Co-composting of solid waste and fecal sludge for nutrient and organic matter recovery

Cofie, Olufunke; Nikiema, Josiane; Impraim, Robert; Adamtey, N.; Paul, Johannes; Kone, D. 2016. Co-composting of solid waste and fecal sludge for nutrient and organic matter recovery. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE).. 47p. (Resource Recovery and Reuse Series 3) doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5337/2016.204

Biological treatment, composting, in particular, is a relatively simple, durable and inexpensive alternative for stabilizing and reducing biodegradable waste. Co-composting of different waste sources allows to enhance the compost nutrient value. In particular, integration of ‘biosolids’ from the sanitation sector as potential input material for co-composting would provide a solution for the much needed treatment of fecal sludge from on-site sanitation systems, and make use of its high nutrient content. This research paper elaborates in detail the main parameters that govern the co-composting process as well as factors that control the production of a safe and valuable quality compost. It further explains technological options to tailor the final product to crop and farmer needs.