2. I want to compost, but…
• Hard, needs lot of time and labor, inconvenient, smelly
• Need special equipment and monetary investment
• Need large open space
• Need earthworms
• Not my job, will make no difference, I don’t have a garden
3. Why?
• > 50% of “garbage” is kitchen waste that is biodegradable
• Family of 4 -> 700 gms/day -> 255 kgs a year
• Easier to separate wet and dry waste, recycle, and reduce
garbage that goes to landfills
• Increase beneficial bacteria, insects
• Individual action that contributes to a sustainable society
4. What?
• A process of aerobic decomposition of bio-degradable matter
by microbes
• All matter is composed mostly of C, N, H and O, different
ratios.
• Decomposition rate depends on the ratio of carbon, nitrogen,
water and oxygen in the pile. Ideal C:N is 30:1
• Kitchen wet waste is high in nitrogen. 2 parts kitchen waste
and one part dried leaves for maintaining C:N ratio 30:1
5. The chemistry
• Carbon — for energy; oxidation of carbon content produces
heat. High carbon materials tend to be brown and dry.
• Nitrogen — to grow and reproduce more organisms to oxidize
the carbon. High nitrogen materials tend to be green (or
colorful, such as fruits and vegetables) and wet.
• Oxygen — for oxidizing the carbon, the decomposition
process.
• Water — in the right amounts to maintain activity without
causing anaerobic conditions.
6. Home composting
• In plastic tubs, buckets, drums; clay flower pots and pots
• Yes – Fruit peels, vegetable peels, some cooked food (dry it if
you can)
• No –mango/avocado seeds, lots of cooked food, lots of citrus,
egg shells, meat, fish, coconut shells, pet feces
• Kitchen waste + dried leaves/shredded paper + stir once in 4-5
days + sufficient moisture, protect from extreme rain & sun
9. Troubleshooting
• Check for too much moisture. Add dried leaves/shredded news
paper/ coco-peat
• Check for too much dryness. Sprinkle water/curds/left over sambhar
etc.
• Ants – Add boric powder/chilly powder/turmeric powder/vinegar
• Fruitflies: Add a layer of browns and keep the bin closed.
• Lizards & spiders
• Maggots: Pile is too wet. Add browns and turmeric powder
