Sustainable living is a smart type of living today for a healthy lifestyle and environment. Very often we give little to no thought to the waste that takes place around us. From kitchen waste, organic waste or even paper waste, all of these are responsible for littering our society and affecting the environment, causing greater problems such as climate change.
We all have seen the effects of climate change lately, by experiencing excruciating heat and unannounced rainfall whenever. We can do our part in saving the environment. The first step is to understand recycling and start recycling the waste you see around. In this blog, we’ll understand everything about organic waste recycling, its methods, steps, significance and barriers. Read along to gain a deeper insight.
Methods of Organic Waste Recycling
1. Composting
Composting is the most popular way of recycling organic waste. Composting involves the breakdown of organic matter into nutrient rich compost. A composter machine provides optimal conditions for composting, enhancing the process significantly.
2. Vermiculture
Organic waste can be decomposed using worms and that is called Vermiculture. This works because worms, after consuming waste, produce worm castings that work as the best fertilisers. Thus, it becomes the most efficient method and it can be used in both large scale and small scale settings.
3. Bokashi
There’s a Japanese method that ferments organic waste using a specific group of microorganisms. This method is known as Bokashi. In traditional composting, dairy and milk are excluded, but this is the only method that uses both of which. It is also considered to be the fastest method and can handle a variety of organic waste.
Steps of Organic Waste Recycling
Step 1: Collection
The first and foremost step is to collect organic waste separately from other types of waste. Every area of waste should have a separate bin for organic waste, such as households, municipalities and businesses.
Step 2: Segregation
The next step after collection is that waste should be segregated so that non organic materials get removed. This makes sure that this recycling process is efficient and that it produces high-quality compost.
Step 3: Processing
The third step involves processing the organic waste using methods such as composting, vermiculture and anaerobic digestion. Kitchen waste is broken down into a valuable compost using a food waste composter.
Step 4: Curing
The compost produced needs to be cured for it to be stabilised and matured. This step is important for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the compost for being used as a soil amendment.
Step 5: Utilisation
The last step is that the compost is finally ready to be used in landscaping, farms and garden projects. This helps in enriching the soil with essential nutrients, promotes healthy plant growth and soil structure is improved.
Significance of Organic Waste Recycling
Environmental Benefits
Recycling of organic waste reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills that helps with climate change and decreases methane emissions. Natural resources are also conserved by recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Economic Benefits
One amazing benefits of organic waste recycling is that it reduces landfill fees, thereby leading to cost savings for municipalties and businesses. It also creates valuable compost that can be sold or used in agriculture.
Social Benefits
Social benefits can be endless. Starting with getting yourself a volunteer certificate about raising awareness on sustainability and encouraging environmental friendly behaviour. This is the best place to start if you have time in your hands and passion for a change. It also creates opportunities for local job creation in waste management and compost production.
Barriers to Organic Waste Recycling
Lack of Awareness
Lack of awareness and lack of information is the biggest barrier to organic waste recycling. Majority of the population does not even know that it’s practised today and its benefits. The step towards breaking this barrier is to spread information about this. Programs on composting could be arranged in schools and colleges. Or volunteer houses can spread effective information.
Insufficient Infrastructure
In some places there is a lack of infrastructure for carrying out composting. Investment in facilities like composter machines and organic waste converters is needed to support widespread recycling efforts.
Contamination
Contamination of organic waste with non organic material can hinder the recycling process and reduce the quality of compost produced. Proper waste segregation practices are crucial to address this issue.
Regulatory Challenges
Unclear policies regarding organic waste recycling creates a lot of confusion and inconsistent regulations hinders the process. Clear regulations and assistance incase of any confusion or misunderstanding should be provided.
Conclusion: Embrace Smart Solutions
The future of this country should be environmentally friendly and sustainable. With proper awareness, deep understanding and a bright desire to make a change, we can move forward and create a better space of living for each one of us. The damage that we do or the development that we make, the entire power lies in our hands, so be responsible and choose your power wisely.
As mentioned in the blog earlier, there are machines available for composting. Smart enviro system is leading in this area with its successful products like Smart batch composter and smart drum composter. These machines are well equipped to turn organic waste into valuable compost, as quickly and effectively as possible. By investing in these machines, you’re taking a step towards healthier living.
So, step by step, let us all walk towards a sustainable future by recycling our organic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. Together, we can make a significant impact on the environment and create a healthier planet for future generations.
