INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE SÃO PAULO – CAMPUS REGISTRO
Av. Clara Gianotti de Souza – 5180
Jardim Agrochá - SP- 11900-000
Project: Static Compost Pile in the School
08 de setembro de 2024
Developed by: Carlos Henrique S França; Anna Laura Antunes;
Ana Sofia; Francielen
Overview:
Create a static compost pile (a long, static composting heap) in the school
environment to transform food scraps and organic waste into fertilizer,
promoting sustainability and environmental education among students.
Objectives:
Reduce Organic Waste: Decrease the amount of food scraps and other
organic waste that goes to the trash, promoting more sustainable waste
management in the school.
Produce Organic Fertilizer: Transform organic waste into high-quality
compost that can be used in the school's gardens, orchards, or green
areas, improving soil fertility without the use of chemical fertilizers.
Environmental Education: Teach students about the processes of
decomposition and composting, sustainability, recycling, and the positive
impact that small actions can have on the environment.
Promote Volunteering and Teamwork: Engage students, teachers, and
staff in a collective project, encouraging cooperation, a sense of
community, and environmental responsibility.
Reduce the School's Environmental Impact: Lower the carbon footprint
and environmental impact generated by the school by reducing the
volume of waste sent to landfills.
Methodology:
Necessary Materials:
Materials for Building the Pile:
Wooden pallets, bricks, or planks to build the sides of the pile.
Wooden or iron stakes to support the structure (if necessary).
Thick branches and thin twigs for the base layer.
Green organic materials: food scraps from the cafeteria (fruit and
vegetable peels, coffee grounds, etc.).
Brown organic materials: dry leaves, straw, shredded newspaper (without
colored ink), cardboard.
Tools:
Shovel, rake, hoe.
Gardening gloves.
Wire mesh (optional) to sift the finished compost.
Implementation Steps:
Step 1: Selecting the Location
Choose an appropriate location in the school yard or green area that
receives a moderate amount of sun and shade, and that is away from play
areas to avoid odors or attracting insects.
Step 2: Building the Structure
Build the compost pile structure using wooden pallets, boards, or bricks.
The structure should be open on the sides to allow air circulation but tall
enough to contain the composting material.
Use wooden or iron stakes to ensure that the sides of the structure are
firm and secure.
Step 3: Preparing the Base of the Pile
At the base of the structure, place a layer of thick branches and twigs. This
layer will help keep the pile aerated and allow good drainage.
Step 4: Adding Organic Materials
Alternate layers of green materials (food scraps, grass clippings) with
brown materials (dry leaves, straw, newspaper). For every 10-15 cm of
green material, add 10-15 cm of brown material to maintain a good
balance between carbon and nitrogen.
Ensure the materials are slightly moist but not soaked.
Step 5: Maintaining the Compost Pile
Monitor the moisture and temperature of the pile weekly. If it is too dry,
add some water. If it is too wet, add more brown materials.
Turn the top layer of the pile every 3-4 weeks to ensure even composting
and aeration.
Step 6: Removing the Finished Compost
After about 6 months to 1 year, the compost will be ready for use. Begin
removing the compost from the base of the pile, using a shovel to remove
the dark and crumbly compost.
Use wire mesh to sift the compost and separate large pieces that have not
completely decomposed. These pieces can be placed back in the pile.
Benefits for the School
Environmental: Significant reduction in organic waste in the trash,
decreasing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
Educational: Provides students with a practical and educational
experience in composting, recycling, and environmental sciences.
Social: Promotes volunteer work, a sense of community, and cooperation
among students, teachers, and staff.
Economic: Production of organic fertilizer, which can be used in the
school's gardens and orchards, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Conclusion
Implementing a static compost pile in the school environment is an
effective way to teach sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and
engage the school community in a practical and beneficial project. In
addition to improving soil quality and reducing waste, this project
promotes environmental education and a sense of responsibility among
students.
Suggested Timeline
Step Description Duration
Selecting the Location Choosing the ideal location 1 week
for the compost pile
Building the Structure Building the structure and 1-2 weeks
preparing the base
Collecting Materials Collecting and organizing Continuous
organic waste
Assembling the Pile Adding green and brown 1 week
materials
Maintenance and Monitoring Weekly monitoring of Continuous
moisture and temperature
Removing the Finished Removing and sifting the Every 6-12 months
Compost compost
Required Resources
°Student and teacher volunteers for construction, maintenance, and
monitoring.
°Access to basic gardening tools.
°Organic materials produced by the school's cafeteria and green areas.
