Organic waste and leachate characterization from home composting: a study case in Barão Geraldo, Brazil

• Grant number: 17/20020-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2017
• End date: November 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Environmental Sanitation
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Bortoleto
• Grantee: Maíra Carvalho Baldim
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

One of the highlights of the National Solid Waste Policy is the proper waste treatment before the final disposal, with composting being one of the preferable treatment methods for the organic fraction. However, few advances can be seen in this direction to achieve the goals proposed in the National Solid Waste Plan. Source separation is one of the reasons, in addition little is known about the quality of the 'compound derived from garbage', name given to the organic fraction produced from solid organic waste (SOW). In the European Union, legislations on this subject are not only older than the Brazilian, but also have taxation for those who do not comply and strict inspections. Thus, various technologies have been adopted and parameters are consolidated to allow the sale and use of the "garbage derived compound". One of the incentive options is domestic composting, since it prevents the waste being incorporated into the urban system. However, the focus of European and US domestic composting campaigns is on the SOW from pruning and garden trimmings, making it still necessary to characterize and to evaluate organic compost produced through fresh food. Knowing that a good part of the Brazilian SOW consists of residues of fruits, vegetables and vegetables, vermicomposting stands out as an preferable alternative to treat this fraction at home. Because of this, several companies are selling this alternative and some municipalities have already started pilot programs, however they do not have follow-up on the characterization of solid and liquid by-products. Thus, this project has a specific objective to characterize and evaluate the solid organic compound and the manure produced by ten vermicomposters already distributed in a case study in Barão Geraldo, Campinas. (AU)