Production of cost affordable organic manure using institutional waste by rapid composting method

Abstract

This project is an initiative to convert the solid waste (easily available inside Bannari Amman Institute of Technology campus, Sathyamangalam, Erode District.) to compost within a short duration of 14 to 18 days by rapid composting. The wastes included in the composting comprises materials such as vegetable cuttings, dry and wet leaf twigs, grass clippings, tree trimmings etc. That’s where composting steps in; organic waste can be recycled through composting and the resulting product can be used to improve soil quality and help plants grow. The size of the composting bin was 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet. Alternate layers of wet waste and dry waste were added to the composting bin. Saw dust and cow dung were used as the accelerators. Quantity of waste added was: Wet waste − 169 kg, Dry waste – 66 kg, saw dust − 24 kg which was in the ratio 7:2.75:1. Wastes were chopped to 0.5 to 1.5 in. for better composting. The dry leaves are used only for burning (which causes air pollution and causes health hazards), as an alternative we made compost with dry leaves combining with wet waste. This can be readily adopted in colonies, schools and colleges where dry and wet wastes are easily available. The resultant product of compost obtained is used as manure for plants inside the institution campus.