JSR

Increased levels of organic waste represent a global challenge due to increasing populations and inadequate methods of waste management. Waste treatment methods such as composting help to reduce pollution and improve land use. This study aims to develop a strategic treatment plan involving the classification and management of organic waste. This study also introduced artisanal composting prototypes for use by rural householders in the Ecuadorian province of Santa Elena. The methodological approach had three phases: (i) the identification of inadequate management of organic waste in rural homes; (ii) the design of composting prototypes; and (iii) the design of functionality in the management of the composting process. The results showed the following: In the first phase, a significant relationship between the classification and management of organic waste was established. This phase found that 74% of the people surveyed classified household waste and practiced composting techniques. In the second phase, it was found that Composter Prototype One achieved temperatures of 43 ℃, 52 ℃, and 27 ℃ in the mesophilic, thermophilic, and cooling phases, respectively, and Composter Prototype Two achieved corresponding readings of 42 ℃, 61 ℃, and 27 ℃, indicating increased microbial activity which is ideal for the composting process. Regarding economic analysis, in the third phase, the results obtained a positive net present value (NPV) of USD 22,027.24, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 27.22%, and a profitability index (PI) of 1.83. The composting project is feasible because its circular economy model refers to positive financial returns that drive increased employment opportunities.

organic waste; composting; circular economy; rural homes