste generated at home. The work was a laboratory test conducted on the household waste generated daily which normally consists of the vegetables, fruits and food waste. Various parameters were tested on the compost produced on weekly basis. This includes pH, temperature, moisture content, carbon content, total phosphorus and germination index. The results obtained were compared with the parameters required for the ideal compost, and the results were in the proximity of what required for ideal compost. The compost at near maturity shows an average temperature of 35 °C, pH close to neutral, moisture content of 69%, carbon content of 45%, total phosphorus of 1.1% and germination index of 80%. Being the size of the reactor small, it can be installed at home.