1. Composting & Vermicomposting
Martin Wafler, seecon international gmbh

2. Copy it, adapt it, use it – but acknowledge the source!
Copyright & Disclaimer
Copy it, adapt it, use it – but acknowledge the source!
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The contents of the SSWM Toolbox reflect the opinions of the respective authors and not necessarily the official opinion of the funding or supporting partner organisations.
Depending on the initial situations and respective local circumstances, there is no guarantee that single measures described in the toolbox will make the local water and sanitation system more sustainable. The main aim of the SSWM Toolbox is to be a reference tool to provide ideas for improving the local water and sanitation situation in a sustainable manner. Results depend largely on the respective situation and the implementation and combination of the measures described. An in-depth analysis of respective advantages and disadvantages and the suitability of the measure is necessary in every single case. We do not assume any responsibility for and make no warranty with respect to the results that may be obtained from the use of the information provided.

3. Contents
Composting
Vermicomposting
Applicability
Advantages and disadvantages

4. Composting

5. 1. Composting Why composting?
about 70 % of municipal waste is normally organic
organic waste can cause problems of smell, leachate, gas, and stray animals in landfills
recycling at source is most economic and environment friendly method of waste management
simple methods available
compost is valuable resource for farmers
composting at source keeps inorganic waste clean and makes it easier for recycling

6. 1. Composting
Concept
process of decomposition of organic waste by micro-organism
natural process (be made faster and more effective by mixing various types of waste and adjusting moisture, temperature and aeration)
contains NPK and other plant nutrients including micro-organisms
steps of composting:
prepaeration (converting waste into raw material)
production of compost
marketing
Source: adapted from ENPHO

7. 1. Composting Preparation waste collection
sorting into organic and inorganic
reduce size if necessary
adjust moisture content
starters/additives
adjust C:N ratio
Source: adapted from ENPHO

8. C/N-ratio in various substrates
1. Composting
C/N-ratio in various substrates
Source: adapted from ENPHO

9. 1. Composting Compost preparation
place prepared waste in piles, windrows, chamber or bins
turn the compost regularly or arrange other ways to aerate the waste
regularly monitor temperature & moisture
Source: adapted from ENPHO

10. Temperature during composting process
Source: adapted from ENPHO

11. 1. Composting Finishing & Marketing screening & packaging
marketing strategy
product
quality
packaging
price
main distributor
Consumer
place
distribution network
promotion
mass communication
interpersonal communication
Source: adapted from ENPHO

12. Home composting options
Source: adapted from ENPHO

13. Composting at community & municipal level

14. Important points to remember
1. Composting
Important points to remember
separate waste at source. Glass in the waste can result in injuries
ensure proper C/N-ratio & chop waste in small pieces
ensure proper amount of water and air to avoid smell
prepare and implement proper marketing strategy (most compost projects fail because of poor marketing)
regularly monitor composting process
Source: adapted from ENPHO

15. Vermicomposting

16. 2. Vermicomposting Concept
Source:

17. 2. Vermicomposting How to do at home prepare vessel or bin
add 2 inches (5 cm) of bedding materials
add worms
cut waste into small pieces and put in the bin
keep bin covered with a moist cloth
put bin away from direct sunlight
regularly check moisture
harvest vermicompost every 3 to 4 months
store harvested compost for 2-3 weeks and then remove the young worms
Source: adapted from ENPHO

18. Composting & vermicomposting
3. Applicability
Composting & vermicomposting
at source management of wet organic waste at household, community, and/or city level

19. Composting Vermicomposting
4. Advantages and disadvantages
Composting
Advantages:
recycling at source
economic and environment friendly waste management
simple methods available
compost is valuable resource for gardeners/farmers
Disadvantages:
waste segregation required
Vermicomposting
Advantages:
see above
selling of worms
Disadvantages:
maintain proper environmental conditions for worms

20. “Linking up Sustainable Sanitation, Water Management & Agriculture”
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