How is waste converted to wealth?

Compostable Waste

• Organic / Wet / Natural
• Transfer to Green Basket

Recyclable Waste

• Inorganic / Dry / Manmade
• Transfer to Red Basket

There are different types of home composting where the wastes are converted into wealth to be used as rich manure that will aid in plant cultivation. Some of the composting methods are:

Pot Composting

In this method all the kitchen waste is put into a pot and a layer of sand is poured over it to level it. The process is continued till the pot is filled. Once filled a one-inch layer of soil is spread on top and a little water is sprinkled. The pot is then left undisturbed for 3 months. The material is then sieved using a half-inch mesh sieve. The residue retained by the sieve is put into the pot, which is under filling. The pot under filling should be covered with a wire mesh in order to prevent the contents from being disturbed by birds, cats, etc.

Bin Composting: In this method bins or tar drums of 200-litre capacity are used. The bins will have around 36 small holes of one-centimeter diameter along its sides. The bottom should be removed and placed in a shed with a roof over it. The waste is emptied into the bin and sand is poured over it to level it. As the food waste has adequate moisture, there is no need for water to be sprinkled after each layer unless if it is midsummer when a little water may need to be sprinkled. When full the bin is covered with a one-inch layer of sand and sprinkled with water and left undisturbed for 3 months.

Vermi Composting: In this method, composting can be done either in pits, concrete tanks, well rings or in wooden crates preferably under a roofing on an elevated gradient to prevent water clogging during rains. Composting is done by placing a base layer comprising of broken bricks or pebbles followed by a layer of coarse sand. Into this soil are placed about 100 earthworms. Small lumps of cattle dung is then scattered over the soil and covered with a layer of hay. Water is then sprinkled over the entire setup and covered with coconut and palmyra leaves. Watering is continued and after 45 days the compost is ready for harvesting.

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