Sustainable Operation of Composting in Solid Waste Management

In this paper the optimum design of windrow composting is discussed. There are many reasons to consider implementing centralized open-windrow compost technology in developing countries, especially in municipalities which are not subject to the severe space restrictions. Compared to mechanized or in-vessel operations, windrow composting has many advantages as discussed in the paper. Design aspects of windrow composting facility such as process design, composting area sizing, runoff collection pond sizing, land treatment design for runoff, and capital and operating cost estimation are discussed in detail. In particular, the process design components such as feedstock (solid wastes) recovery, feedstock preparation, composting, stabilization, curing, refining and storing are analysed. A detail cost analysis (Capital and O&M Cost) is made based on processing 3000 tons/yr of yard waste, food waste, etc. to produced 1,500 tons/yr. of finished compost is made.