Increasing the quality of organic fertilizer produced from municipal solid waste and

Abstract

Balangoda Urban Council had faced numerous problems due to protest from public due to dumping of waste near the sports ground situated at the center of the city. About 12 Metric tons of waste had been dumped there on a daily basis.

Since the Urban Development Authority has acquired this land for development purposes, the Municipal Council had to encroach a government land in Bankiyawatta area to start the compost project. This is a medium scale project which is aimed at improving the quality of organic fertilizer which was made out of solid waste. In addition it was also aimed at sustainable maintenance of the project by introducing  quality organic fertilizer to the market and is aimed at reducing the entrance of non-degradable parts in to the environment by creating a market for non-degradable waste.

Compost is produced by using open windrow method. The solid waste collected is separated and biodegradable waste is used in compost production. Carbon to nitrogen ratio, aerobic conditions, moisturecontrol, and temperature control are taken in to consideration in this process. To increase the quality of the organic fertilizer, half burnt rice husks and treated toilet wastes (solid and liquid waste) were added to in the process.

This is an effective method for local authorities where the generation of waste is about 100 Metric tons or less and for local authorities who collect the waste everyday. 90% of the environmental harm which was done by odor and house flies can be reduced by this method. This is a low cost method and technological requirements are simple. Limited resources can be protected and sustainable use is guaranteed.

Several problems have arisen in this project and solutions had been found. Public protests have arisen due to the flow of leachate to outside of the composting area. To prevent this problem, leachate dilution is a solution. Control of odor and houseflies was also done.