Process Constraints in Source-Collected Vegetable Waste Composting

Abstract

A pilot plant for compost stabilization of the vegetable waste (green waste or residues) which daily accumulates at the garden-produce markets in Florence (Italy) is described here. The green residues are source-collected. After shredding they are mixed with a ligno-cellulosic bulking agent in order to reduce their high moisture content and to promote porosity of the vegetable biomass. Composting is carried out in a special kind of open reactor (Aerated Dynamic Composting Trench) with forced ventilation and turning machinery. Retention time for composting in the biooxidation trench is 35 days. Following this the compost is placed in a post-maturation yard. This paper gives information about the main aspects to be taken into account for the management of the composting process applied to vegetable waste in order to obtain a high-quality organic soil amendant.