Title: Application of household compost bin for diversion of organic wastes in small communities of Thailand

Authors: Chart Chiemchaisri, Pimolrat Putthamilinprateep, Nuanrat Promsamai, Malinee Phetcha

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kasetsart University, 50 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Faculty of Engineering, Energy and Environmental Engineering Center, Kasetsart University, 50 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Faculty of Engineering, Energy and Environmental Engineering Center, Kasetsart University, 50 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. ' Faculty of Engineering, Energy and Environmental Engineering Center, Kasetsart University, 50 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Abstract: Natural ventilated and aerated composting units were developed for household, fresh market and restaurant wastes. Household wastes required 8-10 weeks of composting period. The final compost product contained N : P : K content higher than organic compost standard. In aerated unit, the composting period was 30-40 days. Economical analysis suggested Benefit-Cost (B/C) ratio and Economical Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 1.37 and 12.0% for applying the composting units in the community with population of 25,000. Public survey in Bangkok revealed that people are interested in compost practice and the bin should be distributed free of charge to promote their use.

Keywords: on-site composting; compost bins; food waste; household wastes; waste reduction; decentralised waste management; solid waste management; organic waste; small communities; Thailand.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2010.033988

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2010 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.117 - 127

Published online: 06 Jul 2010 *

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