The Effect of Organic Matter Content and Turning Cycle on Municipal Solid Waste Windrow Composting

Abstract

Composting is an old technology and farmers have applied it in sustainable agriculture. In municipal solid waste management, composting can form part of an integrated system in handling waste for disposal. This study investigated the effect of organic matter content and turning cycle on the composting process of municipal solid waste in windrow piles. Observations from the study showed the 50% organic matter content not to stabilize completely. Waste with 90% organic matter waste achieved a maximum temperature of 62oC at a turning cycle of 3 days. The turning cycle became more critical as the organic matter content increased. The higher the organic matter content, the higher the turning frequency (3 days) required to achieve good composting. Waste with 50% organic matter content was found to be not good for composting while that at >70% organic matter achieved well stabilized and sanitized compost when turned at suitable frequency. Three days turning cycle was generally suitable for waste with greater than 70% organic matter content. Pilot studies are necessary to establish proper turning regime for windrow composting of a given waste.