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Types of composting
There are a number of different composting systems
ranging from relatively low technology and low cost bin
composters and windrows, to medium cost aerated static
piles (ASPs), to highly technical, high cost reactor
systems.
One of the main problems with compost bins is that it
can take a considerable period of time for the composting
Case Example – post emergency to take place (up to a year). Also restrictions in the
composting, Montserrat, West amount of air in the system can lead to anaerobic
conditions, which can create bad odours and attract flies
Indies and vermin. The most appropriate way of dealing with
Following the volcanic emergency in Montserrat, there this is to turn the compost on a regular basis – initially
were significant problems associated with lack of twice a week to start with, but if the composting is drying
fertility of land for growing vegetables and other out - less frequently. If the compost becomes smelly, –
plants. A pilot-composting project was set up using a then turn more frequently. It may be more practical to
basic windrow composting. A double composter was cover fresh waste with a lid, which will reduce access to
built utilising waste timber from wooden crates used the compost by vermin as well as keeping out excessive
to transportation of emergency/post emergency rainwater, especially in a tropical climate. In an arid
supplies. One half of the composter was used to add environment, a lid will help to stop the compost drying
new organic material (organic kitchen waste, out.
vegetable scraps, plant prunings where available, etc.)
Wherever possible, a twin composting system is
which was turned on a regular basis, whilst the other
recommended. This involves utilising two compost bins:
half of the composter contained maturing compost
one compost bin which is in use and being filled with new
which was then added to the ground as soil improver
vegetable waste; and another compost bin containing
where plants and vegetables were to be grown.
older “composting” waste is no longer being added to.
This system has the advantage that the bin containing
Bin composters – the composting material can be turned without new un-
Compost bins are most suitable for use at a household or composted matter being further added and slowing down
camp level to compost kitchen vegetable waste and the overall composting process.
garden cuttings. They may also be suitable for use in
Windrow (batch) composting – The Aerated Static Pile (ASP) system - Aerobic static
Windrow or Batch composting offers a relatively low pile composting requires airs being pumped into piles of
technology, low cost composting option. If undertaken on compost, utilising compressors and pumps. This system
a large scale windrow composting can however be is unlikely to be a short-term or an emergency option as
relatively land intensive. it requires significant capital investment and energy
requirements.
Typically, organic wastes with high water content (e.g.
vegetable waste) are blended with a drier material such
as straw, woodchips, and recycled mature compost. Health and Safety
Doing this opens up the compost encouraging air
movement and enables the compost to be maintained in As with handling any waste material workers must be
trapezoidal or triangular section windrows around 1.5m in provided with appropriate protective clothing such as
height (no greater than the average height of a compost waterproof, durable gloves and boots and overalls.
worker). Facemasks should be used particularly when handling
composts to avoid exposure to fungi and other potential
Aerobic conditions are maintained by turning on aerosols.
regularly. When turning material from the outer portions
of the pile should if possible be placed in the centre of Care should be taken in lifting activities, with appropriate
the pile when it is reconstructed. The frequency of tools provided and loads carried by people should not
turning will be dependant maintaining aerobic conditions exceed 25kgs.
and the moisture content of the pile. As an initial guide, For further information on health and safety refer to the
turning of once a day or once every second day should Oxfam public health cd.
be sufficient for most composting operations. This should
however be reduced if the compost is becoming too dry
(water can also be added during the turning process if Further information
the pile becomes too dry). Usually after 30days of
composting turning can be reduced to once a week. • Guidance for Solid Waste Management,
prepared by the Sanitation Task Force, March
Piles should be kept small so that turning can be
2006
undertaken using a shovel.
• Emergency Sanitation – Assessment and
Windrow composting should be undertaken in batches Programme Design by Peter Harvey, Sohrab
connected to one another with care taken to ensure that Baghri and Bob Reed, WEDC, Loughborough
batches are not mixed, which will slow the overall University, UK, 2002
composting process.
• WEDC Synthesis Notes on solid waste
A maturing period is generally necessary following management:
composting (depending on the use of the final compost). 1. Vehicles for primary collection of solid
The compost should be stockpiled for 4-8 weeks to waste
ensure that the final compost is stable and does not 2. The role of community-base organisation
further degrade when added to soil. (CBOs) in solid waste management
3. Recognising livelihoods from urban waste
4. Gender issues in the management of
Figure 2: An Example of Windrow Composting urban waste
in UK