Composting

Biological transformation of biodegradable waste

into water, carbon dioxide, energy and a composed

matter
Helps to reduce the volume of waste destined for
landfill or incineration
Composting product that can be used for soil
amendment, improve soil nutrients, reduces erosion
and help suppress plant diseases

 Organic fraction of most MSW can be considered to

be composed of protein, amino acids, lipids,

carbohydrate, cellulose, lignin and ash
These organic material undergoes aerobic microbial
decomposition and produce a humus material
known as compost

 Objective of composting
To transform the biodegrability organic materials into a
biologically stable material, and in the process reduce the
original volume of waste
To destroy pathogens, insect eggs, and other unwanted
organisms and weed seeds that may be present in MSW
To retain the maximum nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium) content
To produce a product that can be used to support plant growth
and as a soil amendment

Properties
A brown to very dark brown color
A low carbon-nitrogen ratio
A continually changing nature due to the activities of

microorganisms
A high capacity for cation exchange and water
absorption

Step

Pre-processing
of MSW

Decomposition
of the organic
fraction of the
MSW

Preparation and
marketing of
the final
product

Pre-processing of MSW
Receiving MSW
Removal of recoverable material
Size reduction

Adjustment of the waste properties such as carbon-

nitrogen ratio, addition of moisture and nutrients

Degree of preprocessing depends on the specific
composting process employed and the specification
for the final compost product

Decomposition of the organic fraction of the

MSW
Windrow
Prepared MSW is placed in windrows in an open field
Windrows are turned once or twice per week for composting
period of 4 to 5 weeks
Biodegradable portion of the organic fraction of MSW is
decomposed by a variety of microorganisms, which utilize the
organic matter as a carbon (food source)
Static pile
In-vessel composting

Preparation and marketing of the final

product
Fine grinding
Screening
Air classification

Blending with various additive

Granulation
Bagging

Storage
Shipping

Facility design
Process variables

Particle size smaller particle size is encouraged to increase surface

area for microbial activity. But if too small will reduce void size and
oxygen viability for aerobic condition. Ideal size 1.25 7.5 cm
Particle size distribution of the material to be composted
Seeding and mixing requirements
Required mixing/turning schedule
Total oxygen requirement
Moisture content required by microorganisms to assimilate
nutrients and increase colony size. 40 65%
Temperature and pH control
Carbon-nitrogen ratio of the waste to be composted
Respiratory quotient (RQ)
Control of pathogen

Facility design
Factors to consider in designing of composting

facilities

Types of waste
System selected
Environmental issues
Cost of implementation

Techniques
Agitated method
Material to be composted is agitated periodically
introduce

oxygen
to control the temperature
to mix the material the material to obtain a more uniform product

Static method
Compost piles are laid (remain static) on perforated pipes
The air is blown through the composting material
Covered by a layer of screened compost for insulation and odor
control

Windrow composting
Oldest method
Constructed by forming the organic material to be

composted into windrows 8 to 10 ft high by 20 to 25

feet wide at the base
Organic material is processed by shredding and
screening it to approximately 1 to 3 in
Moisture content is adjusted to 50 to 60 %
High rate systems are turned up to twice per week
Temperature is maintained at or slightly above 55C

Windrow composting
Turning of the windrow is often accompanied by the

release of offensive odors

Accomplished in 3 to 4 weeks
The compost is allowed to cure for another 3 to 4
weeks without turning
Residual decomposable organic materials are
reduced by fungi

Aerated Static Pile Composting

Also known as Beltsville or ARS process
Developed for aerobic composting of wastewater

sludge
Compost a wide variety of organic waste including
yard waste or separated MSW
Material is composted for 3 to 4 weeks
Then it is cured for 4 weeks and longer
To improve quality cured compost are shred and
screen

Aerated Static Pile Composting

To improve process and odor control all or

significant portion of the system in newer facilities

are covered or enclosed

In vessel Composting System

Accomplished inside an enclosed container or vessel
Plug flow
Relationship between particles in the composting mass stays
the same
First in first-out principle
Dynamic system
Composting material is mixed mechanically during the process

In vessel Composting System

Mechanical system are designed to minimize odors

and process time by controlling environmental

conditions such as air flow, temperature and oxygen
concentration
Advantageous

Process and odor control

Faster throughput
Lower labor cost
Smaller area requirements

Appication
Yard waste
Grass, leaves, small trees branches
Organic fraction of MSW
Food waste, thin plastic, papers
Partially processed commingled MSW
Waste which are not separated before arriving at the
processing site

Co-composting of the organic fraction of MSW with

wastewater sludge