Community-based design compost processor: its performance, economic, and environmental impact assessment

Abstract

Organic matters such as food and kitchen scraps are inevitable wastes generated from daily domestic activities. Managing these at source can help the government's environmental endeavors, such as waste minimization and diversion. This study analyzes the performance, economic, and environmental impact of a community-based design compost processor (CBCP). This paper measured various compost parameters and utilized scenario-based analysis for the economic viability while IGES-GHG simulator was used for its environmental impact. Results showed that the composting process lasted 30 days with temperature, pH, moisture, and quality of output falls into standard. The decentralized composting using CBCP could be a worthwhile economic business model and an essential ecological endeavor for climate change mitigation. About 27% of methane (CH₄) reduction yielding 209.72 Gg CO₂ equivalent are potentially removed in landfills if biowastes are diverted due to the degradation process. The annual overall net GHG emission of -11,913 Gg of CO₂ equivalent means substantial positive impact to the environment. With these, local government units need to recognize the importance of producing compost from biowaste. However, sustainability of such projects depends on stakeholders' willingness, motivation, community's available resources, and government support.

Graphical Abstract