Compost Manure Production from Food Waste at Worker Colony of Adyar Camp Chennai

Abstract

Each year, nearly one third of all food produced globally get wasted. When we waste food, essentially throw away the water used to grow it, the energy needed to process it, and the labor that goes in to harvesting and distributing it. What if food waste isn’t just a problem- but a solution? A recent study featured in Anthropocene Magazine explores how diverting food waste from the landfills to processes like composting, renewable energy generation, animal feed production can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By remaining our food waste strategies. As sustainability becomes a global imperative, the efficient treatment and reuse of organic waste emerging as a critical solution for reducing land fill burden, cutting emissions, and generating renewable energy. Organic waste- from food scraps and agricultural residues to biodegradable industrial waste-is now being transformed into valuable resources such as biogas, compost, and organic fertilizers. Governments, municipalities, and industries are embracing circular economy practices to unlock the hidden value in this waste stream. Rising focus on zero-waste and circular economy models expansion of anaerobic digestion and composting facilities, Supportive policies for waste to energy projects. Increasing awareness about sustainable agriculture and soil health. As in our construction project many workers are migrating for work at metro cities and as parent contractor we are arranging the accommodation in the city but major issue comes in accommodation of food waste the municipality takes the food waste but as worker mentality the waste is not segregated, hence to resolve the problem of food waste we have done a pilot project of generating organic waste compost(OWC)by tumbler method where a small unit of manure generation was developed where the food waste with mixture of saw dust, compost manure was generated and this compost manure was used for plantation purpose by the municipal gardens. Vegetable waste with high moisture content and readily biodegradable nature is causing major environmental problems due to improper waste management practices in India. So, composting and vermicomposting could be considered the best alternative for the treatment of these organic fractions. Therefore, studies were carried out on the degradation of vegetable waste by adding cow dung, saw dust and dry leaves during the 20 days of tumbler composting.

Introduction

The text discusses the challenges of managing vegetable and organic waste in India, highlighting the high production and significant wastage of fruits and vegetables. Urban areas generate large quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW), with a substantial organic fraction that causes environmental and health problems due to improper disposal and poor waste management infrastructure.

Composting, particularly tumbler or rotary drum composting, is presented as an effective treatment method for organic waste. This process stabilizes waste, reduces harmful emissions, and produces nutrient-rich compost. The text explains that decentralized composting is beneficial, especially in developing countries like India, where organic waste content is high and segregation is limited.

Several composting techniques are explored, including the use of bulking agents (e.g., sawdust, dry leaves) to optimize conditions and inoculation with white rot fungi to enhance lignocellulose degradation. Vermicomposting, using earthworms, is also noted for improving compost quality and nutrient availability.

Despite progress, challenges remain regarding the optimal combination of waste materials, controlling leachate production, and improving the speed and quality of composting. The study focuses on identifying the best waste combinations, evaluating the effect of carbide sludge and fungi inoculation, and analyzing microbial dynamics during composting.

Finally, the study aims to convert food waste from a worker colony in Chennai into compost for local plantations, emphasizing practical application of composting techniques to manage organic waste efficiently and sustainably.

Conclusion

1) Food waste successfully converted into nutrient-rich manure – Demonstrates that daily organic waste can be transformed into a valuable soil amendment. 2) Campus achieved self-reliance by replacing external manure with in-house compost – Reduced the need to purchase manure, ensuring cost savings and sustainability. 3) Composting reduced waste disposal issues and promoted sustainability – Helped divert biodegradable waste from landfills, minimizing environmental impacts. 4) Produced compost enhanced soil fertility and plant growth – Improved soil structure, nutrient content, and supported healthier vegetation. 5) Study demonstrates a replicable model for sustainable waste-to-resource management – Provides a practical approach that can be adopted by other institutions and communities.

References

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