Title: Vermicomposting of garbage: a new technology for solid waste management in Hindu temples

Authors: Renuka Gupta, V.K. Garg

Addresses: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India. ' Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India

Abstract: In India, at most of the religious places, a huge tonnage of solid waste is generated due to worshipping. This study reports the transformation of organic fraction of Temple Solid Waste (TSW) spiked with Cow Dung (CD) into a value-added product (vermicompost). Vermicomposting resulted in lowering of pH, EC, C : N ratio, C : P ratio and increase in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents. The worms grew and reproduced favourably in 80% CD + 20% TSW and 70% CD + 30% TSW feed mixtures also. These experiments demonstrate that vermicomposting can be an efficient technology for environmentally safe management of temple solid waste.

Keywords: Hindu temples; vermicomposting; TSW; temple solid waste; C:N ratio; waste management; India; organic waste; nitrogen; phosphorus; potassium; composting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2009.024699

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2009 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.51 - 64

Published online: 15 Apr 2009 *

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