Composting process and methods

The main waste types that are composted include [11]  

During composting, microorganisms break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide, water, heat and compost  

Fresh compost is an intermediate product of the thermophihc stage, whereas mature compost is the end product of the stabilization stage [12], Compost characteristics are essentially dependent upon the raw materials and the factors that affect the progress of the process. 

Compost can be used in mai applications depending on the quality produced and the quality of the product [9], High quality compost is being used in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping and home gardening. Medium quality compost can be used in applications such as erosion control and roadside landscaping. Even low quality compost can be nsed as a landfill cover or in land reclamation projects. 

Feedstock Moisture content, % Carbon nitrogen ratio C N 

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Chapter 5 gives an overview of the composting process and methods, including up-to-date standardized guidelines for evaluating compostabihty of polymer materials. It also contains information about compost quality standards as well as the description of certification systems for compostability used in different regions in the world (Eirrope, USA, Japan). 

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