Compost Production Research Articles

Evaluation of the effect of tween-80 and its additive amount on the maturity of cassava residue compost

Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin interweave to form a dense network structure that makes lignocellulosic biomass difficult to degrade. Tween-80 is a non-ionic surfactant that can be used to promote microbial growth and increase the rate of microbial metabolism in compost. In this study, different doses of Tween-80 were presented as additives in the composting process to reduce the composting time and improve the maturity of the compost. The composting trial was conducted in a 10 L reactor for 46 days. The results showed that the addition of the chemical surfactant Tween-80 increased the temperature in the composting process and could effectively promote the degradation of lignocellulose and reduce phytotoxicity. During the composting process, the microbial population showed exponential growth followed by a gradual decline. At the end of composting, Tween-80 added at 0.35% reduced the C/N ratio to 9.61, much lower than that of the CK group at 12.3. Meanwhile, the degradation rates of cellulose and hemicellulose increased by 2.76% and 7.86%, respectively. Toxicity experiments on compost products also proved that the seed germination index of compost with 0.35% Tween-80 addition increased to 98.57%, which is 17.33% higher than that without the addition. FT-IR and TG experiments showed that the addition of Tween-80 could effectively accelerate the composting process and promote the rapid maturation of the heap. In conclusion, the addition of 0.35% Tween-80 was most conducive to promoting the rapid decomposition of organic matter in cassava residue compost and improving the maturity of the heap.

A decision support mechanism in the determination of organic waste collection and recycling center location: A sample application for Turkiye

The location problem of organic waste collection and recycling plants is a significant concern for policy makers in developing countries. Factors such as rapid population growth, unplanned urbanization, and limited resources pose challenges to the efficient management of organic waste. Inadequate waste disposal practices not only endanger the environment and human health but also hinder the development of sustainable and livable cities. Therefore, it is crucial to address the specific challenges associated with locating organic waste collection and recycling facilities to ensure effective waste management and promote environmental sustainability. This study aims to identify the most appropriate location for an organic waste collection and recycling facility for compost production. This study involves identifying the most influential aspects of organic waste collection and recycling center location selection through a literature review and expert opinion. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology with fuzzy interval type-2 (T2F) sets is employed to weight the criteria. The COmbinative Distance-based Assessment (CODAS) approach is extended in a T2F environment to better reflect the uncertainty and evaluate the alternative locations. The study concludes by revealing the optimal location for the food waste collection center for Trabzon city in Turkiye. To verify the validity and reliability of the proposed integrated methodology, a comparative analysis was also performed using various decision-making methods.

Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Machine Learning to Enhance Black Soldier Fly Larvae-Based Composting of Kitchen Waste

Around 40% to 60% of municipal solid waste originates from kitchens, offering a valuable resource for compost production. Traditional composting methods such as windrow, vermi-, and bin composting are space-intensive and time-consuming. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) present a promising alternative, requiring less space and offering ease of handling. This research encompasses experimental data collection, life cycle assessment, and machine learning, and employs the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm in an Artificial Neural Network, to optimize kitchen waste treatment using BSFL. Factors such as time, larval population, aeration frequency, waste composition, and container surface area were considered. Results showed that BSFL achieved significant waste reduction, ranging from 70% to 93% by weight and 65% to 85% by volume under optimal conditions. Key findings included a 15-day treatment duration, four times per day aeration frequency, 600 larvae per kilogram of waste, layering during feeding, and kitchen waste as the preferred feed. The larvae exhibited a weight gain of 2.2% to 6.5% during composting. Comparing the quality of BSFL compost to that obtained with conventional methods revealed its superiority in terms of waste reduction (50% to 73% more) and compost quality. Life cycle assessment confirmed the sustainability advantages of BSFL. Machine learning achieved high accuracy of prediction reaching 99.5%.

Regulatory effects of different anionic surfactants on the transformation of heavy metal fractions and reduction of heavy metal resistance genes in chicken manure compost

Surfactants are widely used as a passivating agent in heavy metal passivation process, but their effect on transformation of heavy metal fraction and reduction of heavy metal resistance genes (MRGs) in composting process is still unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two anionic surfactants (rhamnolipid and sodium dodecyl sulfate) on heavy metal passivation and resistance gene reduction in chicken manure composting. The results showed that the addition of surfactant can effectively enhance degradation of organic matter (OM). Both surfactants could effectively reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs) and the relative abundance of resistance genes, especially rhamnolipids. The potential functional bacteria affecting heavy metal passivation were identified by the changes of microbial community. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that protease (PRT) activity was the key factor affecting the fractions of the second group of HMs including ZnF1, CuF1, CuF2, PbF1 and PbF3. These findings indicate that addition of anionic surfactants can reduce the bioavailability of HMs and the abundance of resistance genes in compost products, which is of guiding significance for the reduction of health risks in the harmless utilization of livestock and poultry manure.

Utilization of Yard for Vegetable Cultivation as an Effort to Prevent the Impact of Climate Change

The utilization of yards for vegetable cultivation is an effort to prevent the impact of climate change. The purpose of the service is to make verticulture an alternative to the limited land owned by the community and the limited water supply for vegetable cultivation. The service activities were carried out in the yards of Krapyak Village residents in Pekalongan City. The problem faced was tidal flooding which has a major impact on the people of Pekalongan, especially those living in coastal areas. Moreover, tidal flooding in coastal areas is exacerbated by rainwater inundation and flood submissions. The Innovation Technology Package is a plant cultivation system that is carried out vertically or at multiple levels using bamboo so that it is environmentally friendly. This method involves counseling and training by the service team. The activities carried out were 1) socialization and training in making verticulture 2) training in the use of planting media; 3) seed sowing training; 4) planting training on verticulture; 5) plant care training, and 6) making compost houses and composting training. The results of the service show that the program was carried out well. There has been an increase in community skills for cultivating verticulture techniques and compost production. The level of community participation was high, with attendance at each activity reaching 90%.

CULTIVATION OF FAMILY MEDICINAL PLANTS AND ORGANIC RICE IN PAYU PUTAT VILLAGE, WEST PRABUMULIH SUBDISTRICT, PRABUMULIH CITY

Payu Putat Village, known for its fertile soil and ample land, has excelled in vegetable production, including rice, vegetables, and medicinal plants. Despite these advantages, insufficient agricultural knowledge and management have given rise to environmental challenges, such as floods, surplus harvests leading to waste, and depressed vegetable prices due to oversupply, consequently diminishing farmer incomes. To combat these issues, PT. Pertamina EP Adera Field launched the Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Agriculture program (PSRLB) in Desa Payu Putat, focusing on the Family Medicinal Plant and Organic Rice Cultivation (Bu Togar Panik) sub-unit. Bu Togar Panik's mission is to educate and support farmers in transitioning from conventional to organic farming methods, emphasizing the effective use of household waste as organic fertilizer. The program aspires to transform Desa Payu Putat into an organic agriculture hub, offering a diverse range of commodities and setting an example for other villages to harness natural and human resources for organic farming. Crops include organic rice and eight vegetable types: water spinach, long beans, basil, cherry tomatoes, purple eggplant, bird's eye chili, bok choy, and cucumbers. Additionally, nine Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA) varieties, such as red ginger, pineapples, galangal, sambang, and moringa leaves, are cultivated. Launched in 2022, the program in 2023 includes activities such as organic rice cultivation training, MOL and organic pesticide preparation training, herbal basic and advanced training, facility and infrastructure procurement, group management training, and land development. Bu Togar Panik has demonstrated positive outcomes, such as organic compost and MOL production, diverse organic crops, and the formation of local farmer groups.

Alternative substrates in the cultivation of ornamental and vegetable plants

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate different types of innovative substrate mixtures as an alternative to traditional growing media with peat and pumice on vegetable and ornamental plants Materials and Methods: The experiments, which began in November 2022, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on seedlings of Arbutus unedo, Photinia red robin, Fragaria vesca and Crassula sarcocaulis. The plants were placed in 14 diameter pots, 6 plants per 3 replications, for a total of 18 seedlings per experimental thesis. The test was divided into two parallel trials with different substrates. The first trial on Crassula sarcocaulis involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): peat 70% + pumice 30%; peat 65% + pumice 30% + biochar 5%; compost 60% + biochar 5% + insect humus 5% + pumice 30%; compost 60% + biochar 5% + earthworm humus 5% + pumice 30%. The second trial on Arbutus unedo, Photinia red robin and Fragaria vesca involved the following theses (irrigated and fertilised): peat 70% + pumice 30%; alternative soil 72% + biochar 5% + 3% humus + 20% pumice. On 18 May 2023, plant height, vegetative weight, root volume and length, number of fruits (strawberry) and number of microorganisms were determined. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of alternative substrates can effectively improve the vegetative and root growth of Crassula sarcocaulis, Fragaria vesca, Photinia red robin and Arbutus unedo. In general, in the first experiment on Crassula sarcocaulis, a significant increase in plant height was observed with the biochar-only substrate, followed by the insect and earthworm humus-based theses. All the theses were significantly better than the control with peat and pumice. In the second trial on Fragaria vesca, Photinia red robin and Arbutus unedo, the thesis with altenative soil, biochar and humus was significantly better in all plant species for plant height, vegetative and root weight and root length. All alternative substrates showed a significant increase in microbial biomass compared to the control. Several materials have been evaluated as substitutes for or combination with peat in growing media formulation. They include coir dust, pine bark, and wood fiber as well as sand, tuff, and pumice processed materials (expanded clay, perlite, and vermiculite). Besides satisfying the relevant technical requirements, these alternatives have to be readily available at reasonable prices and be readily available in sufficient quantities. In addition to meeting specific plant requirements, these materials have been used to create tailored growing media that are environmentally friendly and reduce production costs. Conclusions: The results of research on growing substrates must be translated into agricultural practice through various steps, in cooperation with horticultural companies. To ensure the best growing conditions for seedlings, nurseries should conduct a thorough analysis of the specific composts they use. As organic farming practitioners argue, greater involvement of compost producers and end-users could improve the quality of growing media by adding additional valuable characteristics and reducing the use of peat, which would allow for a more sustainable regime.

Nature-based solutions using organic amendments for biorestoration of alkaline spoil material

There are several tunnelling projects underway in Europe and worldwide to facilitate connections between distant areas or ones with geographical constraints (e.g. mountains). As a result, the tunnel industry has been producing huge amounts of excavated material (spoil material: SM), which can be re-used for different purposes (including green areas). Adding lime can be a practical procedure at a construction site for the stabilization of SM and makes it possible to manage it better at its final destination site. This work reports a nature-based solution (NBS) for decreasing the highly basic pH (12.53 ± 0.01) of the SM after adding lime, using three different organic fertilizers which are by-products of local olive oil (pomace), compost and digestate production. For this purpose, microcosm experiments were performed with SM amended with compost, pomace or digestate. Half of the microcosms were also seeded with Medicago sativa to evaluate its growth in terms of biomass. The changes in pH and in the structure and functional potential of the microbial community were evaluated in the amended SM at the start and end (4 months) of the experiment. Aerial and root plant biomass and concentrations of leaf chlorophyll and total phenolic compounds were also measured. The microbial biodiversity was evaluated using amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA gene) and a predictive functional analysis was performed by processing sequencing data with the PICRUSt2 tool.Adding the amendments to SM significantly decreased the pH values by 4 units and introduced organic carbon, nitrogen, and active microbial populations. Although pomace promoted the lowest pH decrease (7.98 ± 0.18) and the highest microbial abundance and activity, it did not favour the highest plant growth. Adding compost and digestate to SM can be considered the best NBS for decreasing pH and supporting plant development. M. sativa did not have any direct effect on lowering pH, demonstrating in this study the key role of microorganisms in responding efficiently to this environmental stress and mitigating it. In accordance with these results, predicted bacterial genes coding for membrane proteins (nuo, mrp) and for indoleacetic acid metabolism (ami, nthA, ipdC) involved in pH regulation were identified among the microbial populations.

Assessment of Sargassum spp. management strategies in southeast Florida

This study evaluated the economic viability of Sargassum management strategies in southeast Florida. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants, beach managers and potential users. To compare the strategies, a cost and market analysis was conducted to assess the value of Sargassum compost relative to other compost products available in the market. The findings indicate that composting Sargassum is an economically viable option and suggests the potential for recouping some of the costs associated with beach cleaning through the sale of compost. Furthermore, the utilization of Sargassum compost could offer a cost-effective alternative as a soil amendment, especially in the face of rising fertilizer costs. However, it is crucial to address concerns regarding compost quality due to contaminants such as plastics and arsenic before implementing a composting operation. This aspect necessitates thorough investigation and remediation to ensure that the resulting compost meets quality standards and is free from potentially harmful contaminants.

Jobs in the circular bioeconomy under scrutiny: The challenging reality of compost production in Rwanda

Today, most African countries have dysfunctional municipal waste management system, negatively impacting the environment and human health. However, as most of this waste is recyclable, informal actors are making their income out of the collection/sorting of waste. Accounting for the risks involved in waste manipulation, it is important to ensure decent working conditions for those recycling it. This study focuses on biowaste recycling in Rwanda, a Circular Economy leader in Africa, with the purpose of: (i) characterizing the working conditions of waste recyclers along the definition of ‘decent work’ and (ii) assessing workers’ satisfaction and its determinants. We surveyed 63 workers employed in three compost production and three biowaste processing companies. Our results show that the work can be considered relatively decent compared to national references, except for insufficient social protections and occupational safety. Workers reported being rather satisfied with their jobs, although our analyses of covariance showed that workers employed in composting were significantly less satisfied than the others. These findings highlight the importance of household-level waste separation for improving not only worker safety, but also nutrient recovery. Further research should investigate how to push forward waste sorting at the household level and improve worker safety (SDG 8) without negatively affecting the women currently employed in waste sorting at the company level (SDG 5).

Comparative toxicity of conventional versus compostable plastic consumer products: An in-vitro assessment

This study investigates the toxicity of methanolic extracts obtained from compostable plastics (BPs) and conventional plastics (both virgin and recycled). Additionally, it explores the potential influence of plastic photodegradation and composting on toxic responses using a battery of in vitro assays conducted in PLHC-1 cells. The extracts of BPs, but not those of conventional plastics, induced a significant decrease in cell viability (<70%) in PLHC-1 cells after 24 h of exposure. Toxicity was enhanced by either photodegradation or composting of BPs. Extracts of conventional plastics, and particularly those of recycled plastics, induced 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and micronucleus formation in exposed cells, indicating the presence of significant amounts of CYP1A inducers and genotoxic compounds in the extracts, which was enhanced by photodegradation. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the effects of degradation mechanisms such as sunlight and composting on the toxicity of BPs. It is also crucial to investigate the composition of newly developed formulations for BPs, as they may be more harmful than conventional ones.

An Optimization Design for the Resource Utilization of Grape Branches Based on the Orthogonal Test and Gray Relational Analysis Method

Composting is an environment-friendly and sustainable way to transform grape branches (GBs) into a useful product. Different parameters can differently affect fertilizer quality. Here, the compost product nutrient content was evaluated using an L9 orthogonal array (parameters, nitrogen source: chicken manure, sheep manure, urea; stirring temperature: 50, 60, 70 °C; initial pH: 6, 7, 8; conditioning agent: calcium superphosphate, zeolite, and copper sulfate). Among the treatments, the T3 (chicken manure, 70 °C, pH = 8, copper sulfate), T2 (chicken manure, 60 °C, pH = 7, zeolite), and T9 (urea, 70 °C, pH = 7, calcium superphosphate) had high gray relational grades (0.7424, 0.7132, 0.7110, respectively). The nitrogen source type (R = 0.1140) had the greatest influence on the nutrient content of the final product, followed by the stirring temperature (R = 0.1104), the conditioning agent (R = 0.0522), and the initial pH (R = 0.0408). Finally, the best nitrogen source of the grape branch compost was chicken manure, the best stirring temperature was 70 °C, the best initial pH was 7, and the best conditioning agent was zeolite. An experimental verification showed that the weighted correlation degree of the optimal treatment predicted by the orthogonal experiment increased by 3.63%.

Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy to Assess Compost Maturity Degree during Composting

Uncertainty remains over composting time and maturity degree for compost production. The objectives of this study were to establish maturity indicators for composting based on spectral and chemical components and to provide a reference for future composting management. Several indicators of composting were assessed for three commercial composts at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days during the germination of Chinese cabbage, including (1) central temperature, (2) moisture content, (3) pH, (4) electrical conductivity, (5) C/N ratio, (6) E4/E6 ratio, (7) fluorescence humification index (HIX), and (8) germination index (GI). We evaluated the optimal composting time using these indicators, reflecting the changes in hog manure, chicken manure, and agricultural by-product composts throughout their composting process to provide a basis for maturity time. The results showed that the E4/E6 ratio, C/N ratio, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and germination rate, which reached a stable status after 30 days of composting, could be the indicators of “early-stage” maturity. In contrast, central temperature, electrical conductivity, HIX, and GI reached stable values after 45 days of composting and thus could be more suitable indicators of full maturity. Based on our results, we recommend a minimum composting time of 30 days to achieve primary maturity, while fully matured compost may be obtained after 45 days.

Black soldier fly pretreatment promotes humification and phosphorus activation during food waste composting

Black soldier fly (BSF) and thermophilic composting (TC) treatments are commonly adopted to manage food waste. In this study, 30 days of TC of food waste following seven days BSF pretreatment (BC) was compared to 37 days of TC of food waste (TC, the control). Fluorescence spectrum and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis were used to compare the BC and TC treatments. Results showed that BC could decrease protein-like substances and increase humus substances more quickly, and that the humification index of compost products was 106.8% higher than that of TC, suggesting that the humification process was accelerated by BSF pretreatment resulting in a 21.6% shorter maturity time. Meanwhile, the concentrations of total and available phosphorus rose from 7.2 and 3.3 g kg−1 to 44.2 and 5.5 g kg−1, respectively, which were 90.5% and 118.8% higher in compost products from BC as compared to those in TC. Furthermore, BC had higher richness and diversity of humus synthesis and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), with Nocardiopsis (53.8%) and Pseudomonas (47.0%) being the dominant PSB. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the introduction of BSF gut bacteria contributed to the effectiveness of related functional bacteria, resulting in a rapid humification process and phosphorus activation. Our findings advance understanding of the humification process and provide novel perspectives on food waste management.

Training in Composting Efforts to Develop Economically Value Compost Products by Family Welfare Empowerment (FWE) Batuan Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar District, Bali

The Community Service Activities Conducted in Batuan Village, Sukawati, and Gianyar-Bali Aim to Increase Knowledge and Skills of Family Welfare Empowerment (FWE) In Managing Composting to Become Fertilizer Products That Have Economic Value. FWE has become a leader in waste management at the household level. The methods used include observation, counseling or education, direct practice, monitoring, and evaluation. Based on the results, 100% of FWE can use tools for the composting process to produce organic compost with economic value, 100% understand the use of compost, and 100% are skilled in using compost as quality organic compost. FWE in Batuan Village, after receiving socialization and training, commits to sorting waste and making compost into organic fertilizer with economic value.

A novel composting system for mitigating ammonia emissions and producing nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer

Ammonia emissions not only lead to environmental pollution but also reduce the quality of compost products. Here, a novel composting system (condensation return composting system, CRCS) was designed for mitigating ammonia emissions. The results showed that the CRCS reduced ammonia emissions by 59.3% and increased the total nitrogen content by 19.4% compared with the control. By integrating the results of nitrogen fraction conversion, ammonia-assimilating enzyme activity, and structural equation modeling, it was found that the CRCS facilitated the conversion of ammonia to organic nitrogen by stimulating ammonia-assimilating enzyme activity and ultimately retained nitrogen in the compost product. Moreover, the pot experiment confirmed that nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer produced by the CRCS significantly increased the fresh weight (45.0%), root length (49.2%), and chlorophyll content (11.7%) of pakchoi. This study provides a promising strategy for mitigating ammonia emissions and producing nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer with high agronomic value.

The Addition of a Small Dose of Cinnamomum camphora Biomass Unexpectedly Enhanced Lignocellulose Degradation during the Compost of Stropharia rugosoannulata Cultivation Materials

This research explored the effects of the addition of low doses of aromatic plant biomasses (APBs) on the microbial community and carbon source decomposition in compost. APBs were reported to be capable of altering the composition and function of microbial communities in many environments. However, the effects of APB addition on the compost carbon source metabolism, a process highly linked to the microbial community of compost, were still unclarified, especially when added in small doses. In this study, Cinnamomum camphora biomass was added to the initial compost of Stropharia rugosoannulata cultivation materials, in a mass ratio of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%, respectively. The variation in the carbon source contents, the microbial community composition, and the related enzyme activities of the end compost products were measured. The results showed that Cinnamomum camphora biomass addition significantly altered the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and protein of compost products, but did not affect the starch and soluble sugar content. Meanwhile, the addition significantly reduced lignin peroxidase and cellulase activities, but increased xylanase and laccase activities, and had no effect on magnesium peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Both the bacterial and fungal community compositions were significantly altered by the addition, though the alpha diversity indexes were not significantly changed. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Sordariomycetes was significantly increased by the addition, while Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi and Eurotiomycetes significantly decreased. Structural equation modeling found that the variation in the bacterial community composition (0.464 standard total effect) provided a higher contribution to lignocellulose degradation, rather than the fungal community (0.365 standard total effect). A co-occurrence network analysis further revealed that the trade-off between lignin peroxidase and laccase activity, which was induced by the relative abundance variation in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicute members, was the main driver in the lignocellulose decomposition variation. This research provides a new insight into the recycling of APB waste, and offers an improvement to mushroom cultivation material compost.

Prediction of composting maturity and identification of critical parameters for green waste compost using machine learning

Ensuring the maturity of green waste compost is crucial to composting processes and quality control of compost products. However, accurate prediction of green waste compost maturity remains a challenge, as there are limited computational methods available. This study aimed to address this issue by employing four machine learning models to predict two indicators of green waste compost maturity: seed germination index (GI) and T value. The four models were compared, and the Extra Trees algorithm exhibited the highest prediction accuracy with R2 values of 0.928 for GI and 0.957 for T value. To identify the interactions between critical parameters and compost maturity, The Pearson correlation matrix and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis were conducted. Furthermore, the accuracy of the models was validated through compost validation experiments. These findings highlight the potential of applying machine learning algorithms to predict green waste compost maturity and optimise process regulation.

Empowering Communities Through Household Organic Waste Management: A Case Study in Kajartengguli Village, Indonesia

Household waste, particularly solid waste, poses significant environmental challenges globally, impacting land, water, and air quality. This study aims to address the environmental degradation caused by waste accumulation by implementing a simple waste management approach in Kajartengguli Village, Indonesia. The method involves segregating household waste into organic and inorganic categories, with a focus on the composting of organic waste. By providing socialization and training sessions, the local community, specifically the PKK (Family Welfare Movement) members, were educated about waste management practices and trained in composting techniques. The outcomes revealed that this community engagement initiative increased waste management knowledge and empowered the residents to reduce household waste, particularly in Kajartengguli Village. The program's success lies in its ability to transform organic waste into compost, which not only improves soil fertility but also provides economic benefits through the sale of compost products. The implications of this study highlight the importance of community-driven waste management initiatives in mitigating the global waste crisis and promoting environmental stewardship. Highlight: Household waste management is crucial for mitigating the global waste crisis and reducing environmental pollution. Effective waste management involves segregating organic and inorganic waste, with a focus on composting organic waste. Community engagement programs can empower residents by increasing their knowledge and awareness of waste management practices, promoting the utilization of organic waste as compost, and reducing the population of household waste in the surrounding environment. Keyword: Household Waste Management, Organic Waste, Composting, Community Engagement, Environmental Stewardship

Empowering Communities Through Household Organic Waste Management: A Case Study in Kajartengguli Village, Indonesia

Household waste, particularly solid waste, poses significant environmental challenges globally, impacting land, water, and air quality. This study aims to address the environmental degradation caused by waste accumulation by implementing a simple waste management approach in Kajartengguli Village, Indonesia. The method involves segregating household waste into organic and inorganic categories, with a focus on the composting of organic waste. By providing socialization and training sessions, the local community, specifically the PKK (Family Welfare Movement) members, were educated about waste management practices and trained in composting techniques. The outcomes revealed that this community engagement initiative increased waste management knowledge and empowered the residents to reduce household waste, particularly in Kajartengguli Village. The program's success lies in its ability to transform organic waste into compost, which not only improves soil fertility but also provides economic benefits through the sale of compost products. The implications of this study highlight the importance of community-driven waste management initiatives in mitigating the global waste crisis and promoting environmental stewardship.&#x0D; Highlight:&#x0D; &#x0D; Household waste management is crucial for mitigating the global waste crisis and reducing environmental pollution.&#x0D; Effective waste management involves segregating organic and inorganic waste, with a focus on composting organic waste.&#x0D; Community engagement programs can empower residents by increasing their knowledge and awareness of waste management practices, promoting the utilization of organic waste as compost, and reducing the population of household waste in the surrounding environment.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keyword:&#x0D; Household Waste Management, Organic Waste, Composting, Community Engagement, Environmental Stewardship