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Introduction and Review of Related Literature and Studies

Biodegradable wastes are waste materials that can be broken down into simple

harmless substances by biological processes. Various microorganisms such as bacteria

and fungi decompose biodegradable waste in biological processes (Byjus,2023). In the

community of Brgy. Atioc, Tarlac City, there is improper management of biodegradable

wastes. People in the community have been throwing their bio-waste in the drainage

almost every day. This improper disposal causes major problems such as unpleasant

smells, and polluted soil, air, and water. This also may contaminate water resources

which are directed to the rice plots of the farmers within the community. People might be

exposed to diseases carrying microbes that breed on garbage heaps and spread diseases

like typhoid, diarrhea, and cholera (Byjus, 2023).

Composting is one of the most adaptable and profitable methods for managing

biodegradable solid wastes. At scales ranging from a household bin to a large industry, a

wide variety of such wastes with origins in plants, animals, and synthetic materials can be

profitably composted. Inexhaustible demand exists for compost as a fertilizer and soil

conditioner. Compost is thought to prevent soil-borne diseases in plants in addition to

providing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients for plants. Due to these

advantages, composting is the best method for handling the vast amounts of

biodegradable solid waste that are produced worldwide (Abassi, 2013).

Composting is a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts

organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural

decomposition. The end product is compost – a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling material.

Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile during the composting
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process. They use carbon and nitrogen to grow and reproduce, water to digest materials,

and oxygen to breathe (EPA, 2022).

Composting is a complex biological process that depends not only on the

microorganisms involved in the decomposition of organic matter and composted material

structure but also on the physicochemical and thermal conditions that affect the activity

of microorganisms. Compost aeration should be well-defined, otherwise, it could create a

detrimental effect. As determined by Lau et al., The 0.2 L/min kg volatile matter (VM)

aeration rate reached thermophilic temperature (55 °C) in 3–4 days; however, 1.0 L/min

kg VM rate created a cooling effect, keeping the compost temperature at around 20 °C.

Physical variables, such as moisture level or temperature, have a critical influence on

microbial activity (Stipniece et. Al, 2022).

Most of the available composting solutions are produced for industrial or outdoor

use and are not suitable for in-house application and require intensive energy input.

Moreover, since the process is lengthy and may not be suitable for everyday use due to

the large amounts of biological waste required, in-house composting systems are

currently being developed (Stipniece et. al., 2022).

Cold composting is a traditional method for composting kitchen and garden

waste. This method takes a lot of time because wastes are added gradually to a compost

bin or a heap. The contents are turned (i.e. mixed up) using a garden fork or compost

aerator every few weeks and decompose over a period of 6-12 months (Anais, 2021).
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However, there is a faster method to decompose these wastes and it’s called hot

compostingt is a much. I faster process, and you can get finished compost in up to 18

days. (Environmental Protection Agency 2021). Hot Composting can take a wider variety

of food waste types without causing issues. Also the higher temperature results in water

removal – and hence removes a prime cause of mushy/anaerobic food waste). Not only

that but it also works all year round – which is relevant when composting food waste.

Additionally, hot composting kills weed seeds faster. The higher the temperature the

more seeds are destroyed. Hot composting kills pathogens and unwelcome bacteria.

Which and how many is a function of both time and temperature (Hotbin, 2023).

Commercialized hot bins are suitable for in-house composting but it is costly.

This study aimed to develop an affordable but efficient thermal compost bin, with

specially selected sensors to monitor process quality, that is suitable for in-house use and

which does not require excess energy input.

Research Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to develop a Thermal Compost Bin to

transform bio-waste into nutritional soil.

Specifically, it intends to accomplish the following research objectives

1. To develop a Thermal Compost Bin to convert biodegradable waste into

useful nutritional soil in terms of

1.1 collection of materials

1.2 process of making the Thermal compost Bin

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2. To assess the following;

2.1 The heat capacity of Thermal Compost Bin to produce Nutritional soil.

2.2 The time duration difference between Thermal Compost Bin and Common

Compost Bin in converting biodegradable waste into nutritional soil.

3. To test the device and evaluate the outcome of the study;

4. To draw implication from the results of the study.

Significance of the Study

The results of this study may be beneficial to the following

Learners. The results of this study would give students opportunities for

experiential learning so they could use the knowledge they learned to make related

products.

Community. The study’s findings would provide the community with a variety of

information and benefits of thermal compost bin in managing biodegradable wastes.

Future researchers. Future researchers may find the study's findings valuable by

learning more about the advantages of thermal compost bins. If they were to perform any

comparable research, they could also utilize this study as a guide.

Scope and Delimitation

The goal of this study was to create a thermal compost container that was both

inexpensive and effective. The thermal compost bin was created by the researchers using

recyclable materials. Precautionary precautions, such as the security of the researchers

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during the experiments and trials, were also taken into account. Preparation of materials

were done in each home of the researchers in Tarlac City. This study was conducted

during the second semester of School Year 2022-2023

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METHODOLOGY

I. Development and
Making of Thermal III. Assessment of the
Compost Bin following properties
-Collection of of the device:
Materials -Heat Capacity of
-Synthesizing device II. Testing of device Thermal Compost Bin
using the collected and evaluation -Comparison of the
materials time duration between
- common and thermal
compost bin

V. Waste disposal IV. Implications of Study to Community

Figure 1. Flow Chart of Activities

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I. Development and Making of Thermal Compost Bin

The researchers developed the thermal compost bin by gathering available

materials within the vicinity of researchers’ homes in Tarlac City and by following

particular step by step process in synthesizing the Thermal compost Bin.

Collection of materials

The materials required were gathered in one of the researchers’ houses. The

researchers sought out long-lasting materials, particularly a durable plastic container that

could be utilized as a compost bin. Half of all the collected materials were recycled.

Synthesizing the device using collected materials

After obtaining all of the essentials, the researchers gathered them from one

location to begin producing the thermal compost bin. Tools such as pliers, scissors,

screwdrivers, electric tape and brushes were used. The steps for synthesizing the thermal

compost bin were as follows:

Step 1. Cleaning and preparing the durable plastic container for the bin.

A sturdy durable plastic container was essential here so that what could be created

would not be ruined immediately. It was washed with clean water and a little amount of

soap to remove the dirt. It was also drilled to put holes for good airflow.

Step 2. Arranging the heat and power source of the thermal compost bin.

A 25-watt light bulb was installed in the lid of the durable plastic container. In

addition, a closed circuit was created in order for the light bulb to function; furthermore,

solar panels with a battery connected to the lightbulb was installed as the power source.
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Step 3. Arranging the temperature controller

The temperature controller was essential to monitor the temperature and to adjust

the passage of heat energy into or out of the space to achieve desired temperature.

Temperature controller was installed on the upper left corner of the durable plastic

container with sensor and electric wires connected to the light bulb and power source.

Step 4. Applying color to the thermal compost bin

On the durable plastic container, researchers applied water-based paint. Painting

color to the container of the thermal compost bin will make it more presentable.

II. Testing of device and evaluation

The researchers tested the functionality of the device. This test was done by

putting the biodegradable waste into the bin and turning on the thermal system and

leaving it for 15-20 days with constant monitoring. This test helped to determine the

ability of the bin to convert bio-waste into compost.

III. Assessment of the following properties of the device:

Heat capacity of the thermal compost bin

The researchers assessed the heat capacity of the thermal compost bin using the

device called calorimeter.

Comparison of the time duration between common and thermal compost bin

The researchers conducted the mentioned comparison by putting an equal amount

of bio-waste in both bins and tested which bin converted the biodegradable waste into a

nutritional soil faster.

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IV. Implications of the study to the community

The researchers drew the implications and impact of the study to the community

by carefully assessing the results of the tests conducted during the study.

V. Waste disposal

The thermal compost bin was made without the use of any chemicals. Excess

materials were disposed of securely and appropriately.

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References

B. (2022, July 4). List some problems caused by biodegradable wastes if not

managed properly-. https://byjus.com/question-answer/list-some-problems-caused-by-

biodegradable-wastes-if-not-managed-properly/

Gajalakshmi, S., & Abbasi, S. A. (2013c). Solid Waste Management by

Composting: State of the Art. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and

Technology, 38(5), 311–400. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643380701413633

Composting At Home | US EPA. (2022b, November 22). US EPA.

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

Stipniece, A. A., Vladinovskis, V., Daugulis, P., Zemite, M., Vitola, L., &

Mezule, L. (2022). Advantages and Challenges of Composting Reactors for Household

Use: Smart Reactor Concept. Sustainability, 14(16), 10030.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610030

A.(2021). Hot and cold composting: what’s the difference? In

Replenish.https://replenishoxfordshire.com/2021/05/08/composting-hot-or-not/

Establishing the benefits of HOT composting. (n.d.). HOTBIN Composting.

https://www.hotbincomposting.com/blog/hot-versus-cold-composting.html#:~:text=Hot

%20Composting%20can%20take%20a,mushy%2Fanaerobic%20food%20waste).