WasteManagement - Guidebest Compost Techniques.

6 Impactful methods | Harnessing the Energy of Solar Compost Machines

August 11, 2024August 10, 2024 by lovemyindia425

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By Harnessing Solar Compost Machines convert Organic Waste into Rich Compost

By harnessing the energy of Solar Compost Machines is one such invention that is causing a stir towards traditional home composting techinques. This method effectively turns organic waste into compost by utilizing renewable energy, which has the added benefits of reducing waste and improving soil. Implementing creative and environmentally friendly techniques has become crucial in today’s society, when environmental sustainability is more than just a catchphrase. We’ll analyze the internal functions of sustainable solar compost machines in this in-depth instruction, as well as their many advantages and useful home composting advice, enabling you to convert garden waste and leftover food into nutrient-rich compost.

Understanding the Solar Compost Machines

Utilizing solar energy to speed up the decomposition process, solar compost machines are an innovative spin on traditional home composting techniques. These devices usually consist of a few basic parts:

Solar panels: These panels, which are mounted on or next to the machine, collect sunlight and transform it into electrical energy. The machine’s internal mechanisms are then powered by this energy.

Composting Unit: The organic waste is contained in the chamber, which also offers a controlled decomposition environment. It often includes characteristics like temperature control, moisture management, and customizable aeration.

Aeration System: The aerobic breakdown process depends on optimal oxygen levels. The composting chamber’s air circulation is maintained by the aeration system, which promotes the development and activity of helpful microorganisms.

Mixing Mechanism: A machine that is used in certain solar compost machines to periodically mix the materials. This speeds up the composting process and keeps the pile from compacting by helping to spread heat and moisture more evenly.

Control System: Digital controls which let users monitor and regulate the temperature, level of moisture, and aeration levels are a common feature of modern machines. Furthermore, some advanced electronics allow for remote monitoring using smartphone apps.

The eco-friendliness and effectiveness of solar compost machines are what make them wonderful. Because they use solar energy, they are a great option for eco-aware homes and communities because they minimize the dependency on electricity from non-renewable sources.

Benefits of Solar Compost Machines

Solar compost machines offer a range of benefits that go beyond traditional composting methods. The advantages of solar compost machines detail:

1. Renewable Energy Use

Considering that solar compost machines depend on renewable energy is one of their biggest advantages. Utilizing solar electricity can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions because it is an endless, clean supply. They operate by using solar energy instead of fossil fuel-derived electricity, which makes them an environmentally friendly choice for solar composting. This encourages a greener lifestyle in addition to reducing the carbon footprint of your waste management procedures.

2. Decomposition Process

The optimal circumstances for decomposition are provided by the regulated environment found within a solar compost machine. The device creates the optimal environment for rotting bacteria by keeping the temperature and moisture levels just right. As a result, organic waste decomposes more quickly than conventional compost heaps. Due to its efficiency, compost can be produced more quickly, giving you a steady supply of rich, healthy soil for your landscaping or gardening needs.

3. Odor Control

A significant concern with composting is the possibility of unpleasant smells, particularly in areas with dense populations. Solar compost machines are made to reduce this problem to the minimum. By supplying oxygen continuously, the aeration system avoids anaerobic conditions, which can result in foul odors. The regulated atmosphere further reduces the possibility of luring pests. Because of this, sustainable solar compost machines can be used in a variety of places, such as community gardens, homes, and schools.

4. Waste Reduction & Resource Conservation

Organic waste can be kept out of landfills, where it would otherwise contribute to the production of methane, a powerful contributor to global warming, by composting it. In addition to minimizing the amount of garbage dumped in landfills, solar composting replenishes the soil with beneficial nutrients. By enriching the soil, this technique raises its fertility and structural quality. This could lead to a decrease in the demand for chemical fertilizers, encouraging a more organic and long-term method of farming and gardening.

5. Low Maintenance

Solar compost machines accelerate the process, whereas traditional composting systems involve frequent rotation and observation. They require very little maintenance once set up. You no longer have to stir the compost pile by hand because the automated systems take care of the aeration, mixing, and temperature management. Because of its ease of use, solar compost machines are a great option for families and busy individuals who want to adopt sustainable habits into their everyday life without having to spend a lot of time on them.

6. Versatility and Scalability

Solar compost machines can be customized according to various kinds of locations and requirements due to their diverse sizes and designs. You can locate a machine that meets your needs whether you have a huge rural property or just a small urban garden. These devices can also process a variety of organic materials, including agricultural wastes and yard waste in addition to kitchen scraps. Because of its adaptability, a variety of materials can be composted, which raises the caliber of the finished compost even more.

Practical Tips for Traditional Home Composting Methods

Traditional home composting techniques are still a useful and accessible choice, even though solar composting machines provide a cutting-edge and effective approach to handle organic waste. If you follow a few simple rules, traditional home composting at home may be profitable and easy. Here are some helpful guidelines to get you going and ensure success:

1. Choosing the Right Location:

For traditional home composting to be successful, the location of your compost pile or container is essential. Choose a well-drained location to avoid waterlogging, which can result in anaerobic conditions and odors. The breakdown process is accelerated up by a warm temperature, which is maintained in a sunny spot. For best energy generation, make sure the solar panels on your solar compost machines receive enough direct sunlight throughout the day if you’re using it.

2. Balancing Green & Brown Materials:

Green and brown materials must be mixed in a balanced way for a compost pile to be successful. Green materials, which include things like coffee grounds, vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and grass clippings, are high in nitrogen. Newspapers, cardboard, straw, and dried leaves are examples of brown materials, which are high in carbon. Maintaining a ratio of approximately two parts brown materials to one part green materials is a basic rule of thumb. A healthy carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is ensured by that balance, which is essential for effective decomposition in the traditinal home composting.

3. Maintaining Moisture Levels:

An essential component of the traditional home composting process is moisture. Like a sponge that has been wrung out, the compost pile should be damp. The rate of decomposition will slow down if it gets too dry. If it’s overly damp, anaerobic conditions may develop, which can cause smells and a slower rate of disintegration. Check the moisture content of your compost pile frequently, and add dry materials or water as necessary. For instance during wet or dry seasons, covering the compost pile with a tarp or top can assist maintain steady moisture levels.

4. Turning the Pile Regularly:

Aerobic decomposition requires aeration. Turning the compost pile on a regular basis promotes the addition of oxygen, which stimulates the development of advantageous bacteria. Additionally, it keeps the pile from compacting and permits moisture and heat to be distributed evenly. Every few weeks, stir the contents of traditional home composting piles using a garden fork or compost turner. The integrated mixing mechanism in solar compost machines may take care of this chore automatically, saving you valuable time.

5. Monitoring Temperature:

A useful measure of the composting process is temperature. A thoroughly cared-for compost pile will warm up, sometimes reaching temperatures of 130°F to 160°F. The organic matter is broken down by microbial action, which generates this heat. You can assess the progress of your compost and make any adjustments, like turning the pile or adding extra green materials, by keeping a regular eye on the temperature. A compost thermometer can be a helpful tool for traditional compost piles, and solar compost machines frequently include temperature monitoring built in.

6. Avoiding Problematic Items:

Not every organic item can be composted. Meat, dairy products, fats, oils, and bones should not be added to your traditional home composting piles since they might draw bugs and produce bad aromas. Furthermore, keep in mind that composting damaged plants or weeds with seeds may not completely destroy diseases or weed seeds. For optimal effects, stay with plant-based materials, eggshells, and coffee grounds. For a list of permitted and unsuitable items, go to the manufacturer’s guidelines if you’re using a solar compost machine.

7. Harvesting and Using the Compost:

Traditional home composting might take several months to a year to mature, depending on the process and environmental factors. When it smells earthy and has a crumbly, dark texture, it’s ready. Take the completed material out of the compost bin or the bottom of the pile in order to harvest the compost. A separate compartment for finished compost may be included in your solar composting machine. This nutrient-rich substance can be used as a potting mix for container plants, as a top fertilizer for lawns, or to improve the soil in your garden. Compost enhances the structure of the soil, holds onto moisture better, and supplies vital nutrients for plant development.

Conclusion:

Solar compost machines, which combine the power of renewable energy with the natural process of decomposition, represent a significant improvement in sustainable waste management. These devices provide communities and households with an eco-friendly and useful answer by effectively turning organic waste into advantageous home compost. The advantages are obvious: less trash, more fertile soil, and a less carbon footprint.

Whether you opt for a high-tech solar compost machine or prefer traditional home composting methods, the practice of composting is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a healthier environment. By transforming organic waste into rich compost, you not only reduce your environmental impact but also create a valuable resource that can enhance your garden and landscape. Take advantage of solar energy, embrace the green revolution, and set off on a path to a more self-sufficient and sustainable way of living. With a little effort and the right tools, you can turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nature’s treasure—black gold for your garden.

10 Ways Effective Waste Management Can Transform Our Future

July 28, 2024July 27, 2024 by lovemyindia425

Importance of Waste management Guidebest Compost Techniques.

Turning Trash into Treasure: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Waste Management

Waste management,it includes the gathering, moving, processing, and discarding of waste products, is an essential component of contemporary society. In order to maintain resource conservation, environmental protection, and public health, efficient waste management is becoming more and more important as our population and industrial activity increase. This blog will examine waste management from a variety of angles, including its significance, varied approaches, real-world applications, and cutting-edge technologies influencing this vital sector in the future.

The Importance of Waste Management

Effective waste management is fundamental for several reasons:

Protection of the Environment: Poor waste management pollutes the air, water, and land. For example, plastic waste in the water kills marine life, and methane, a strong greenhouse gas, is released from landfills. Waste management helps to reduce these adverse effects.
Preserving the Resources: Numerous waste products, such as plastics, paper, and metals, can be recycled and utilized again. Recycling goods minimizes the need to extract raw materials, conserves natural resources, and uses less energy.
Public health: Pests and diseases are drawn to cumulated garbage, which poses serious health dangers. Disease incidence is decreased and hygienic conditions are guaranteed by effective waste management.
Economic Benefits: Recycling and energy recovery bring in money and jobs for the waste management sector. Over time, communities can also save money by implementing efficient waste management systems.

Types of Waste and Their Management

Waste can be categorized into several types, each requiring specific management strategies:

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Household waste such as food scraps, paper, plastics, and metals is included in municipal solid waste, also referred to as trash or rubbish. MSW management is divided into multiple phases:

– Collection and Transportation: Waste is hauled to processing or disposal facilities after being gathered from homes and businesses.

– Segregation: Trash is divided into recyclable, biodegradable, and non-recyclable categories at the plant.

– Processing: Organic waste is delivered to composting facilities, recyclables to recycling plants, and non-recyclables to landfills or incinerators.

Example: Composting and recycling are required under a comprehensive MSW policy implemented by the city of San Francisco. As a result, the city diverts about 80% of its waste from landfills, significantly reducing its environmental effect.

Hazardous Waste

Chemicals, batteries, and medical waste are examples of materials that are hazardous, combustible, corrosive, or reactive. When handling hazardous trash, extra caution must be taken:

– Identification: Ordinary garbage is segregated from hazardous waste via identification.

– Storage and Transportation: It is driven to disposal sites by specialized vehicles and kept in safe containers.

– Treatment and Disposal: Before being disposed of, hazardous waste is treated to eliminate any dangerous qualities. Among the techniques are secure landfilling, chemical treatment, and incineration.

Example: The Love Canal disaster in the 1970s raised awareness of the dangers of improperly disposing of hazardous waste. The health of the inhabitants was harmed by chemicals that leaked from a landfill and seeped into the neighborhood, leading to stricter regulations on the management of hazardous waste.

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Televisions, cellphones, and other electronic equipment that have been abandoned are considered e-waste. Because these gadgets include valuable metals and dangerous compounds, e-waste treatment is essential:

– Collection and Recycling: Precious metals like copper, silver, and gold are removed from e-waste before it is transported to specialized recycling facilities.

– Safe Disposal: In order to avoid contaminating the environment, toxic materials like lead and mercury are disposed of carefully.

Example: The goal of Japan’s “Urban Mining” project is to extract valuable metals from electronic waste. The tremendous success of this program has allowed for the recovery of a significant number of metals for use in new technological goods.

Organic Waste

Food scraps and yard waste are examples of organic waste that decomposes naturally and can be composted to provide nutrient-rich soil amendments:

– Collection and Segregation: Waste streams that are organic are collected apart from other waste materials.

– Composting: The garbage is broken down into compost at facilities where it breaks down organically to create compost.

Use: The compost that is produced enriches the soil and lessens the demand for chemical fertilizers in landscaping and agriculture.

Example: Through a thorough composting program, the city of Seattle encourages its residents to compost their organic waste. Compost bins and educational materials provided by the city have resulted in a significant divergence of waste from landfills in terms of participation rates.

Innovative Technologies in Waste Management

The waste management industry is continually evolving, with new technologies emerging to improve efficiency and sustainability. Some notable innovations include:

Waste-to-Energy (WTE)

Waste-to-electricity technology burns non-recyclable garbage to produce useful electricity. This procedure produces heat or power while lowering the amount of waste dumped in landfills:

– Incineration: High temperatures are used to burn waste, creating steam that powers turbines to produce electricity.

– Gasification and pyrolysis: These procedures turn waste materials into synthetic gas, or syngas, which can be utilized as a chemical feedstock or to generate energy.

Example: Sweden leads the world in WTE technology, converting more than half of its domestic trash into electricity. The nation’s WTE plants drastically cut down on the amount of landfill space used by providing heat and power to thousands of homes.

Advanced Recycling Technologies

Conventional recycling techniques may be ineffective and have a narrow focus. Modern recycling techniques seek to increase material recovery and reuse:

– Chemical recycling: This method separates plastics into their constituent chemicals so that they can be recycled to make new polymers.

– Biodegradable Plastics: Advances in material science have produced biodegradable plastics, which naturally break down and lessen the pollution caused by plastic.

Example: Loop Industries has created a chemical recycling method that turns leftover plastics into high-purity PET resin, which can be utilized to create brand-new containers and bottles. This closed-loop technology encourages a circular economy and lessens the amount of plastic garbage produced.

Smart Waste Management Systems

Technology and data analytics combined with waste management systems improve efficacy and efficiency:

– IoT Sensors: By monitoring fill levels and streamlining collection routes, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can be installed in waste bins to cut down on emissions and fuel use.

– Data analytics: By examining waste collection data, trends can be found and waste management tactics can be strengthened.

Example: The city of Barcelona has used data analytics and Internet of Things sensors to develop a smart trash management system. The system has lessened the carbon footprint of the city, slashed operating expenses, and increased collection efficiency.

Case Studies in Successful Waste Management

Examining successful waste management programs provides valuable insights and inspiration for other regions looking to improve their systems:

Zero Waste Initiative in Kamikatsu, Japan

Kamikatsu, a small town in Japan, has set an ambitious goal of achieving zero waste by 2020. The town’s waste management strategy includes:

– Extensive Recycling: Residents separate waste into 45 different categories for recycling.

– Composting: Organic waste is composted locally, reducing landfill use.

– Community Involvement: The town emphasizes community participation and education, with residents actively involved in waste reduction efforts.

Kamikatsu has achieved a recycling rate of over 80%, significantly reducing its environmental impact and serving as a model for other communities.

Waste Management in Singapore

Singapore, a densely populated city-state, has implemented a comprehensive waste management system to handle its limited land resources:

– Integrated Waste Management: The system includes recycling, incineration, and landfill use, with waste-to-energy plants converting non-recyclable waste into electricity.

– Public Education: Extensive public education campaigns promote recycling and waste reduction.

– Regulation and Enforcement: Strict regulations and enforcement ensure compliance with waste management practices.

Singapore has one of the highest recycling rates in the world and has significantly reduced its reliance on landfills.

Challenges and Future Directions in Waste Management

Despite significant advancements, the waste management industry faces ongoing challenges:

– Plastic Pollution: A significant portion of single-use plastics wind up in landfills and the ocean, posing a persistent threat to the environment.

– E-Waste: As technology develops more quickly, there is a greater amount of e-waste produced, which calls for efficient recycling and disposal techniques.

– Infrastructure and Funding: It can be expensive to create and maintain effective waste management systems, especially in developing nations.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability all depend on efficient garbage management. Individually, we may help with this endeavor by recycling, cutting less on waste, and endorsing laws and programs that encourage environmentally friendly garbage disposal methods.

Communities, corporations, and governments must collaborate to create and put into practice creative solutions that tackle the intricate problems associated with waste management. We can conserve our planet, create a healthy future for future generations, and turn waste into valuable resources by adopting a comprehensive approach and utilizing cutting-edge technologies.

The objective should be to manage garbage responsibly and creatively in an unavoidable future. By working together, we can transform waste into treasure and open the door to a more sustainable and greener future.

Read More: Solar Composting Machinery

How does waste management work

May 22, 2021May 21, 2021 by Sandip Patil

waste 2Bin 2Bwrong 2Bplace Guidebest Compost Techniques.

How does waste management work: why it is Important

Waste is merely a raw material in the wrong place

This Topic Cover:

Why Solid waste management is essential for urban centres ?

Current managementstructure

Caveats of present waste management process.

Solid waste management techniques.

Use of compost making Machine.

Large scale facilities that employ composting techniques.

Mumbai metropolitan region is has an area that consists of the state capital of Maharashtra which is Mumbai and its satellite towns. The region has an area of 4355 km square and is one of the most populated regions in the world. Mumbai district has an area of 157 km square. Mumbai being a financial hub of the country attracts investment as well as various business resulting in an influx of people for employment purposes. Inspite of small area Mumbai has a population of 12,442,373 (2011 census figures) and the population of total Mumbai metropolitan region is 18,394,182 (2011 census figures). The following Map shows the extent of Mumbai Metropolitan region.

Mumbai Metropolition Region Guidebest Compost Techniques.

Municipal Corporations	Municipal Councils
Mumbai	Kulgaon- Badlapur
Thane	Uran
Kalyan – Dombivali	Alibag
Navi Mumbai	Pen
Mira Bhayandar	Matheran
Bhiwandi – Nizampur	Karjat
Ulhasnagar	Khopoli
Vasai-Virar	Kharghar
Panvel	Ambernath

The below table shows whether or not a municipal corporation in Mumbai Metropolitan area has a separate department concerning to solid waste management or not.

Municipal Corporation	SWM department
Mumbai	Yes
Thane	Yes
Navi Mumbai	Yes
Kalyan Dombivali	Yes
Mira Bhayandar	No
Bhiwandi – Nizampur	No
Ulhasnagar	No
Vasai-Virar	No
Panvel	No

Similarly the below table displays whether the municipal Council has a department dedicated to solid waste management or not.

Municipal Council	SWM Department
Kulgaon Badlapur	No
Uran	No
Alibag	No
Pen	No
Matheran	No
Karjat	No
Khopoli	No (But called as Sanitary Department)
Kharghar (CIDCO not municipal Council)	No
Ambernath	No

Thus we can see which of the following Municipal corporations and Municipal councils have a Solid waste management department. Various Municipal council and municipal corporations that do not have a separate department of Solid waste Management put the responsibility of waste management under Public work department or Public health department.

However the MMRDA or the Mumbai metropolitan region development authority has already a department dedicated to SWM and plans for a new waste management facility are already undertaken at Taloja (Near Kharghar) which is projected to dispose 1800 metric ton waste for the next 25 years per day.

Why Solid waste management is essential for urban centres ?

While we can debate about the pros and con of having a separate department concerning the solid waste management it is highly essential we understand the need of waste management at all.

Mumbai has already a high population of 12,442,373* (Mumbai census 2011) and it is estimated to grow in the next 3 decades to 42,400,000 approx in 2050. Such high levels of population will eventually create huge waste generation. Currently with 2011 population levels the per capita waste generation is 0.63 kg. Mumbai is generating 7800 MT waste every day.
The current per capita waste generation is estimated to rise to 0.7 kg per person in the year 2025.

Let us also compare the waste generation of Mumbai compared with other regions nearby.

Municipal Corporation	Quantity of solid waste generated MT/Day
Mumbai	7000
Thane	600
Kalyan – Dombivali	550
Ulhasnagar	300
Navi Mumbai	500
Mira – Bhayandar	450

It should also be noted that of of the total waste generated it is estimated that about 45% of the waste generated is biodegradable and the rest is non biodegradable.

Current management structure

Waste management responsibility is taken formally by the MCGM. The current mechanism involves collection , transport and disposal strategy. Waste is collected from different areas in Mumbai and sent to disposal at 3 dumping ground (Deonar, Mulund and Gorai )sites which are currently services the city and are already overburdened with waste. The following mechanism explains the present structure.

The garbage collectors employed by various housing societies, entities etc. collect the garbage on door to door basis and dump it near the community bins strategically placed at various areas. There are more than 5800 community bins in Mumbai alone. Here manual or mechanical compactors are used to collect waste from such community bins and and then sent to a transfer station. In case of Mumbai the transfer stations are located at Mahalaxmi, Kurla and Versova. The transfer stations are basically stations for smaller vehicles that bring the garbage from point sources and community bins. The garbage is thus transferred from smaller vehicles to larger vehicles capable of transferring the waste towards the disposal sites.

Various types of vehicles are used to transport the garbage. Those include open flat-bed trucks, covered trucks, mobile compactors, tarpaulin covered vehicles .

garbage 2Btruck Guidebest Compost Techniques.

Tarpaulin garbage (construction debris carrier)

A garbage truck (closed bed )

In Mumbai

Mode of Transportation	Percentage
Garbage trucks	70%
Mobile tempos	10%
Tarpaulin covered garbage truck	20%

About 95% of waste generated in the city is disposed in such manner.

Caveats of present waste management process.

Dumping grounds

The current dumping grounds in Mumbai are in Deonar, Mulund and Gorai. The combined area of the 3 landfills is 140 hectares. Area of Mumbai in comparison is 60340 hectares. Thus landfills constitute only 0.22% of the total area of Mumbai. The term landfilling refers to the practice where waste is being disposed and stored under more or less controlled conditions. Principles of landfilling include compaction, leveling of waste and final covering by earth, leachate collection system and landfill gas extraction. However due to space constraints and opposition from various citizens to create landfills spaces makes this option a far less viable option in the future.

Concerns regarding landfills

Effects biodiversity as species that thrive on refuse (rats, crows etc.) compete with other local species thus endangering them.
Leachate production.
Health impacts for nearby residing residents.(landfills operate as mosquitoes breeding grounds)
Unpleasant visual effects due to the sites ruining natural landscape and the protest of citizens towards landfills as they cause problem of vermin, spread of diseases and also lower property prices.

Debris Disposal

Mumbai generates about 2000 tons of construction debris. As transportation of such debris is deemed to be expensive towards the dumping sites, various construction activities in Mumbai that generate waste will use loopholes and illegal ways to dump the construction debris. Due to lack of space in Mumbai the waste has to be carried off towards long distances. This increases the transportation cost leading to the business becoming ‘unprofitable’. Thus such debris is dumped into the creeks which affects the ecosystem of mangroves. The ecosystem of creeks in regions of Vasai, Gorai, Mankhurd are already endangered due to illegal dumping of waste.

Open burning, landfill fires resulting in deterioration of air quality-

On January 27th 2016 Mumbai witnessed a smog generated due to a mysterious fire that started in the deonar dumping grounds. The fire was huge enough to cause a smog in the city for 3 days and was visible by satellites in outer space. Regions in Mumbai had seen huge levels of pollution levels with the air quality index reaching 347 which comes into hazardous category seriously affecting health of citizens in Mumbai. As a result schools were closed for 2 days with citizens advised to remain at homes.

There is also the problem of open waste burning in various parts of India. Open waste burning primarily occurs due to the following reasons.

Open burning by rag pickers to isolate metals from waste.
Open burning by residents and and municipal workers to reduce MSW.
Open burning by homeless people for warmth generation at night.

While NGT has imposed a ban on open burning of waste with a fine upto 25000 rupees. The law is generally not implemented.

A 2010 study by NEERI in Mumbai conducted about air quality assessment has stated about 2% of total MSW waste generated is burnt on the streets and about 10 % of the waste is burnt in landfills.

MSW burning results in largest contribution towards Carbon Monoxide and PM (particulate matter ).

Sourced from cpcb.nic.in

Thus as explained in the above pie chart open burning is the 3rd largest contributor towards CO pollution in Mumbai.

Deonar burning as witnessed from satellites.

Water pollution-

In landfills biological degradation of waste results in generation of leachate. Such leachate can pollute the water sources nearby the landfill areas and may also pollute the groundwater.

Leachates are generally formed due to anaerobic decomposition of biodegradable waste which is often mixed with heavy metals (such as chromium, lead, nickel )developed from inorganic waste. Such metals increase the solubility of iron and manganese in groundwater thus increasing the concentration resulting in increased groundwater pollution.

Impact on Climate change

Climate change caused due to anthropogenic activities is one of the biggest problems the world has to face. Due to waste storage at landfills in particular, there are incidences of methane releases. Such methane released due to solid waste management operations should be captured. Thus organic waste which is decomposed at landfills have the problem of anaerobic decomposition leading to formation of methane gas. Thus to prevent methane formation it is essential to avoid an-aerobic decomposition.

Solid waste management techniques.

The following are the ways by which the problem of Solid waste management are currently been studied and even implemented.

Waste to Energy (WTE)

Refers to method of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from waste, usually through combustion. The combusted waste generates steam which could be utilised to drive a steam turbine thus resulting in energy generation. It also avoids the problem of leachate seeping underground thus reducing groundwater contamination. But while the method seems great at first glance it also has its own caveats. First and foremost waste to energy needs huge quantities of waste generated and later to be incinerated resulting in a possibility to divert resources from recycling plants. Also high amount of wet waste generation also results in difficulty in burning the waste.

Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)

A fuel produced by shredding and dehydrating combustible MSW. RDF can be used for industrial purposes instead of coal. RDF are pellets created from trash which can act as a viable alternative for burning purposes. Input materials needed for RDF consists of waste that have a high caloric value.

E.g- paper industry rejects, Plastic packaging, High caloric plastics, Mixed waste from household, industry.

Concerns regarding Refuse derived fuel

The cost effectiveness of the process to generate electricity.
Toxic and polluting gases emitted by such fuel generation and use.
Also the problem of using mostly dry waste for power generation which again could be used for recycling purposes. Wet waste mostly needs to be segregated from RDF plants. So it basically solves only a part of problem.

Currently BMC has floated tenders for deonar dumping ground for a setup of a waste to energy plant. But due to lack of segregation deonar dumping grounds which can cause reduced calorific value of the combustible waste (due to mixture of wet organic waste) there are not many parties interested to take up the challenge citing, economic feasibility of the project.

Recycling

Recycling is perhaps the best sustainable long term solution for the waste management issues. The inorganic waste collected can be considered as a fodder for recycling.

Plastic, metal, Paper, E waste are easily recyclable and can be reused further. However Recycling is mostly undertaken by formal sector.

Generally speaking, Plastic, glass and metal is exchanged with kabadiwalas at household levels. The kabadiwalas act as a intermediate between waste processing centres. The rest of plastic and metal collected come from a array of informal workers called as ragpickers which also include children as well. Mumbai is home to one the biggest slums in the world called Dharavi slums which surprisingly works as an industrial recycling unit as well. Dharavi’s 13th compound an area which is associated with recycling since decades. It currently employs more than 5000 people in the recycling industry. The area acts as a big segregation plant with collection of plastic, plastic drums, iron scrap, cotton scrap, empty bottles, glass etc.

Composting

Composting signifies biological decomposition of organic material. Microorganisms decompose the organic material to a stabilized product, i.e. compost. The end product can be used as soil conditioner. The compost generated consists of useful bacteria which can help plants with numerous benefits such as nitrogen fixation, helps soil for water retention, adds nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Thus benefits of compost are numerous and unlike the above alternatives this method seems viable and sustainable in the long run. It is also in sync with nature in general. Composting has the following benefits to agriculture and environment.

Environment

Directs waste away from landfills resulting in less accumulation of garbage and reduces leachate production (which could contaminate underground resources )
Reduces foul odours
Avoids methane production in landfills
Helps in afforestation programmes and increases the survivability of plants.
Reduces need for landfill space*

Agriculture

Helps maintain soil ph levels
Adds water retention capacity of the soil
Adds organic matter, humus which supplements the soil.
Reduces fertiliser requirement
Provides a market for compost making and selling thus creating an extra income for the farmers
Compost attracts earthworms thus helping in better soil aeration.
Helps restore soil conditions as microbes are affected with high usage of chemical fertilisers.

Composting seems a feasible way to solve some of the problems associated with waste management. The BMC has given a deadline on 2nd of october 2017 regarding waste management. The circular stated that entities that generate more than 100kg of wet- waste every day should install within their own capacities to dispose the wet waste. Therefore a lot of entities have made various attempts to segregate the wet waste generated at source from the inorganic waste and utilised the wet waste generated for composting processes. The following techniqies have been utilised by them.

USE OF COMPOST MAKING MACHINES

Various shopping malls, industrial setups, offices have been using a in-vessel waste composting machine which is basically a mechanical machine that works using electricity, manual labour to convert the wet waste generated into useable compost. The following image shows the machine which is used.

* A typical in vessel composting machine based on electric power.

Such machines have capacities ranging from low as 5 kg per day to 500 kg per day of wet waste to compost. These machines are the fastest when it comes to create compost. It usually converts the waste into usable soil additives within a 24 hour time. However the major drawback of the machine is the requirement of electric power which adds to the cost and also the initial capital investment needed to purchase these machine.

Such machines are now being installed at various places in Mumbai from where BMC does not collect waste.

Another machine that solves the issue of wet waste is an in vessel biogas waste generator.

See image.

Here the operation is simple, the wet waste generated is put into the plastic tanks and with enough time to generate an-aerobic process slurry and biogas can be collected to generate useful energy. Biogas generated from such processes can be utilised as a gas to produce heat necessary for cooking purposes. However the biogas production takes time to generate and also the machine is bulky which would take up space for large amount of food waste disposal.

Manual composting machines.

This types of machines are simple in construction which is basically a rotary device which can be rotated manually with the help of a handle. The idea is to store wet waste in such containers and usable compost will be created naturally in a span of 15-20 days. The machine needs to be rotated in order to ensure better mixing and aeration of the waste. However the process though is less costly takes time to create compost and might not be feasible with large generation of food and wet waste. Also will require ample space. See image.

* a typical rotary bin composter. There is also an image of shredder which shreds large wet waste particles into smaller particles for faster composting.

Vermicomposting and Composting pits

Various methods that incorporate wet waste composting through the use of earthworms have also been undertaken. The worms eat away the wet waste and produce usable compost. An suitable environment is provided for vermicomposting to take place. However such composting processes take huge amount of land and time consumption as well.

*vermicomposting pile of wet waste.

Such type of composting is produced by entities which have ample space or property to use such techniques.

Large scale facilities that employ composting techniques.

Mechanical biological Treatment plants (MBT ) were installed as early as in 1970’s. They however were not popular due to high amount of imported technologies used and thus running into financial hurdles. Also there was lack of market for the compost generated and process was getting affected during rainfall. Also the mixed nature of waste resulting in metal and hard particles affecting and damaging the machinery at regular intervals. The process involves shredding of wet waste into smaller particles, which would then be dried, shredded and then turned into compost and finally stored for the ‘curing’ process a process where compost temperature is stabilised after a particular time duration ranging from 1 to 3 months depending on the weather.

*a plant for compost preparations.

Navi Mumbai currently has a MBT plant in operation that takes in 300MT of waste per day. Wet waste is segregated using belt drivers and blowers/ Magnets and finally using manual labour for segregation.

Concerns regarding compost

While this seems to be a very viable option in regards wet waste management. It does not address the problem fully as inorganic waste cannot be composted.
Composting requires pits which use a large area. This creates problems in urban areas where space is already a constraint.
Compost is bulky and expensive to transport.
Rate of nutrient release is slow as compared to chemical fertilisers. Therefore not viable for short term benefits of plants. A good solution will require the use of both (chemical fertilisers and organic compost)
Agriculture users might have concerns regarding municipal waste as compost due to fear of heavy metals present in compost .Especially in regard with food crops. The fear that unprepared compost could affect crop production needs to be addressed.
Subsidies on chemical fertilisers make compost less lucrative as chemical fertilisers are already tried and tested therefore farmers will be skeptical to change.

Other Initiatives –

Advanced Locality Management-

Advanced Locality Management (ALM) is local managem

ent of solid waste by citizens who organise themselves to manage their waste. Wet waste is segregated at the source and dry waste is then exchanged with scrap dealers or then disposed off with the collaboration with rag pickers. There are in all 719 ALMs along with 276 vermi-compost pits spread over the city. This way, approximately 20-25 tonnes of garbage per day is prevented from reaching the dump yards. Another encouraging fact is that women run 80% of these ALMs. The goal is to ensure maximum citizen participation . Organisation of

the community, training and initiation is done with the collaboration between residents and MCGM.

Summary

The government should work in hand with BMC and other urban local bodies along with NGOs to tackle the problem of solid waste management in the city. The current changes in BMC circular of 2nd october has spawned a lot of entrepreneurial interest to solve the challenge of solid waste management. Also the government must focus initiatives on source separation, recycling of waste, production and utilization of high quality compost. The government should also educate and inform the citizens the goal of solid waste management and urge local governments to form a department catering to the needs of solid waste management. But the panacea to the issues facing the solid waste management plan lies in making sure waste is segregated at the source. Blue green pledge will ensure the sustainability of urban centre in the long run.

The benefits in finding a sustainable path to solid waste management has multiple advantages. It will impact the quality of life, help battle climate change, generate economic growth, bring informal character associated with the industry to a formal character. It is then and only then the below quote will began to make much more sense.

‘Waste is merely a raw material in the wrong place’

Caveats of present waste management process.

September 19, 2022November 26, 2020 by Sandip Patil

compost 2Bprocess Guidebest Compost Techniques.

Caveats of present waste management process.

The current status involves collection, transport and disposal strategy. Waste is collected from different areas and sent to disposal at dumping ground sites which are currently servicing the city and are already overburdened with waste. The following things are related to present waste management Process.