Solid organic waste management at UFGD through composting

Abstract

One way to solve the problems related to the organic solid waste is through management. Composting represents a viable and promising alternative, as it enables the reuse of these residues, besides generating organic fertilizer at the end of the process. The objective of this study was to introduce the use of compost in the treatment and management of organic solid waste generated in the Campus of Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. The experiment was done in the Social and Solidary Technologies Incubator at the UFGD (ITESS / UFGD). The windrow composting was drawn up using the same methodology as used in the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), called thermophilic composting in static windrow with natural aeration. The mounting of the windrow was performed using small tools such as shovels, hoes, scale, and organic waste such as food scraps from the University Restaurant (RU), waste animal houses, such as rat and rabbit bed, Campus grass clippings, biological inoculant and dry branches. Before daily replacement of organic material, the temperature of the windrow was measured in order to ensure the occurrence of its gradual increase. The experimental windrow drawn up UFGD proved the efficiency of thermophilic composting process in static piles with natural aeration for the treatment of organic solid waste generated on Campus, showing it as great alternative to the allocation and proper treatment of these materials, besides being a low cost process and easy to use.