Assessment of Compost Maturity by Simple-barrel Method for Kitchen Waste

摘要

Kitchen waste recycling is an environmental friendly measure. Two identical samples of kitchen waste were conducted for composting by the barrel-type of method in this study. Compost produced from these two experiments was analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. No significant difference was found between the compositions of the two kitchen waste samples. The major components of the two kitchen waste samples of this study were water content (averaged 72.7%), followed by combustible constituent (about 25.6%). The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio was between 15 and 25. Compost by the simple barrel method had the average C/N ratio of 12. For the simple barrel method, because its enzyme fermentation lasted longer, the maturity of the compost was better. The compost samples had the average germination rate of 95%, indicating the simple barrel composting method definitely has better maturity. When comparing the compost samples produced in this study to the standards given by the Council of Agriculture, Taiwan, the simple barrel compost qualified all the criteria. The simple barrel composting method is a convenient and easy method for recycling and processing organic waste, especially kitchen. The compost products, both solid and liquid, can be used for agricultural purposes.