Biodegradable Solid Waste Conversion into Earthworm Castings

摘要

This study assesses attitudes towards residential use of worms to process household kitchen wastes, thereby determining potential for commercial acceptance. The report summarizes current methods to dispose of organic kitchen wastes directing attention toward present and future problems. Historical and background information on household-scale vermicomposting (the use of earthworms to process organic wastes) is presented as well as a section on earthworm biology as it relates to vermicomposting. The role of the psychologist is explored in assessing people's attitudes toward worms and in developing strategies for the energy-efficient disposal of waste. Procedures for the development and administration of three surveys are described--a pilot survey to users of home vermicomposting; a survey of composting to determine current practices of food waste and household trash disposal; and a survey of apartment managers, owners, and developers to obtain cost data, usage data, and criteria for system selection by decisionmakers for multi-residential housing. Results of the pilot survey among twelve known users of home vermicomposting systems indicated that the more information people had about actual operation, the more likely they were to accept a unit in their own homes. Other conclusions indicated that vermicompositing for multifamily units is not yet economically feasible though it is feasible for single family dwellings.