Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Science Edition ISSN : 1673-064X

A Review on Organic Waste Management Through Composting.

Kinjal Machhar1, Dr. Prashakha Shukla*2
1: PG student M.Sc (Microbiology), Department of Microbiology, Parul Institute of
Applied Science, Parul University, Po-Limda 391760, Ta-Waghodia, Dis-Vadodara

*2: Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Parul Institute of Applied

Science, Parul University, Po-Limda 391760, Ta-Waghodia, Dis-Vadodara
Email - prashakha.shukla18543@paruluniversity.ac.in

Correspondence to Author:
Dr. Prashakha J. Shukla
Assistant Professor,
Department of Microbiology,
Parul Institute of Applied Science,
Parul University, Vadodara-39176
E-mail: prashakhashukla@gmail.com

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ABSTRACT

Food and organic waste account for up to 80% of municipal waste. These wastes lead to cause
health issues if left for natural degradation for many years or properly not handled as
consideration of enzymatic secretion of microorganisms. Ecofriendly management of this waste
and the application of microorganisms is the greatest challenge to the Environment. Organic
waste is consumed by the bacteria and is no longer to odors, pollution and sludge. The waste is
converted into safe products when bacteria consume waste and produce several metabolites to
break down complex waste into a simple compound. This study aimed to the management of
organic waste (Food waste) through composting. The decaying of food waste Produces a large
number of toxins and foul odors such as NH3 and H2S. Ammonia has a strong odor and can cause
serious burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. H2S causes serious water and air pollution.
Composting has been used to improve soil structure and fertility by recycling organic matter into
the soil. In recent years, the composting process has received much attention because of pollution
concerns and the search for environmental- friendly methods for treating waste.

KEYWORDS:

Solid waste, Waste management, Food waste, Composting, Organic fertilizer, Protect
Environment.

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1. INTRODUCTION

In most developing countries improper handling of Municipal solid waste with its result becomes
trouble [1]. Worldwide municipal waste generation is now about 1.3 billion tons per annum and
is estimated to reach 3 billion tons by 2025 [2]. Private management systems are the most
significant contributors to food waste [3]. As time is going production of food waste is increasing.
The bulk of food waste carries for disposal at landfill sites, leading to environmental pollution
[4]. Food waste can be used as soil fertilizers [5]. In all kitchens, there is Food waste that must
be recycled waste that can be hazardous, which must be stored in a certain way [6]. Organisms
that are produced from food waste are used to enhance degradation [7]. The handling of organic
waste is required to reduce environmental load, and decrease hazardous to human health [9].
Most of the food waste has high moisture content due to this, it is difficult to process food waste
by incineration [10]. Food waste includes fruits, vegetables, peeling, cores, and cooked or
uncooked food. 95% biodegradable fragment of food waste is appropriate for anaerobic digestion
[8]. Food waste is nutrient-rich, containing a high level of protein, carbohydrates, lipids, and
proteins which help for getting a huge population of microorganisms [11]. Food waste contains
moisture which is beneficial for good microbial growth. This microbial growth metabolizes waste
into simpler compounds which is important for soil fertility and to balance the natural ecosystem
[12]. In the Decomposition process Fungi and Bacteria play important role in optimal
Agricultural and kitchen waste bioconversion. [13]. Food waste degradation increased by some
affecting procedures. Due to having high moisture content, food waste is capable of anaerobic
digestion with biogas production [14].

Composting transforms raw organic residues into humus-like material through the activity of soil
microorganisms [17]. This humus-like material is called as compost which is used as organic
fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers make plant nutrients more accessible to plants, but their drawbacks
exceed their benefits [18]. For example, chemical fertilizers contribute to climate change,
pollution, the loss of soil organisms and marine life, ozone layer depletion, and Human disease
[15]. Organic fertilizers improve the soil structure, allowing it to hold water longer and increase
the bacterial and fungal activity in the soil. They help not only plants but also the soil [16].

A. Organic waste:

Organic wastes are biodegradable materials derived from living organisms such as plants,
animals, and microorganisms that can be broken down into simpler organic molecules [19].
Organic wastes can be solid or liquid depending on how they are produced in nature. Agriculture,
household activities, and industrial products are the three most common sources of organic waste
[20]. Some of the common types of organic waste usually found in nature include:

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i. Municipal solid waste:

Municipal solid waste comprises products packaging, grass clipping, furniture, clothing, bottles,
food scraps, appliances, paint, and other trash generated in our daily lives. These wastes are
generated from schools, hospitals, residential areas, and businesses [21].

ii. Cattle wastes:

Cattle wastes are animal wastes that are rich in organic substances. Cattle waste is also a valuable
soil fertilizer since it has a high concentration of micro and macronutrients that are essential for
crop growth and soil fertility. Organic wastes in the form of cattle wastes include manure and
feed from cattle [23].

iii. Food waste:

Food waste accounts for around 30% of all organic waste produced in nature, both naturally and
artificially. Peelings, cores, leaves, fruits, twigs, outer skin, and sludges are examples of food
waste [22]. Food waste is produced mostly by canning, freezing, and vegetables, as well as in
residential areas, hotels, and restaurants [24].

b. Organic waste management:

Organic waste recycling is the process of organic waste management where organic wastes are
converted into useable substances using various recycling techniques [25]. As waste management
has become a growing issue in most metropolitan cities, the demand for organic waste recycling
has increased. Organic waste accounts for the majority of waste produced in nature, and its high
moisture content has a direct impact on urban living systems [26]. Excess moisture content
increases waste volume while lowering incinerator temperatures, resulting in a higher overall
waste disposal load [28]. Biological treatments are one of the most practical and efficient ways
to deal with organic waste [28].

i. Composting:

Composting is a managed process that decomposes organic matter using microorganisms found
naturally in organic material. It is an aerobic process that occurs under ideal moisture and
biological heat generation conditions. Even though all organic matter can be composted, some
materials such as woodchips and paper, take significantly longer than food and agricultural
wastes to decompose [29, 27]. Some amount of wood chips is essential to increase aeration in the
composting process. The composting process is driven by microorganisms, thus maintaining an
ideal environment for microbial activity is essential for successful and efficient composting [31].
Composting process depends upon several parameters including carbon to nitrogen ratio (C: N),

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oxygen level, temperature, the population of microorganisms, pH, time, moisture, and surface
area [30].

The composting process begins as soon as the organic residues are compiled. During the active
phase of composting, the temperature of the pile rises to 130-1500f and may remain elevated for
several weeks. It’s especially vital to maintain proper aeration during this phase of high microbial
activity because aerobic decomposition is the most efficient and produces finished in the shortest
amount of time [32,33]. When organic matter is consumed and decomposition slows, the
temperature of the compost pile drops to 1000f and the curing phase begins. At the end finished
compost looks dark, crumbly, and smells earthy [34].

Table (1): Suitable material for composting

Compost Don’t compost
Yard trimming, grass clipping Dairy products
Tissues, paper towels Meat products
Leaves, shredded newspaper Oils and greasy food
Vegetable and fruit peels Onion and garlic scraps
Tea leaves, used tea plastic
Brown paper product Charcoal Ash, diseased plants
Sawdust, Toothpicks, wood chips Leather goods, Diapers, black walnut

ii. Composting methods:

Different methods of composting are Windrow composting, Vermicomposting, Aerated static

pile composting and In-vessel composting [35]. Windrow composting is one of the commonly
used methods because it can treat a high volume of organic waste. This form of composting
involves piling organic waste into long, narrow, heaps known as “windrow”, which have a
triangular or circular cross-sectional area [37]. The piles are then either manually or mechanically
turned. This windrow composting method is ideal for restaurants, cafeterias, and marketplaces
that create an enormous amount of food waste since the pile is large enough to generate and
sustain sufficient heat [38]. However, this method is time-consuming and requires a large area of
land to accommodate the large equipment [36].

Fig (1): Windrow composting [40]

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Through the activity of earthworms, the vermicomposting method produces compost. The
earthworms break down organic waste into higher quality compost which is known as castings
[39]. Because the castings are high in nutrients including nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium,
they are utilized as potting soil. The vermicomposting is inexpensive, easy, environment-friendly,
and has excellent properties [41].

The Aerated static pile composting method uses either positive or negative ambient air. Along
with organic wastes and bulking agents, the air is circulated through the compost pile [43]. Layers
of bulking agents are added to the pile to improve airflow and add porosity to the pile [42].
Aerated static pile composting can produce compost in three to six months and is suitable for a
large amount of organic waste. This method does not require as much area of land as compared
to the windrow composting method [44].

In-vessel composting can process large amounts of waste without taking up as much space as
windrow composting, and it can handle almost any type of organic waste [45]. Organic materials
are fed into a drum, silo, concrete-lined trench, or other similar device using this method [46].
This allows good control of environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, and aeration
[47]. To ensure that the material is aerated, the material is turned mechanically. The size and
capacity of the vessel can differ. Compost produced in just a few weeks through this method [48].

Table (2): Benefits and Drawbacks of compost

Benefits Drawbacks
Enriches soil Not suitable for all kinds of organic
waste
Suppress plant disease and pests Composting takes time
Helping retain moisture Unpleasant smell
Reduce the need for chemical fertilizer Require initial investment

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Add nutrients to the soil Needs some space

Reduce landfill waste Affected by weather (outdoor
compost)
Good for the environment Slow-release of fertilizer nutrients
Fully organic fertilizer May attracts rats, and bugs.

Fig (2): Raw organic matter Fig (3): Finished compost

2. CONCLUSION:

Organic waste management using composting methods avoids odor problems, as well as gas
(methane, CO2) emissions and leachate in landfills and incinerators. Organic matter is converted
into compost, which is used as organic fertilizer for gardening and agriculture and avoids the use
of chemical fertilizer. Soil quality like fertility, water retention, porosity, and nutrient retention
is improved by utilizing compost. The protection of the environment and the population’s health
is one of the most significant benefits of waste management.

Acknowledgment
It's our privilege and honor to express our sincerest gratitude to the Parul University,
Vadodara, Gujarat for providing me with all the necessary support and facilities
including state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities with advanced technological scientific
laboratories and everything else that was required to carry out this.

Conflicts of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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