Composting: the microbiological processing of organic wastes

Abstract Huge quantities of organic waste materials are generated annually in the United States and elsewhere leading to the age-old problem of how to dispose of these materials in an economic and environmentally friendly manner. The problem is exacerbated by increasing regulations on disposal of wastes and the difficulties involved in opening new landfills. Composting of biodegradable organic wastes presents at least a partial solution. Composting in its basics is simply the managed microbial decomposition of organic wastes to produce a more stabilized end product that is acceptable for use as a soil amendment in multiple settings. Composting systems range from simple backyard piles and bins to highly engineered computer controlled mechanized processes. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of the composting process and describes characteristics of finished products.