This document proposes a composting project for a school in Belgium from February 1-6, 2015. It summarizes that composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into a rich fertilizer by using a simple compost bin. It recommends collecting organic waste at the school and letting nature break it down. A compost bin, tools, and specific organic materials like fruit peels and grass clippings would be needed. The document provides instructions for building compost piles with alternating layers and maintaining proper moisture and temperature over 3 months to fully decompose the materials.

1. OUR PROPOSAL …
Jeunes eco-entrepreneurs d'Europe !!!!!!!
COMINES BELGIUM 1-6 FEBRUARY 2015

2. Our ecological awareness inspired us to
produce an all-natural product that would
originate from nature, develop naturally and
enrich nature….

3. Compost – Fertilizer for our gardens and
plants.
 Well, composting is a natural processes by which organic
waste (fruit, vegetables, tree trimmings, egg shells etc.) are
transformed into a rich organic mixture that functions as a
fertilizer and soil enhancer. This process can be carried out
in any garden by using a simple compost bin.
 We just collect all the organic waste in the bin and let
nature do its work.
 Organic waste comprises about 40-60% of the total
domestic waste, 70% of which can be composted. This
means that by composting we can reduce our domestic
waste by about 35%.
 Compost is of great agricultural value. Essentially it is an
organic fertilizer that enhances the soil.

4. What is needed for composting at our
school?
• A compost bin
• Garden soil
• Garden tools (such as hoe, a watering can, a
long stick for mixing)
• Organic material

5. Is there any danger to our health?
 Of course not. The temperature in the compost pile
reaches 65 degrees Celsius. Any pathogenic organisms
that could arise from the mixture cannot survive at this
temperature.

6. Which organic ingredients can we use?
• Tree and plant leaves
• Withered flowers
• Overripe or rotten fruit
• Vegetable peelings or stalks
• Leftovers from salads without oil dressing
• Leftovers from vegetables after peeling them for cooking
• Plant cuttings, dry leaves, grass cuttings etc.
• Straw from farmland or stabled livestock
• See weed
• Organic fertilizers: manure, peat etc.
• Ashes from fireplaces
• Crushed egg-shells
• Kitchen-paper in small quantities or more if dampened
• Sawdust or wood shavings from non-chemically treated wood
• Herbal drink sediments or coffee grounds
• Leftovers from boiled food without oil

7. We mustn’t use
• Recyclable materials such as: metal items or cans,
tinfoil, glass, plastic, paper (newspapers-magazines),
large branches or logs etc.
• Meat – cheese
• Stones
• Leftovers containing fat, meat, bones
• Food scraps with oil or sauce
• Bread or pasta
• Cleaning products
• Various chemicals

8. We can use /We mustn’t use

9. How to make compost… (1/5)
 We’ll use the backyard of our school to
produce the compost after gathering the
ingredients we need in piles or makeshift
bins made from wood or wire.
 At the bottom of the pile we’ll put the
first layer of ingredients preferably loose,
dry material such as wood shavings to
ensure good ventilation.

10. How to make compost… (2/5)
 We’ll continue putting alternate layers of
saturated ingredients (grass, fruit skins)
other dry absorbant ingredients (straw,
dry leaves, ash).
 Every layer has to be dampened with
water.
 Finally we cover the pile with straw or a
piece of oilcloth to protect it from the
elements.

11. How to make compost… (3/5)
 Once the pile is formed a rise in
temperature marks the beginning of
microbial activity. During the first two or
three days the temperature can rise to
over 70°C and this continues for several
days.
 A temperature of around 55-60°C is
essential for a period of time (first stage)
as it allows partial sterilization of the
material.

12. How to make compost… (4/5)
 In the second stage the maximum
temperature of the compost is between
30°C and 37°C. If it falls below 20°C,
decomposition speeds up.
 The biological breakdown in an aerobic
process which is why the active organisms
require sufficient oxygen. If the mixture
becomes anaerobic it will emit foul-
smelling gases such as hydrogen sulfide,
methane , ammonia. This can be
corrected by getting rid of excess moisture
by stirring the compost pile.
 We need to check the moisture level every
5 to 10 days and add water when we stir
the compost.

13. How to make compost… (5/5)
 The moisture content must not exceed
70 %.
 The secret to speedy decomposition is
frequent stirring. This ensures good
ventilation and the microorganisms
quite literally work at fever pitch. The
temperature is monitored and once it
falls, the compost is stirred.
 With proper stirring the time needed
to complete the process is approximately
3 months.

14. Next step is packaging… but that’s another
story.!!!

15. Thanks you all for your attention
1st SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL OF KAISARIANI