Is there still a role for composting?

摘要

Biotechnological processes have been widely applied to manage biodegradable wastes mainly by composting and anaerobic digestion, with the ultimate goals of waste stabilisation, elimination of pathogens, and volume reduction. Composting in particular has been used primarily to treat so-called 'dry biodegradable wastes' with a water content of less than 60%. Standard composting processes yield a humus-like final product, which can be used as soil amendment in agricultural or silvicultural systems depending on the quality of the product. Compost can also have a fertiliser value, but only if the organic waste feedstock contains sufficient nitrogen.