COMPOSTING

HANDBOOK
Ilam Municipality

- SOURCE SEGREGATION,
- COLLECTION,
- RE-SEGREGATION,
- PROCESSING AND TRANSFER,
- PACKAGING AND
- MARKETING OF THE COMPOST

Nabin Bikash Maharjan, Technical Consultant, “PPP for 4Gs Project”, Winrock International
Table of Contents
Table of Figures: ......................................................................................................................................... 3
List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Abbreviations and definitions ..................................................................................................................... 4
Acknowledgements: ................................................................................................................................... 7
1. Introduction: ...................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Purpose .............................................................................................................................................. 8
3. Objectives & Scope ............................................................................................................................. 8
4. Waste collection: ................................................................................................................................ 9
5. Waste transfer: ................................................................................................................................. 10
6. Waste segregation: ........................................................................................................................... 11
7. Waste Shredding .............................................................................................................................. 11
8. Waste Mixing:................................................................................................................................... 13
9. Compost Curation: ............................................................................................................................ 14
Maintaining moisture: .......................................................................................................................... 15
Monitoring Temperature growth: ......................................................................................................... 16
Monitoring pH level: ............................................................................................................................. 18
10. Composting process:......................................................................................................................... 18
11. Compost harvesting: ......................................................................................................................... 20
Monitoring ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Storage ................................................................................................................................................. 21
Safety and Quality Control .................................................................................................................... 21
Process Validation (before routine batch production is approved) ........................................................ 22
Screening, Blending and bagging Compost: ........................................................................................... 23
a. Blending .................................................................................................................................... 23
b. Bagging ..................................................................................................................................... 24
c. Product storage and batch identification.................................................................................... 24
12. Compost Marketing: ......................................................................................................................... 24
13. Conclusion: ....................................................................................................................................... 33
14. References........................................................................................................................................ 34

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Table of Figures:
Figure 1 New Tractor from the project "PPP for 4Gs" for waste collection .................................................. 9
Figure 2 Layout of OWC ............................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3 Compostable and non-compostable ............................................................................................ 11
Figure 4 Big Shredding machine under operation...................................................................................... 12
Figure 5 Double shredding unit at composting facility ............................................................................... 12
Figure 6 Organic Waste Converter (OWC) ................................................................................................. 13
Figure 7 OWC at composting facility, Ilam................................................................................................. 13
Figure 8 Curation unit of Composting system............................................................................................ 14
Figure 9 Compost curation unit at OWC facility......................................................................................... 14
Figure 10 Checking Moisture .................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 11 Temperature monitoring ........................................................................................................... 16
Figure 12 Selected Quality Criteria for Composting ................................................................................... 19
Figure 13 Compost Maturity Index............................................................................................................ 20
Figure 14 Best use of Compost based on Maturity Index Rating ................................................................ 21
Figure 15 Compost report documentation process ................................................................................... 29
Figure 16 Compost testing parameters ..................................................................................................... 30
Figure 17 Compost quality parameters ..................................................................................................... 31
Figure 18 Final Quality Control Sheet ........................................................................................................ 32
Figure 19 Compost Contamination (B) ...................................................................................................... 33

List of Tables
Table 1 Moisture assessment index ......................................................................................................... 15
Table 2 Monitoring point locations and monitoring frequency for the stabilization phase .......................... 16
Table 3 Temperature Monitoring System Calibration Record Sheet (calibrate by Manufactures’ instruction)
................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Table 4 Temperature Monitoring System Record Sheet (example) (depth of 30 cm [12”]) .......................... 17
Table 5 Temperature Composting graph ................................................................................................... 18
Table 6 Tasks, responsibilities and accountabilities .................................................................................... 18
Table 7 Process Validation record Sheet ................................................................................................... 19
Table 8 Maturity Index Test Methods. Note: A C:N ratio of <25 is mandatory before testing for maturity 21
Table 9 Maturity Indices fro group B elements ......................................................................................... 22
Table 10 Validated critical limits of sanitization phase critical control points ............................................. 23
Table 11 Validated critical limits of stabilization phase critical control points ............................................ 23
Table 12 Batch Maturation Sampling and Screening Record Sheet ............................................................ 24
Table 13 Example of One Type of Compost Label (some results not listed) ............................................... 27
Table 14 SWOT analysis ............................................................................................................................ 28

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Abbreviations and definitions
Aerobic Environmental condition where oxygen is present
Wastes associated with the production and processing of food and fiber products on
Agricultural wastes farms, feedlots, ranches and ranges, including animal manure, crop residues and dead
animals.
An abnormal reaction of the body to a previously encountered allergen introduced by
Allergy inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact, often manifested by itchy eyes, runny nose,
wheezing, skin rash, or diarrhea.
Ambient air
Temperature of the air in the vicinity of a compost pile
temperature
Amendment Any substance such as lime, sulfur, gypsum or sawdust used to improve the process of
composting or the properties of compost.
Anaerobic digestion Refers to the process by which biodegradable waste is decomposed by microorganisms in
the absence of oxygen
Refers to the excreta (feces, urine) of animals together with whatever bedding material is
Animal manure
needed to follow good husbandry practices
Batch Quantity of compost produced by the same process under the same conditions and
assumed to have the same characteristics.
Batch composting All material that is processed from initiation at the same time without introducing new
feedstock
Bioaerosol Microorganisms and/or other tiny biological particles suspended in air
Biodegradable Material capable of decaying by the actions of microorganisms
Branding Type or variety of product distinguished by some distinctive characteristic; trademark
Bulk density Mass of dry compost per unit of bulk volume, including the air space. Bulk volume is
determined before drying. Drying is accomplished at 105ºC until no change in weight occurs
over time.
Bulk material Material that is not packaged.
Bulking agent Material, usually carbonaceous such as sawdust or wood chips, added to a compost system
to maintain airflow by preventing settling and compaction of waste
Co-composting Composting a mixture of >2 wastes (e.g., manure and municipal organic waste)
Combined sample, Combination of all incremental samples taken from one pile of batch of compost to be
composite analyzed
Composite sample The collection of multiple compost subsamples to make a representative sample of bulk
compost mass; the correct approach in most facilities
Compost A stabilized organic product produced by a controlled biological decomposition process
Composting Refers to the process by which biodegradable waste components are biologically
decomposed under controlled conditions by microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungi)
under aerobic conditions
Facility where waste generated elsewhere is delivered and the biodegradable waste
Composting facility
components are composted under controlled conditions by microorganisms
Consignment Quantity of compost dispatched or received at one time and covered by a specific contract
or document; may be composed of a part of a batch (lot) or one or more batches (lots).
Contaminant Unwanted physical material (including glass, plastic, and stones), chemical material (including
trace heavy metals and organic toxins), and biological material (primarily pathogens)
Critical control point The point, step or procedure at which controls are applied so that a safety hazard can be
(CCP) prevented, eliminated or reduced to acceptable (critical) levels.
Critical limit (CL) Maximum and/or minimum value to which a biological, chemical or physical parameter must
be controlled at a critical control point (CCP) to prevent, eliminate or reduce a production
safety hazard to an acceptable level of occurrence; criterion which separates acceptability
from unacceptability
Curing Allowing partially composted materials to sit in a pile at a lower temperature for a specified
period of time as part of the maturing process in composting
Dry waste All municipal solid waste which is not biodegradable
In this context, small fragments of composting materials, that are larger than bioaerosols,
Dust
and therefore do not form an aerosol.
Feedstock Any biologically degradable organic material used in the production of compost
Final sample Representative portion of one combined sample to be transported to a laboratory for
analysis.

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Foreign matter Non-biodegradable matter contained in MSW compost, including glass, plastic, metals, etc.
They are permitted only at low levels in commercial compost.
Germination The extent of sprouting of test seed in a sample or extract of compost. The test results are
dependent on the preparation of the test substrate.
Grab sample Collection of one large sample from a specific region of a feedstock mass; used with
compost only for special reasons
Green manure Green plant material incorporated into the soil to improve the soil qualities
Types of biodegradable waste that are high in nitrogen (N), such as animal manure, vegetable
Green waste
waste, live plant matter)
The potential to cause harm (such as pathogens in bioaerosol, dust, and VOCs during the
Hazard
composting process).
Heavy metals; trace Trace elements with concentrations that are regulated because of potential for toxicity;
metals includes chromium copper, nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury, and zinc (if present in excessive
amounts)
Hygiene Condition or practice conducive to the preservation of health, such as cleanliness.
Incremental sample, Quantity of compost material taken from one sampling point (i.e., subsample) from a
increment compost pile.
Inert waste Non-biodegradable products contained in compost (glass, plastics, metal etc.) apart from soil
components such as sand
Redness, swelling, pain, and disturbed function of an area of the body, especially as a
Inflammation
reaction of tissues to injurious agents
Inoculant Agricultural amendment of microorganisms that become activated after addition to the
compost pile
Inorganic waste Waste composed of material other than plant or animal matter.
Source-segregated bio-waste or biodegradable material intended that is fed into a
Input material
composting process
Leachate Liquid seeping through a compost pile and containing organic matter, microorganisms, and
other dissolved or suspended materials, some which may be harmful if the compost is
immature
Essential nutrient needed in relatively large quantities for plant growth (e.g., nitrogen [N],
Macronutrient
potassium [K], or phosphorus [P])
Manure Fecal and urinary excretion of livestock and poultry that may be mixed with bedding, spilled
feed, water, or soil
Market waste Primarily biodegradable edibles such as leaves, skins, and other waste discarded at or near
food markets
Marketing All activities (including production, storage, packaging, advertising, and shipping) involved
in the transfer of goods from the producer to the consumer
Mature compost Final product of decomposition that is fully stable, sanitized, and contains readily available
plant nutrients.
Maturity Index An evaluation of the extent of decomposition and completeness of a compost process. The
Maturity Index relies on test methods that have demonstrable relevance to stability and
maturity. Samples must first be confirmed to have a C:N ratio <25. Then maturity tests
must be performed concurrently on the same sample. They should include at least one
parameter each from Group A list and Group B list (see Table 1).
Mesophilic Temperature range most conducive to digestion of composted feedstock by microorganisms,
generally accepted as between 20º-45ºC (68º-113ºF).
Any organism too small to be viewed by the unaided eye, as bacteria, protozoa, and some
Microorganisms
fungi and algae.
Moisture content Weight of water in material divided by weight of solids in material
Testing routine representative samples of compost for Escherichia coli and other Salmonella
Monitoring
species.
Material spread over the soil surface to conserve soil moisture and porosity while
Mulch suppressing weed growth. Grass clippings, compost, woodchips, bark, sawdust and straw
are common mulch materials.
Municipal Solid Waste All solid waste generated in a municipal area excluding industrial and agricultural waste, if
(MSW) managed to also exclude hazardous waste, construction and demolition debris, and any other
specified wastes.
Noise Unwanted sound
Noxious weeds A group of weeds designated as harmful to crops, ecosystems, or animals that are often
introduced into the ecosystem.
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Organic waste Biodegradable waste from animals or plants waste material of animal or plant origin, and
carbonaceous material such as wood and paper.
Package Container in which the goods (compost or finished compost) are delivered and which
remains with them after delivery.
Pathogen Any microbial agent of disease
Highly organic, unconsolidated material found in marshy or damp regions, composed
Peat
of partially decayed vegetable matter
pH A measure of acidity and alkalinity of a solution that is a number on a scale from 0-14 on
which a value of 7 represents neutrality. Lower numbers indicate increasing acidity and
higher numbers increasing alkalinity. The numbers represent the concentration of hydrogen
ions in a solution and on which each unit of change represents a tenfold change.
Phytotoxicity A quality of compost that inhibits or prevents plant growth. Phytotoxicity as with maturity is
not a singular property of compost.
Personal protective equipment that serve as the final line of defense for personal safety and
PPE
health.
Action to eliminate the cause of a potential non‐ conformity or other undesirable potential
Preventive action
situation; preventive action is taken to prevent occurrence of potential non‐conformity
Price point Price for which something is sold on the retail market, especially within a range of
competitive prices

QMS (Quality A system for composting operations where specific controls are planned and applied,
Management System) monitored, recorded, and their effectiveness evaluated for each grade of compost.
Corrective actions are defined
Quarantine Period of time or place in which an amount of compost suspected of carrying an infectious
agent, toxin, or physical contamination is kept in confinement or isolated
The likelihood of a hazard becoming harmful and the severity of outcome under a certain
Risk
set of circumstances.
Root cause analysis Collective term that describes a wide range of approaches and techniques used to uncover
causes of problems; a root cause is a factor that caused a non-conformance and should be
permanently eliminated through process improvement
The process of composting under biological and physiochemical conditions where the levels
Sanitization
of pathogens have been reduced to low levels.
Practice of separating types of waste by discarding them into different containers for
collection. For composting, biodegradable waste could be placed into one container to
Source segregation
become feedstock and other wastes could be put into a different container for other
purposes. This is done in such a way that the materials are never mixed.
Stability Extent of decomposition in the organic matter of composition, and so the degree to which
the composted material can be stored or used without giving rise to problems
SWOT analysis A basic analytical framework that takes information and separates it into internal strengths
and weaknesses plus external opportunities and threats
Thermophilic Temperature range for microorganisms that thrive in temperatures between 45º-68ºC (113º-
155ºF)
Toxin Any organic poison produced by the metabolic activities of a living organism
Poison from an organism (such as bacteria) in the decaying organic matter or bioaerosols of
Toxin Poisoning
compost
Fulfillment of compost process requirements with Salmonella Senftenberg (Salmonella
Validation enterica subsp. enterica serovar Senftenberg), which is more heat resistant than other
Salmonellae, and Bovine parvovirus, which is a thermo-resistant virus.
Value chain Process by which businesses receive raw materials, add value to the raw materials through
the process of creating a finished product, and then sell that end product to customers. A
value-chain analysis evaluates every process step required to create a product and identify
ways to increase efficiency. The overall goal is to deliver maximum value for the least
possible total cost and create a competitive advantage.
Any of various small animals or insects, such as rats or cockroaches, which
Vermi
are destructive, annoying, or injurious to health.
Volatilization Conversion of a solid or liquid substance into atmospheric vapor
Process of picking up waste from households, businesses or a collection point, loading it into
waste collection
a vehicle, and transporting it elsewhere for processing, transfer or disposal

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 Acknowledgements:

I am highly indebted to Mr. Binod Shrestha, former Director REPSO Nepal, Winrock International and Mr.
Badri Nath Baral, Acting Director, REPSO Nepal, Winrock International for appointing me as a technical
consultant to the Switch Asia project entitled “PPP for 4Gs” implementing with the lead of Winrock
International in close coordination with Ilam Municipality, Namsaling Community development Centre
(NCDC), Positive Planet and other stakeholders in Ilam. With this role to provide the technical expertise in
solid waste management, I have been able to work with the local people, concern staffs of the Municipality
and potential SMEs groups together in Waste management and composting of biodegradables coming out
from the Ilam municipality.

Executive Officer, Mr. Mahendra Khamyang, ED, Mr. Ram Shah, Mr. Dipak Guragain, Mr. Kamal Prashad
Mainali from the Municipality for your valuable time to have meetings, discussions and inputs for the waste
management in the ground.

Thanks to Ms. Nanuka Khatri, Ms. Reena Ghimire, Mr. Bharat Adhikari of Private party (GPI), Mr. Dhurba
Kumar Pradhan (NCDC), for their valuable time and presence as per required, so that it was possible to share
and interact on related with ISWM- Ilam during my visits.

I have found that the two staffs- Krishna and Gopal seems excited and adopted quickly about the ground
management and steps of composting at the facility. USAID’s Farmer to Farmer volunteer expert Dr.
William J. Zimmerman, who have also provided the SOP on compost production and market linkages in
separate date at Ilam, also thankful for his documentation on it- that I have included in this handbook for
the best recording system and instructions can be very useful even after the project period.

Last but not the least, I must not leave thanks to Mr. Ram Rimal, Mr. Dawa Tenji Yolmu and Mr. Rabin Shrestha
including the entire project team for your every assistance during the visit and made purposeful.

Best regards,

-----------------------------------
Nabin Bikash Maharjan
Technical Consultant,
PPP for 4Gs project, Winrock International

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 1. Introduction:
Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works in the United States and around the world to
empower the disadvantaged, to increase economic opportunity, and to sustain natural resources. Winrock
matches innovative approaches in natural resources management, clean energy, agriculture, and leadership
development with the unique needs of its partners.

Winrock International, Ilam Municipality and Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC) is jointly
implementing Switch Asia Project “Sustainable production of commercially viable products from municipal
wastes through public-private partnerships in Green SMEs, Green City, Green Agro Products, and Green
Employment Generation (PPP for 4Gs)” in Ilam Municipality with the financial support from the European
Union.

The project had envisioned to support Ilam municipality forming a public-private partnership (PPP) between
Ilam Municipality and the private sector that fuels a commercially-driven cycle of solid waste management.
The PPP for 4Gs model integrates four dimensions of sustainable solid waste management: green Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs), green city, green agricultural products and green employment generation. SMEs
that are created streamlined waste management system for degradable and non-degradable waste that
incorporates collection, recycling, and the management of a new plant that generates compost for tea and
vegetable cultivation. It worked on four core interwoven components: enabling sustainable waste
management systems, constructing and operating compost plant through public-private partnership,
promoting compost use for organic, and mobilizing financial institutions for access to credit to enhance
organic farming.

In this regard, Winrock International is providing the technical support to the selected private party for the
sustainable waste management of Ilam Municipality. Winrock International has hired a consultant and
supported the selected private party to plan and design the overall sustainable solid waste management in
Ilam Municipality.

This composting handbook is a part of consultant’s job that has incorporated all the ground works that are to
be done while making the compost out of collected bio-degradable waste generated in Ilam Municipality.
Project has expected that this handbook will be helpful to the selected private party, Ilam Municipality, people
living in the municipality and other stakeholders who are interested to work on composting and involve in
Solid Waste Management Business.

2. Purpose
The Purpose of this handbook is to train the people involve in compost production out of generated
municipal organic waste and the specific purposes are as below.

a. To guide the team of private sector and municipality on quality compost production.
b. To know how to promote the compost and marketing in Ilam Municipality and beyond.
c. To take care of the biological and chemical process of composting
d. To make understand the detail process of the organic waste management and documentation for the
efficient management at the site.

3. Objectives & Scope

To clarify procedure and optimize the entire process of aerobic composting in a facility using OWC. It is
expected that the organic waste after day to day collection from the Households, business houses and

8
markets are turn into valuable environment friendly product, i.e. compost and to prove as a sustainable
social enterprise.

The scope includes the following:

1. Detailing the model of waste collection, waste transfer, segregation, processing and
management of the facility.
2. Know how to make compost using the Organic Waste Converter (OWC), its operations, care and
maintenance services,
3. Compost curation process, precaution measures, and adoptable solutions for the quality control
of composting.
4. Compost promotional activities including the testing, reporting, documentation and do
marketing.

4. Waste collection:
Waste collection from the various customers i.e. households, markets, shops, restaurants, hotels, industries
are primarily collect with separating biodegradables (WET) and non-biodegradables (DRY). If the collection is
in mixed stage, there will be rigorous time taking job for the waste segregators at the facility again. One can
have keep two different bins- dry (Blue) and wet (Green) for the separation at source and the collection also
can be done accordingly taking the different compartments in the vehicle or collect from two different vehicle
or also can adopt separate day separate waste collection model.

Required materials

 Personal Protective Equipment to be used from the members like Dust or respiratory mask,
apron, gloves, safety goggles, cap,
boots etc
 Collection vehicle (tipper and
tractor,) Holding equipment-
Shovels, hooks, buckets etc
 Visibility equipment: banner (at the
vehicles), T-Shirts, caps – full will
message/branding, Signal/ Music on
air while collection (with limited
sound),
 Route map of collection for a week
days Figure 1 New Tractor from the project "PPP for 4Gs" for waste
collection
Procedures

 Driver and two staffs (or +more) are required to go on the vehicle and as per the route map
designed for the collection on the particular day.
 Separate waste collection from the customers at separate bins- will be required to collect
separately (Dry and Wet). Keep at the separate chambers of the vehicle.
 Ensure that the waste transfer from bin to the vehicle should not litter again in the ground.
 Give thanks to the customer for source segregation and supporting on collection. And time to
time ask the customers about the service that has been providing to them is appropriate, so can
have feedback for the further improvement in the ground.

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 5. Waste transfer:
The collected waste from the households and several entities will come to the loading dock at the composting
facility. Ilam has its own tipper and a tractor for day to day waste collection. The project has also provided
the new tractor to improve the waste collection service and transfer to the facility. This has helped to make
coverage of extended areas of the municipality as well.

Only biodegradable waste from the vehicle are transferred at the loading dock. The loading dock are safe
from the rain, and also can easily put on the segregation table.

Required materials

 Personal Protective Equipment to be used from the members like Dust or respiratory mask,
apron, gloves, safety goggles, cap, boots etc.
 Collection vehicle (tipper and tractor,) Holding equipment- Shovels, hooks, buckets etc
 Visibility equipment: banner (at the vehicles), T-Shirts, caps – full will message/branding, Signal/
Music on air while collection (with limited sound),
 Route map of collection for a week days

Procedures

 Driver with collection staffs will take the vehicle full with the two separate compartments- dry
and wet
 Wet waste (bio-degradable) are to be taken to the compost facility.
 Dry waste (non-biodegradable) are to be taken at the landfill site- where there is a team for the
separation of the recyclables and non-recyclables again.
 The rejected waste after the re-segregation of recyclables are taken for the landfilling provided
site from the municipality.

Figure 2 Layout of OWC

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 6. Waste segregation:
Waste segregation has to be done before we keep the materials for the composting as the customers are not
very habituated on proper
segregation of their garbage at
source even the team gave training at
the ground. It takes time to have the
proper segregation from the source.
The separate collected bio-
degradable materials are re-
segregated if there is remain any non-
biodegradable materials which cannot Figure 3 Compostable and non-compostable
be recycled. Team need to keep on informing the customers to have the proper source segregation and also
can have start some rewarding steps for the best adopted people in the community.

Required materials

 Personal Protective Equipment to be used from the members like Dust or respiratory mask,
apron, gloves, safety goggles, cap, boots etc.
 Platform for the loading dock (transfer from the vehicle that comes after the door to door
collection)
 Segregation table (Project had provided the special kind of segregation table- as shown in the
picture), bins for collection of non-biodegradable materials and biodegradables for composting.

Procedures

 Segregation will be done thoroughly at the segregation table and drop the materials at separate
holes in the table that are collected at the separate bins lies beneath the holes of the table.
 Bigger and smaller sized materials are re-segregated and put them at separate bins.
 Bigger stuffs are taken to the separate shredder to shred it into fine pieces. Especially the bushes,
garden wastes, big vegetables are shredded

Note: The special kind of segregation tables has been installed so that the other waste except the
biodegradables can be put in the separate bins just lies beneath the table through the holes in the surface of
the segregation table. As in the picture alongside, the table has also the netted sheet above the surface, so
that the dusts and other particles will automatically filtered down.

It is again segregated for the compostable and non-compostable materials- the compostable materials are
only kept at the separate bin in the composting facility and rest of the other materials are taken out from the
facility. Recyclables are to be sold- or reprocess for the recycling and non-recyclables are then send to the
landfill site i.e. Khalde.

7. Waste Shredding
The collected compostable waste will be taken to the shredder and shred into fine particles. Several kinds of
materials comes in the collection, some are hard, some are soft- depends on the nature of the materials, the
shredder will take time and collect it separately in the appropriate vessels (like buckets, basin, or any other
comfortable sizes). Some materials which are soft and small in size doesn’t required to shred again. During
11
the composting, one can make particle size as much as small. The smaller the size of the particles, the sooner
the process of composting happens.

Required materials

 Personal Protective Equipment to be

used from the members like Dust or
respiratory mask, apron, gloves, safety
goggles, cap, boots etc.
 High powered shredder, double
shredder machine, bins to collect after
shredding

Figure 4 Big Shredding machine under operation

Procedures

 Segregated bigger and smaller sized materials are re-segregated and put them at separate bins.
 Bigger stuffs are taken to the separate shredder to shred it into fine pieces. Especially the bushes,
garden wastes, big vegetables are shredded using the high powered shredding unit and put them
in separate bins.
 Then, it is mixed and taken to the double shredder machine. This will bring the materials into the
smaller units again and put in the separate bins

Figure 5 Double shredding unit at composting facility

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 8. Waste Mixing:

Properly shredded materials are to be

mixed with the other dry bio-
degradable materials using organic
waste converter machine. The project
had procured OWC 130 with the
capacity of 50 kg per batch, using the
power of 8 HP for the composting
facility in Ilam Municipality.
Figure 6 Organic Waste Converter (OWC)
Required materials

 Personal Protective Equipment to be used from the members like Dust or respiratory mask,
apron, gloves, safety goggles, cap, boots
etc.
 OWC 130 with trolley and baskets fitted
with the nets
 Browns- Carbon resourceful bio-
degradable like saw dust, husks, wood
chips, and other moisture absorbing locally
available materials.

Procedures (basic)

 Fine shredded biodegradable materials

Figure 7 OWC at composting facility, Ilam
are are mixed in the machine
 The volume of adding browns depends on the moisture contents of the bio-degradable. Should
ensure that there will be 50% moisture after the mixing. Moisture can be measure using the
instruments as well but for the laymen technique- one can have mix the materials and using the
palm rule.
 Add the activators as well- as per the given instruction below.
 Operate the OWC unit (details mentioned below) and then take out the basket filled with the
mixture.

Procedures (Details operation of the OWC machine)

 Check the machine- there is no water at the surface and clean it well. There should not be any
wet space alongside the machine.
 Check the wire of the machine going in proper way, so that there should not be any
electromagnetic connection at the time of operation.
 The trolley are well inserted inside the compartment of the collection and the trolley is well
inserted with empty baskets.
 Switch on the electricity and then check the bottom area- where the switch are placed. Switch
on the power from the machine- ensure that the rotation is clockwise and the timer set for 5
mins only.
 It is not required to set for 10 mins first, as it depends on the materials put inside.
 Put the bucket full of well segregated biodegradables (better if shredded using separate
machine) and put the dry biodegradables as well. The ratio of the materials to be included will

13
 depends on the condition of moisture content. It should balance the final product after mixing
inside OWC- 50%.
 Add the two spoon full (given sample) of activators in the mixture (Excel co. ltd. has introduced
bioinoculam and sanitreat) and operate. This will help effective microorganisms grow inside the
compost mixture prepared.
 After 5 mins- recheck that the materials are fine mixed or just fair mixed. If required another
round of cycle can be started and then stop the unit. The feedstock should be homogenized and
then only turn off the OWC.
 After the mixing, one need to use the arm at the right side of the OWC machine. Pull the arm up
to 900 (Perpendicular), so that the mixtures comes in the basket inside the trolley.
 Use the trolley again and pull it out after one stop the machine. Then can take out the basket
full of the mixture materials. It is almost like a compost and should not press from the top.
 Put the basket full of mixtures in the curation unit. It will take 15-20 days to decompose the
materials into compost.

9. Compost Curation:
The curing phase of composting ends when the criteria for stability and maturity are both met. Stability refers
to a stage of decomposition where biological
activity still occurs but without nutrient
immobilization or a lack of oxygen. It can be
measured by the rate of respiration.

The curation unit comprises a folding rack fitted

with the moistening pipe line aiming to get all the
baskets full of compost taken to curate. There will
be separate 200 liters water tank to keep the
Figure 8 Curation unit of Composting system
water and fitted with submersible water pump
inside and electricity line fixed with switches.
These switches will make one easy for ON/OFF to
pass the water through dripping and spray into
the baskets.

Normally, the baskets full of mixtures of

carbon/Nitrogen and activator is regularly put on
the rack in serial wise at the folding rack. (As in
the figure attached)

There are few issues to be monitored in the

baskets after it is kept for the curation process.
The folding rack full of the basket are needed to
Figure 9 Compost curation unit at OWC facility
check the regular monitoring of the following parameters.

14
Maintaining moisture:
To know the moisture of the baskets full of compost, one can use the moisture meter.
In a regular days intervals, the moisture should be 40-50% all the time. Too much dry
ad too much wet conditions of the materials inside the basket harms the process of
the composting. In case the moisture higher that 60%- once should stop using the
moisturizing unit and once the moisture level comes down- then again can start to
operate as per need. First couple of days and last couple of days before harvesting of
the compost, once should not use the moisture unit.
Figure 10 Checking Moisture
Record all moisture reading on:

 Assess moisture weekly

 Scoop several holes into the compost and check the moisture content
 If the compost is too dry, spray water over and level the material again
 Spray water onto input materials only from designated sources to avoid contaminants from surface
water or the re-introduction of pathogens after sanitization

Record data on the ’Batch Formation and Monitoring Record Sheet’:

 evaluations of moisture content and date

 date and approximate amount of any water added
 source of any water added if different to the above

Moisture assessment methods

 ‘Squeeze test’ – clench the sample in a gloved hand for approximately 10 seconds, then open and assess
the moisture content (see Table below)

Table 1 Moisture assessment index

Index # Sample moisture behavior Interpretation

1 Water seeps out Too wet
2 More than one droplet appears Too wet
3 One droplet appears OK
4 Compost particles remain packed together and no droplets appear OK
5 Compost particles fall away from each other Too dry

Some Corrective actions

 Complete corrective actions - aeration, moisture, C:N - if composting temperatures shift outside of the
critical limits for the sanitization phase or the stabilization phase.
 Add water if composting conditions have become too dry
 Add relatively dry input materials if composting conditions have become too moist
 Record any corrective action taken to bring temperatures or moisture conditions within the critical limits
on the Batch Formation and Monitoring Record Sheet

15
Monitoring Temperature growth:
Regular use of thermometer in the baskets is required. One need to know the
temperature going up to 60-650c. The increasing of temperature day by day-
will denotes that the composting process is going in correct way and if the
temperature doesn’t increase from the day I- one should understand that there
is some error inside and go temperature growth. If that happens, then once
again take the basket full of compost out in the floor and mix with bio-inoculum,
balance the C/N ratio and re fill the basket. This will help the micro bacteria
grows well inside and temperature will increase slowly from then after. Figure 11 Temperature monitoring

Record all temperature readings on the:

Temperature Monitoring System Record Sheet and Temperature Composting Graph

Sanitization Phase (thermophilic composting)

Temperature within the compost will increase in a few days up to 60 °C to kill pathogens and weed seeds

 Maintain >60oC for 7 consecutive days to qualify as sanitized

 Monitor the temperature daily at 30 cm depth with the temperature probe
 Allow the reading on the probe to stabilize, then record the temperature

Stabilization Phase (mesophilic composting)

 Continue daily temperature monitoring until the compost is at the ambient temperature (if day limit on
Curing Rack has not yet been met)
 If the temperature of the compost rises again when more water is added, then compost is not yet mature
and requires more time decomposing

Table 2 Monitoring point locations and monitoring frequency for the stabilization phase

Parameter & batch zone Monitoring point locations Monitoring frequency

Temperature <5 to 6 random boxes on each side of a curing daily
Core zone (20 cm) rack (use random # table)

Equipment Calibration

 Know the temperatures that correspond with the lower and upper critical limits for sanitization and
stabilization phases.
 Maintain monitoring equipment in a functional state and label each with an itemized code number
 Check the temperature calibration of composting thermometers once every 6 to 12 months
 Record data from calibration checks of each thermometer on the ‘Temperature Monitoring System
Calibration Record Sheet’
 Take immediate corrective action if the temperatures are inaccurate, i.e., re-calibrate the thermometer
(see Appendix for those with screw calibrations) and record the corrective action on the ‘Temperature
Monitoring System Calibration Record Sheet’.
 Recheck the affected thermometer and record the final evaluation on the record sheet
 Record details of any repairs or replacements of composting thermometers on the ‘Temperature
Monitoring System Calibration Record Sheet’.

16
Table 3 Temperature Monitoring System Calibration Record Sheet (calibrate by Manufactures’ instruction)

Date checked % Error before Temp 1 Temp 2 pass/ fail Authorized signature
calibration

Table 4 Temperature Monitoring System Record Sheet (example) (depth of 30 cm [12”])

Basket Ambient
no. Temperature
Start
date
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
End date

17
Table 5 Temperature Composting graph

Monitoring pH level:
Compost materials after shredded and mixed using OWC need to be checked pH level time to time. There
should be all the time close to the normal (7) level of the pH to have the system well operation. Too much
acidic- cannot grow the beneficial microbes inside the compost basket and too much basic also makes the
growth very slow. Hence, for the acidic condition, one need to add some carbon content materials in it or
also might need to add agricultural lime in the mixture.

Table 6 Tasks, responsibilities and accountabilities

Task Authorized Responsible

Maintenance of monitoring system and calibration of equipment
Monitoring composting process Composters
Process validation and after validation approval of critical Project manager
control pts. and critical limits
Data information recording Project
Supervisor/manager

10.Composting process:
The composting process is very simple, and natural process as every organic materials will get decay and
decomposed after sometime. As of the system here we have had is to produce the compost in proper
maintaining the quality and conserve the beneficial micro-nutrients for the plants to grow well.

18
Waste materials is needed to be properly chopped/shred and then mix in thoroughly with other bio-
degradable materials help to grow the
decomposing microorganisms inside the
compost baskets. The additions of the bio-
inoculums which consists of tremendous
numbers of decomposing microorganisms get
their habitat inside the compost baskets and
they will rapidly grow and speed up the
decomposition process. With this process the
temperature inside the compost will increase
day by they and then at some point of the
composting process the temperature will
attain maximum temperature of 60-650c Figure 12 Selected Quality Criteria for Composting
which affect the microorganisms kill inside the compost. When all the pathogens (harmful micro-organisms
will get killed, then the temperature will slow down to the normal atmospheric temperature again and then
we will be able to get the dark brown/grey materials almost like a clay can be harvested from the process.
We need to understand the level of maturity of the compost- which doesn’t give foul smell while we turn or
stirred. The value of nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and phosphorous (P) are required to found in excessive level,
also need to ensure that the level of heavy metals should less and other parameters can be checked in the
compost after harvesting.
Some of the key elements that are needed to be considered while making quality compost are as follows:
Aeration
 If odor problems arise, increase porosity (free air space) in the compost by adding bulking agents
such as ground wood chips or saw dust
 Maintaining aerobic conditions requires no equipment and should not be problematic if the
feedstock recipe for batch formation is optimized.
pH
 Mix compost and water in a clean container at a 1:5 ratio
 Measure pH with litmus paper or a portable pH meter
 Record data on the ’Batch Formation and Monitoring Record Sheet’ ( table 7)
Maturation
 Remove compost from Curing Rack after 18- 20 days
 Afterwards, dry (if necessary) the product further or screen and store it
Please note that the mature compost appears dark brown, has an earthy smell and a crumbly texture
Table 7 Process Validation record Sheet
Batch 1 Start / End Dates: Duration: Type

Batch 2 Start / End Dates: Duration: Type

Batch 3 Start / End Dates: Duration: Type

Additional

19
 CL and CCP appraisals, Final outcomes,
Approvals

(cont’d)

11.Compost harvesting:
Maturity is a measure of a broader chemical status of compost referenced to the presence or absence of
phytotoxicity. Maturity refers to the completeness of the process. It is not described by a single property
but includes stability, soil-like odor, plant growth response, and more. It is best assessed by measuring two
or more parameters of compost.

Around 18-25 days of curation, the materials inside the baskets gets reduced by almost 50% in volume and
the color getting dark brown/ grey in color- then it can be harvested. At the time of harvest, the baskets will
be overturned in the floor or any basin and then can have stir with the use of pan ( dust pan, shovels can be
used) and then mix it thoroughly for the good color mixing.

The three rating categories of Compost Maturity Index can be done --very mature, mature and immature—
include the following compost characteristics:

Figure 13 Compost Maturity Index

In order to check the maturity of the compost before harvesting, following procedures are to be followed.

Requirements:

 Sampling equipment – 22-liter bucket, spade

 Storage containers for transport to the laboratory

Procedure

Monitoring
 Check the appropriate internal QMS documents if various compost grades and maturations are
produced (these must be created). Adhere to the CLs for the desired product or prepared product.
Monitoring conditions during maturation are optional.

20
  Record CLs monitored and sample test results on the Batch Formation and Monitoring Record Sheet.
Include the date the batch achieved maturation.
 Sampling- Take representative samples with a Random Numbers Table.

Storage
 Store the compost in approved locations before dispatch and document:
a. storage location for each compost grade and whether outdoors, indoors or covered
b. compost batch identification
c. preventive measures against contamination of compost

Safety and Quality Control

 PPE for sampling and mixing
 dust or respiratory mask, apron, gloves, safety goggles, cap, boots
 Grading maturity
 Pass a composting batch as “mature” only if
 monitoring records show that management was kept within validated CLs for that
specific grade of compost OR
 Maturity Index test results from a representative sample of that batch pass the criteria
for that grade of compost
 If compost batches are combined during the maturation period, include codes of all batches
and the new comprehensive code
 Designate the category of use for the compost grade (example follows):

Figure 14 Best use of Compost based on Maturity Index Rating

Table 8 Maturity Index Test Methods. Note: A C:N ratio of <25 is mandatory before testing for maturity

21
Table 9 Maturity Indices fro group B elements

Process Validation (before routine batch production is approved)

During validation process

 Prior to commercial production, carry out the process validation phase to evaluate conformity with
compost quality criteria
 Complete a new process validation if an operational change requires management review
 For a process validation, complete a minimum of 3 batches:

 composted for the minimum time periods

 included with minimum maturation times applicable to the compost grade(s)
 appraised against the critical limits specified
 sampled promptly when complete with laboratory analyses performed
 verified for critical control points and critical limits
 approved for limits of contaminants and desired ranges of nutrients
 Document that each assessed sample is representative of its batch and grade, and transferred for
testing at a laboratory within 1 week after the batch has completed its minimum composting period.
 Adhere to the monitoring locations and frequencies of monitoring as stated in Table 4 for batch
sanitization and then as stated in table 5 for batch is stabilization.
 Record the duration and outcome of process validation (see the ’Process Validation Record Sheet’).
 After validation

 Site Manager

Ensure that the critical control points and critical limits of the composting process continue to be
effective for process management

 Composter

For each batch, mark sanitization as complete by inserting the completion date on the Batch
Formation & Monitoring Record Sheet

 For each batch, mark stabilization as complete by inserting the completion date on the Batch
Formation & Monitoring Record Sheet

 During and after validation each batch shall be sanitized and stabilized by the end of the actively
managed composting phase (note the critical limits below).

22
 Table 10 Validated critical limits of sanitization phase critical control points
Parameter Sanitization phase critical limits
Temperature 60 - 80 C
Moisture content 50 - 60 %
Minimum duration 7 consecutive days when temperatures and moisture are within the above ranges

Table 11 Validated critical limits of stabilization phase critical control points

Parameter Stabilization phase critical limits
Temperature 40 - 65 C
Moisture content 40 - 65 %
Minimum duration 5 weeks when temperatures and moisture are within the above ranges

Screening, Blending and bagging Compost:

Unit operation where a mixture of materials with different particle size distributions is segregated into two
or more similar sized fractions by sieving compost material through one or more sets of screen mesh
openings. The material that remains on the screening surface generally is known as the oversize material.
Screening can be carried out with wet or dry material.

Requirements:

 PPE – dust mask, gloves, aprons, boot, safety glasses, and cap
 Manual screens of different mesh sizes
 Bags and bagging supplies

Proceedures:

 Screen compost with frames of different mesh sizes until the results are the desired compost particle
size grade(s):

 Record the date(s) of screening for each batch and the batch code on the Batch Maturation Sampling
and Screening Record Sheet.

 Inspect screened compost for maturity, depending on the grade of product, and particularly for physical
contaminants.

 Re-compost oversize material from the screen if a visual assessment confirms that physical contaminants
will not affect further processing or compost quality. Add this oversize material only as new addition at
the time of batch formation. Record this addition on the Batch Formation and Monitoring Record Sheet
for the new batch.

 If oversize material has excessive physical contamination, use it for on-site landscaping work or disposal.
Record the final determination on the Batch Maturation Sampling and Screening Record Sheet.

a. Blending

 Know the names and grades of the compost produced and sold at the facility
 Maintain a document of named composts, ingredient lists, and blending lists with other
materials, products, or additives
 List the approximate proportion of compost (% volume or mass) in each product
23
  Document the blending process

b. Bagging

Whether done on-site or off-site, track the following:

 names of the organization and bagging personnel
 the product name(s) and grade(s) of compost that are bagged
 how product quality information will be included on or in the bag
 traceability

c. Product storage and batch identification

 Record the location of the storage area and its details (outdoors, indoors, under cover)
 Ensure that each product batch is identified in its storage location by a marker displaying its
batch code
 If product has been screened to create more than one grade of compost, then also display the
grade on the marker
 Monitor each product batch to contain compost from on greater than 2 batches and be stored
for a maximum of 6 months before dispatch to a customer

Table 12 Batch Maturation Sampling and Screening Record Sheet

Batch Number Sampling and Index Results Authorization
Maturation Date Screening Date Signature

12.Compost Marketing:

It is required to adopt a marketing strategy to address product-specific obstacles (the public image of
compost and its comparison to chemical fertilizers) and tap market potential for soil fertility and
improvement for organic agriculture. For the same, private parties and stakeholder must have to develop a
long-term retail plan to successfully market and distribute compost products of this facility to the community
and agriculturists in and beyond Ilam District.

24
a. Strategies for product use

Supervisor or project manager will have to conduct a marketing SWOT analysis with the composting staff

All compost marketing strategies must encompass:

 Understanding the requirements of customers

 Assess potential customers and competitors
 Find out their ability and willingness to pay
 Calculate the potential market demand
 Maintaining quality control to meet product specifications
 Maximizing product value
 Presenting the product positively
 Delivering the product in a timely manner
 Having good customer service
 Pricing the product
 Creating a brand consistent with the use of the compost and not the origin of the feedstock

Marketing strategies must also publicize the purpose of compost when applied:

 as a source of organic matter – to improve soil structure, characteristics and composition

 as a source of plant nutrients - nutrient composition of compost must be known and assessments
of soil conditions and crop needs should be recommended

25
b. Promotion = communication with customer base

First, know:

 Applicable grades of compost that would be marketable locally

 Available alternative products such as manures and chemical fertilizers
 How the product will be delivered and handled
 When (seasonally) the product is needed

Balance production and quality

 Good product quality—will generate sales and more customers

 Risk—producer may then increase the quantity of compost quantity sent to market (even though
product is immature)
 Associated risk—if customers have a problem with the unfinished compost, this will reduce future
sales
 Solution—have a guarantee of quality of the product for the customer

Education

 How – arrange visits to the composting facility, hold presentations off-site, submit reports to local
media)
 What - biological process, applications, importance of soil fertility and organic matter
 Why - will extend customer base, adds to reputation of the facility

Customer service

 Maintain relationships beyond the sale of the compost to the customer

 Add post-sale support so the customer can obtain full benefits from the compost (how to apply,
recommended doses, seasonal usage, etc.)

Promotions & pricing

 Determine price points based on production and packaging costs

 Estimate the market trend and demand potential
 Obtain support of local media and authorities
 Establish a brand and market by lower pricing and promotion during the initial phase
 Advertise through media and other means once brand is established

Presentation (bulk or bag)

 Plan proportions of product presentation

 Bags
 For gardeners and some retail outlets
 Advantages are higher prices for bagged compost
 Disadvantages are higher costs (extra sieving, optional additives, maturity and moisture
changes, packaging, labor)
 Different types of packaging (e.g., 25 kg, 50 kg)
 Price points for different product grades
 Bulk
 For farmers and large-scale gardeners
26
  Lower prices but lower production costs

Information & labeling

 Nutrient content, especially nitrogen (and its chemical forms), potassium and phosphorus
 Soluble salts or conductivity
 pH
 Pathogens, because it must be sanitized for certain microorganisms (Salmonella,
Escherichia coli, and others)
 Absence of weed seeds
 Heavy metals content
 Origin and/or kind of bio-waste used in the process of production (traceability)
Table 13 Example of One Type of Compost Label (some results not listed)

c. Developing the compost value chain and value chain analysis

Action Points

Technical Assistance:

 Train Market vendors, market cleaners, and interested community composters on hygiene,
productivity, and costs involved in solid waste management
 Give practical and theoretical trainings to community composters on the technical aspects of compost
production at the composting facility

Compost demonstration testing on vegetables and rice:

 Complete a demonstration to compare the results of the traditional chemical fertilizers with compost,
and with a hybrid approach utilizing both methods
 Have several small holder farmers participate

Supply chain linkages:

27
 Maintain a connection between the compost facility and the local community
 Facilitate linkages with local restaurants and other generators of significant organic waste
d. Product Dispatch

Claim of compliance

 Distribute batches or mixed batches of compost grades only with a claim of compliance with quality
control

 Have the claim state that product followed all CCPs and CLs.

 Check each load to ensure all information supplied to the recipient is accurate

Quarantine policy for sampled and tested batches

 Do not dispatch any compost batch or batches to customers until laboratory test results have been
returned with a claim of compliance

Vehicle cleanliness

 Inspect each transport vehicle for cleanliness before loading bulk or bagged product, especially for any
surface that contacts product

 If unsuitable for contact with bulk or bagged product, do not use the transport vehicle until it is
cleaned. If left uncleaned, make a record of the details and vehicle identification.

Table 14 SWOT analysis

STRENGTH WEAKNESS

OPPORTUNITY THREAT

28
Figure 15 Compost report documentation process

29
Figure 16 Compost testing parameters

30
Figure 17 Compost quality parameters

31
Figure 18 Final Quality Control Sheet

32
Figure 19 Compost Contamination (B)

13.Conclusion:
Municipal like Ilam Municipality can have easily manage its day to day generating garbage through this
simple decentralized waste management system without polluting the environment. Using OWC- the
generated organic waste can be easily converted into first class compost and the produced compost
fertilizer also easily marketed locally. The transportation of garbage from one place to another is also easier
if such facility can be placed and operated. Very less energy, low man power and the ease in management
without generating foul odour, the municipality can have produce the compost out of the bio-degradable.

The curing control systems included in this composting technology is also very simple and can have operate
without any hindrance, as there is a semi-automated moisture maintaining system. The members involved
in this system can have just to check the temperatures alternate days in the baskets and the temperature
will get raised as per the efficient control of moisture and the pH.

Use of bio-inoculum helps the system more feasible as it automatically added beneficial microorganisms in
the system and grows same type of microorganisms. It also helps to eliminate the flies and rats, reduce the
production period (from 3 months to 20 days) and can have managed within the lesser space. Volume
reduction up to 80%. One time investment for the machine is the main cost that include the set up in the
system and rest all are the advantages for the municipality.

33
 14.References
 NEP 251 - Municipal Waste Compost Production and Market Linkages- field report and technical
briefing SOP-January 20 – February 9, 2017 by William J. Zimmerman, Ph.D.
 Compost Guideline. 2013. Environmental Protection Agency, South Australia, Adelaide, 34 pp.
 Operational Manual on Composting for Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) / March 2012.
United Nations ESCAP.
 Plana, R. 2015. Handbook for Compost Marketing, 44 pp. www.biowaste-scow.eu
 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for composting systems operated in accordance with REAL
Compost Certification Scheme. 2011. Issue 2, 19 pp. ©Renewable Energy Assurance, Ltd.
 Compost Maturity Index (CMI). 2001. Prepared by California Compost Quality Council, Nevada City, CA.
 Operational Manual on Composting for Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) / March 2012.
United Nations ESCAP.
 PAS 100:2011. Specification for Composted Materials. BSI January 2011, 68 pp.
 Woods End Research Laboratory. 2005. Interpreting Waste & Compost Tests. Journal of the Woods End
Research Laboratory 2(1): 1-6. Mt. Vernon, ME.
 Operational Manual on Composting for Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) / March 2012.
United Nations ESCAP.
 PAS 100:2011. Specification for Composted Materials. BSI January 2011, 68 pp.
 Savage, G., Diaz, L., and N. Goldstein. 2010. A Compost Screening Primer, 4 pp. The JG Press, Inc.
 Operational Manual on Composting for Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) / March 2012.
United Nations ESCAP.
 Plana, R. 2015. Handbook for Compost Marketing, 44 pp. www.biowaste-scow.eu
 Shwe Phue San. 2014. Feasibility Study on Sustainable practice for the production and the viable
marketing of compost by using waste from HH and urban markets, 40 pp. SWM2, Yangon.

34