Activity: Solid Wastes

I. Introduction

Composting is the biological breakdown of highly concentrated

biodegradable organic wastes in the presence of oxygen aerobically to carbon
dioxide and water, and is considered as a viable alternative and positive use of
end-product for waste management. Compost is a stable humus-like material that
is the end result of composting. Compost material can be used to improve soil
structure and can also be used as a fertilizer or soil softener. Composting
produces nutrient-rich soil, which allows plants to use more water for growth while
using less water overall. A compost bin was utilized for this task. A compost bin is
a container where organic waste is placed to decompose over time. It also drains
excess moisture better because it has an open bottom and is more cost-effective
overall.

Under the activity of microorganisms, a biodegradable material can be

entirely broken down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. Some materials
may take a while to biodegrade, depending on their environment, but they
eventually decay completely. Many contaminating contaminants that aren't dealt
with in standard composting are really "biodegradable," and can be dealt with
through bioremediation or other specialized composting methods. Composting
converts organic kitchen and garden waste and manures into a highly valuable
humus-like soil end product, allowing essential organic matter, nutrients, and
microbes, all of which are essential for plant nutrition, to return to the soil. Factors
involved in composting are: temperature, particle or material size, moisture
content, oxygen flow and nutrient balance. All of the factors mentioned
contributes greatly to the decomposing of materials added into the compost
mixture. This controlled decomposition also requires a balance between the
"brown" and "green" organic materials. Managed aerobic composting helps up the
environment in such a way that the natural processes can function.

The aims of this activity were: First, to convert organic wastes into
biologically stable material, effectively lowering waste volume. Additionally, to
identify the advantages and disadvantages of composting using compost bin.
Finally, producing a product that can be utilized to stimulate plant growth as well
as a soil treatment as fertilizer and soil conditioner.
II. Materials and Methods

Materials:
The following resources were utilized for an effective undertaking of the activity:

MATERIAL QUANTITY
BROWN LAYER 3’’ thick
Garden Soil
Compost/Loam Soil 2.5 kg
Dried Leaves or Grass
GREEN LAYER 3’’ thick
Egg Shells
Banana Peel 2.5 kg
Kitchen Waste (vegetables)
Water 5 liters

 Egg Shells – this material is made out of calcium carbonate and calcium
which help plants develop a strong cellular structure
 Banana Peel- common fruit waste in the household like this material has
minerals such as potassium and magnesium
 Kitchen Waste- organic materials to maintain the dry and wet waste balance
 Leaves- Dried leaves are high in carbon, which is an important component of
composting.
 Soil- specifically garden soil contributes in quickening the process of
decomposing and also helps with the bad smell
 Compost/ Loam Soil- this material will speed up the decomposing by adding
bacteria

Procedure:
1. A bucket or bin was used in making the said compost. Several holes were
drilled at the bottom of the bin to let some air in. A shallow container was
placed under the compost bin to collect the water from the compost that was
used later on.
2. The compost was made with 3 layers (Brown, Green and Brown). The 1 st
layer (Brown) composes of Garden soil and Compost/Loam Soil. Next layer
(Green) would be the egg shells, banana peel & kitchen and fruit scraps.
Then, the final layer (Brown) was composed of garden soil and compost/loam
soil just like in the first layer. Dried leaves were added last and at the top of
the pile.
3. After all the materials were placed inside the bin, water was added to the
compost thoroughly. The compost bin with the shallow container at the
bottom was placed under the sun. Then, as the mixture dried up, the drained
water underneath the bin was used to water the compost again. This
continued for several days.
4. On a regular basis, the compost was mixed with a tool like a garden shovel
for this helps in faster decomposition by allowing air to the pile. The mixture
was once again so that it stays moist.
5. After 3-4 weeks, the compost is ready to be used.

Microorganisms+ OM ⟶ H 2 O+ CO2 + Heat + Humus

The equation above is the biological process of composting.

III. Results and Discussion

After performing the said activity, the following results were documented
and observed.

Plate 1. Materials used in the activity

Plate 2. Drilled holes on the bottom and sides of the bin

Plate 3. Brown Layer (Garden Soil with Clay or Loam Soil)

Plate 4. Green Layer (Grass and Leaves)

Plate 5. Green Layer (Kitchen Waste)

 Plate 6. Brown Layer (Dried Grass, Leaves and Garden Soil)

Plate 7. Compost mixture after 1 week

It was observed that the

References:

Mollazadeh, N. (2015). (PDF) Composting: A new method for reduction of solid waste
and wastewater. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274940255_Composting_a_new_metho
d_for_reduction_of_solid_waste_and_wastewater