Composting technology in waste stabilization: On the methods, challenges and future prospects

- Composting is an attractive waste management option due to several benefits.
- Different environmental factors affect composting.
- Statistical and kinetic modeling aid in optimization of composting process.
- Odour and leachate production are the major challenges of composting.
- Prospects towards enhancement of composting process are addressed.

Composting technology has become invaluable in stabilization of municipal waste due to its environmental compatibility. In this review, different types of composting methods reportedly applied in waste management were explored. Further to that, the major factors such as temperature, pH, C/N ratio, moisture, particle size that have been considered relevant in the monitoring of the composting process were elucidated. Relevant strategies to improve and optimize process effectiveness were also addressed. However, during composting, some challenges such as leachate generation, gas emission and lack of uniformity in assessing maturity indices are imminent. Here in, these challenges were properly addressed and some strategies towards ameliorating them were proffered. Finally, we highlighted some recent technologies that could improve composting.