VERMICOMPOST TECHNOLOGY FOR DECOMPOSING THE SOLID

BIODEGRADABLE WASTE.
Chaudhari S.V.
Associate Professor and Head Dept. of Zoology
Arts, Science & Commerce College,
Rahuri 413705, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra (India)
su1dha@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Management of solid waste has become one of the biggest problems that we are facing
today. Vermicomposting is the better option to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting is the
process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valuable humus like material which is
used as a natural soil conditioner. Vermicomposting is environment friendly and cost effective
technique for solid waste management. The vermicompost is the best tool and technology for
decomposing the solid biodegradable waste. The present project deals with the management of
solid waste in the traditional college, Arts, Science and Commerce College, Rahuri Maharashtra,
India. Solid waste in traditional college campus can be divided in to biodegradable and nonbiodegradable. In present project the problem of disposal of solid organic waste which is
biodegradable mainly derived from plant source was considered. For disposal of garbage instead
of burning we developed vermicompost unit that is based on four R of recycling. For successful
recycling of organic waste Eisenia fetida was used. The results indicated that the organic waste
(leaves, flower buds, seeds, grass clippings, flower falls, papers etc.) in combination with cow
dung from college campus were successfully processed through vermicomposting during the
period of 45 - 60 days. Investment was less as compared to its productivity, gains. The total cast
of construction of unit is nearly about rupees fifteen thousand ones and income is rupees twenty
two thousands five hundred per annum. The project serves and guides to manage solid waste. It
prevents air pollution caused by burning of organic waste. It provides employment, generates
income and is a productive unit. It provides compost to greenery mainly to orchids, flower beds,
cactus garden, rose garden etc. in college campus. By using vermicompost healthy plantation in
college campus can be maintained and enriches the biodiversity of plants and animals
particularly insects and birds.

Introduction:
Solid Waste is unwanted materials disposed of by us from our farms, fields, gardens, homes,
industries, shops, offices, hospitals, laboratories etc. Something which is unwanted or no longer
serves a purpose is thrown away as Waste. Since the beginning, humankind has been generating
waste, be it the bones and other parts of animals they slaughter for their food or the wood they
cut to make their carts. With the progress of civilization, the waste generated became of a more
complex nature. At the end of the 19th century the industrial revolution saw the rise of the world
of consumers. Not only did the air get more and more polluted but the earth itself became more
polluted with the generation of non-biodegradable solid waste. The increase in population and
urbanization was also largely responsible for the increase in solid waste. Solid wastes are any
discarded (abandoned or considered waste-like) materials. Solid wastes can be solid, liquid, and
semi-solid or containerized gaseous material.
Types of solid waste
Solid waste can be classified into different types depending on their source:
a) Household waste is generally classified as municipal waste,
b) Industrial waste as hazardous waste, and
c) Biomedical waste or hospital waste as infectious waste.
Each household generates garbage or waste day in and day out. The items that we no longer need
or do not have any further use fall in the category of waste, and we tend to throw them away.
There are different types of solid depending on their source.
Garbage: the four broad categories
Organic waste: kitchen waste, vegetables, flowers, leaves, fruits.
Toxic waste: old medicines, paints, chemicals, bulbs, spray cans, fertilizer and pesticide
containers, batteries, shoe polish.
Recyclable: paper, glass, metals, plastics.
Soiled: hospital waste such as cloth soiled with blood and other body fluids.
Abdullah Adil Ansari2009 segregated Waste as follows:
Segregation at source1.

Non-biodegradables
Recycle-Paper, Cloth
2

Recycling through scrap dealers- Plastic, Glass, Metal

2. Biodegradables-Compost/vermicompost
Management of solid waste has become one of the biggest problems that we are facing today.
Vermicomposting is the better option to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting is the
process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valuable humus like material which is
used as a natural soil conditioner. Solid waste in traditional college campus can be divided in to
biodegradable and non-biodegradable.
A. Biodegradable solid waste comprises:
1. Organic waste mainly derived from plants and vegetation which consists of ripened
leaves and fruits, berry, seeds, flowers falls. The cutting of shrubs, herbs, uprooting of
weeds, garden waste etc. The leaves and flowers excessively falls due to heavy rains,
cyclones, winter and summer fall. Normally the leaf, flowers, seeds, fruits falls because
of maturity, ripening and ageing.
2. The organic waste derived from dissected animals from Zoology laboratory.
3. Papers, card sheets, out dated books, magazines, cloths from office, laboratories and
library.
4. Traces of chemicals from chemistry lab after washing of glass wares which includes salts,
alkalis, carbonates, ashes, acids get accumulated on soil surface after some years and
causes soil pollution.
B. Non-biodegradable solid waste materials includes plastic bags, discarded use and throw
plastic pens, refills, ghutaka, supari (nut) and tobacco pouches, broken glass wares from
laboratories, wires and cables etc.
In many of the developing countries the prevailing method of solid wastes disposal is open
dumping [1] (UNEP, 2001). This practice has become increasingly expensive and hazardous to the
environment. Management of solid waste has become one of the biggest problems that we are
facing today. Vermicomposting is the better option to tackle with this problem. Vermicomposting
is the process of conversion of organic wastes by earthworms to valuable humus like material
which is used as a natural soil conditioner. Therefore, the need to explore and recognize the role
of earthworms in waste management is rather urgent. One of the important methods of managing
and treating wastes is composting. Earthworms are soil dwelling organisms involved biological
activities [2].in the process of soil formation and organic matter. Aristotle called worms the
intestines of the earth and stated that there may not be any other creature that has played so
important a role in the history of life on earth. Earthworms constitute a large part of biomass
(living bodies) inhabiting soil. In recent years efforts have been made to use the potential of
3

earthworms in recycling of nutrients, waste management and development of vermicomposting

systems at commercial scale. These are also called as Ecosystem engineers as they increase the
numbers and types of microbes in the soil by creating conditions under which these creatures can
thrive and multiply. Vermicomposting is a method of preparing enriched compost with the use of
earthworms. It is one of the easiest methods to recycle agricultural wastes and to produce quality
compost. Earthworms consume biomass and excrete it in digested form called worm casts.
Vermitechnology represents a relatively new and environmentally sound approach in the
management of Municipal refuse [3] (Loehr et al., 1988). Earthworms have the potential to be
used in Vermitechnology systems for industrial or municipal applications.
In present project the problem of disposal of solid organic waste mainly derived from plant
source was considered because it was the main garbage that gets accumulated daily in kilograms,
quintals and finely in tones. It was the main problem; from 1995 we were burning the garbage,
making air pollution and deposition of ashes. But recently from last two years we have
developed vermicompost unit and converting garbage into manure. The project aims to convert
solid organic waste to compost, prevention of air pollution, as a guide project to students and
farmers. By using vermicompost technology we are getting many more advantages of the
technique, vermicompost is a productive unit mainly based on four R of recycling, reduce, reuse,
recycle, restore.
Materials and Methods:
As we have solid waste mainly from plant origin was the major and main problem of solid waste
in traditional college like us we here adapted vermicompost methodology. There are two main
methods for vermicomposting pit method and windrows method. We here followed pit method
for which requirement is as follows.
1. Topography: selection of site, the ground surface selected for the purpose was plain
under shade of tree on one side where fewer disturbances from students were observed.
The ground floor was elevated by adding murum, gravels etc., slight slope to the
basement was planned to run excess of water & vermiwash outside of the pit that was to
be constructed on the basement so prepared.
2. Shade: Two shades were constructed of which one of size 20length x12width
x10height in the middle as shown in Fig.1 by using bamboo and shade net. Other was of
size22length x15width x12height in the middle as shown in Fig.2. by using bamboo
and shade net. It was with slope on both sides like hut.

Fig.1. Dome shape shade for vermicompost.

Fig.2. Hut shape shade for vermicompost

3. Pit: The readymade resin pits were made available free of cast from Taluka Agriculture
service centre of size 12lx3.6wx1.9h 144x42x21(127008 cubic inches) and
15lx3.6wx1.9h(180x42x21=158760 inch3. These were having holes of 3x3 size for
draining of excess of water and collection of vermiwash. The two beds were mounted
with the help of 12 bamboo sticks of size 3 long. These were inserted on the floor inside
the shade so as to get the height of 1.6 and then plastic/resin beds were tightly placed on
bamboo sticks above ground level by keeping 3 working space in between two beds. In
addition to these two pit beds were also constructed from brick and concrete material of
size 15lx3.6wx1.9h (inner dimensions). In between two pit beds 3 feet distance was
kept as a working space.
4. Garbage: It was collected during daily cleaning (Fig. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). This includes
leaf, flowers, seeds, fruits, cuttings, uprooting of weeds etc. The garbage was collected
near the unit for easy handling and allowed to dry and semi decomposed.

Fig.3. Flower falls

Fig.4. Flowers and buds falls

Fig.5. Leaves falls

Fig.6. debris of leaves, flowers and buds falls.

Fig.7. Containers for collection of other debris

Fig.8. Garbage accumulated.

5. Segregation of garbage: The semi decomposed garbage was segregated as shown in
figure 9.

Fig.9.Segregation of garbage

6.

Tools for vermicompost: For watering and harvesing as well as for handling to verms,
tools shown in figure 10 are essential.

7. Water:

Source of water

Buckets and water sprayer

8. Earthworms: Local species of earthworms that are generally used in India are Perionyx
excavatus and Lampito mauritii. These earthworms can be cultured or used in
composting applying simple procedures either in pits, crates, tanks, concrete rings or any
containers.

The earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) is indigenous to Africa but has also been
bred in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia, where it is commonly called the African night
10

crawler [3]. It grows well at a temperature of more than 25C but best at 30C attaining
maximum weight, length and number of segments in about 15 to 20 weeks [5].Vermicomposting,
a mesophilic process carried out by earthworms, involves ingestion, digestion and absorption [4],
of organic waste followed by excretion of castings. The Indian E. eugeniae has higher
bodyweight as compared to the African counterparts, in spite of comparable lengths.
Eisenia fetida (Savigny) is commonly known as (partial list only): the compost worm,
manure worm, red worm, and red wiggler (see Figure 1). This extremely tough and
adaptable worm is indigenous to most parts of the world and can be found on most Canadian
farms wherever piles of manure have been left to age for more than a few months. There are
different species of earthworms viz. Eisenia fetida (Red earthworm), Eudrilus eugeniae (night
crawler), Perionyx excavatus etc. Red earthworm is preferred because of its high multiplication
rate and thereby converts E. fetida the organic matter into vermicompost within 45-50 days.
Since it is a surface feeder it converts organic materials into vermicompost from top.
Commercially raised worms are usually of the epigeic type. is certainly not the only epigeic
worm, but it is the one most often used for composting purposes in Northern climates. It can
handle a wide temperature range (between 0 and 35 oC) and can actually survive for some time
almost completely encased in frozen organic material
Important characteristics of red earthworm (Eisenia fetida)
Characters Eisenia fetida
Body length -3-10cm
Body weight- 0.4-0.6g
Maturity -50-55days
Conversion rate- 2.0 q/1500worms/2 months
Cocoon production- 1 in every 3 days
Incubation of cocoon -20-23days
In our College we used E. fetida for vermicomposting.
Process of vermicomposting
Following steps are followed for vermicompost preparation:
Filled the pit with following four layers
i.

1st layer of 10-15cm of dried leaves/grasses was placed as bedding or material at the
bottom of the bed. Or 1st layer sand or sandy soil of 5-6 cm. This layer helps to drain
excess water from the pit.

ii.

2nd layer - Partially decomposed material 30-45 cm was placed above 1st layer in the pit
which will be used for providing aeration to the pit a well as food for the worms.
11

iii.

3rd layer - 15 to 30 days old dung over 2nd layer at a thickness of 20-30 cm. This helps in
initiating microbial activity.

iv.

The material was moistened by spraying sufficient amount of water to keep the beds cool.

v.

Inoculated Red earthworm @ 1000 worms per square meter area or 10 kg earthworm in
100 kg of organic matter.

vi.

Water was sprinkled immediately after the release of worms.

vii.

4th layer - pre-digested material about 20 cm was placed above the worms. Water was

viii.

sprinkled on top most layers. Like this four beds were prepared.
Beds were kept moist by sprinkling of water (daily) and by covering with gunny bags
(fig.6). Maintained 50-60% moisture of the pit by periodical water spraying

ix.

Beds were turned once after 30 days for maintaining aeration and for proper
decomposition.

x.

Only plant-based materials such as grass, leaves or vegetable peelings were used for
preparing vermicompost.

xi.

The approximate weight of waste was measured before putting in beds and the amount of
compost formed was also measured.

Harvesting: After about 45-60days the compost was ready. The watering was completely
stopped, the manure was collected and small heaps were made on plastic papers. The
worms migrate deep. The manure was sieved with mesh and unused pieces of leaves or
thick sticks etc. were removed. The compost was used to rose garden, cactus and other
flower beds.
Result:
Vermicompost : the process flow sheet
Biodegradable GarbagePreparation of waste beds after segregation Waste beds covered
with dung slurry Transfer to pits Vermiculture treatment Screening Final product
(Vermicompost)
In 60 to 90 days (depends up on the size of the pits) the compost became ready was indicated by
the presence of earthworm castings (vermicompost) on the top of the bed. Vermicompost can
now be harvested from the bin/pit.
Table -1- Dimensions of the Bed
Bed

Size in inches

Volume in

Volume in
12

No

cubic inches

cubic feet

1
2
3
4

144
180
180
180

42
42
42
42

21
21
21
21

127008
158760
158760
158760

73.5
91.875
91.875
91.875

In this project organic plant originated waste used in all four beds was about 1096.88 kg. Since
waste is not compact less amount of solid was occupied in the beds. The compost produced in all
four beds was 4320.5
Compost gets ready in 45-50 days (fig.7). When raw material is completely decomposed it
appears black and granular. The finished product is 3/4th of the raw materials used by volume in
beds. The weight of compost is more as it contains moisture and the raw material used was
dried.
Table2: Waste utilized & vermicompost produced
Sr. No.

Bed

Volume Waste utilized

1
2
3
4
Total

cu feet
73.5
91.875
91.875
91.875
349.125

in kg
230.9
288.65
288.65
288.65
1096.85

Compost produced
in kg
968.0
1117.5
1117.5
1117.5
4320.5
13

From above table it is seen that from 10.96 quintals 43.25 quintals vermicompost was produced
in one batch. The waste by size appears more but by weight it was less where as by size the
compost produced was less, 3/4th or to that of waste in size of pit bed. The types of
vermicomposting depend upon the amount of production and composting structures.
Discussion: Earthworms are reported to consume more organic matter from the soil surface
than all of the other smaller soil animals put together (Ronald and Donald, 1977a).The level of
nutrients in compost depends upon the source of the raw material and the species of earthworm.
A fine worm cast is rich in N P K besides other nutrients. Nutrients in vermicompost are in
readily available form and are released within a month of application.
Vermicompost is stable, fine granular organic manure, which enriches soil quality by improving
its physicochemical and biological properties. It is highly useful in raising seedlings and for crop
production. Vermicompost is becoming popular as a major component of organic farming
system. In the present project we for first beds along with organic waste used cow dung but for
next beds garden soil were utilized conversion of organic waste.
Approximately 60% or more of household waste in Asian region is of an organic type that could
be recycled using Vermitechnology. Many Governments in this region have committed to reduce
the amount of organic wastes going to landfill. There are thus environmental, economic and
regulatory reasons for an increase in demand for compost worms. One area that is poised for
development in future is contract waste management using vermiculture. This consumes the
waste per day almost equivalent to its weight. The beds are covered with coconut leaves to avoid
sunlight. Avoiding sunlight, watering and aeration are the important prerequisites for the
effective production of worms and vermicompost. The end product of the sieved compost is used
as a soil conditioner or manure for the agricultural fields and nursery of the campus. Farmers
from nearby villages are buying this compost for their land. The production cost of compost is
estimated as Rs 1.40 per kg and it is sold for Rs.3 per kg. The cost of worms of 1 kg (contains
not less than 2000 worms) is Rs.1000.. Thus in four Rs of recycle we put solid waste for recycle
where the waste was reduced by earthworms for making vermicompost or they utilize it as a
food, the compost formed was utilized as a manure for plants, the organic waste derived from
plants was put in recycling as food for worms and the latter restore the compost or content of the
soil. The total cast of construction of unit is nearly about rupees fifteen thousand ones and
income is rupees twenty two thousands five hundred per annum. The project serves and guides to
manage solid waste. It prevents air pollution caused by burning of organic waste. It provides
employment, generates income and is a productive unit. It provides compost to greenery mainly
to orchids, flower beds, cactus garden, rose garden etc.

in college campus. By using

14

vermicompost healthy plantation in college campus can be maintained and enriches the
biodiversity of plants and animals particularly insects and birds.
Conclusion: In today's world, recycling of garbage has become necessary in order to sustain our
health and environment. Four R's of Recycling Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore can be
brought in to practice through vermicompost technology to convert organic solid waste,
garbage to garden manure. It prevents air pollution, helps to build up healthy environment.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The author is greatly thankful to Mr. Prasad Tanpure President Shri
Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Shri Shivajinagar, Rahuri and Dr. Sambhaji Pathare, Principal, Arts,
Science and Commerce College, Rahuri for providing the vermicompost unit for management of
solid waste.
REFERENCES
1.

UNEP (2001). United Nations Environment Programme, State of the Environment,

South Asia 2001, ISBN: 92-807-2037-2.

2.

Somniyam, P. and P. Suwanwaree, 2009. The histological studies. Diversity and Distribution of Terrestrial

3.

Earthworms. World Appl. Sci. J., 6(2): 221-226.

Chaudhuri, P.S., S. Nath, T.K. Pal and S.K Day, 2009. Earthworm Casting Activities under Rubber

4.

Plantations in Tripura (India).World J. Agri. Sci., 5(4): 515-521.

Dominguez, J., C.A Edwards and J. Ashb, 2001. The biology and population dynamics of Eudrilus

5.

eugeniae (Kinberg) (Oligochaeta) in cattle waste solids Pedobiologia, 45: 341-353.

Viljoen, S.A. and A.R. Reinecke, 1992. The temperature requirements of the epigeic earthworm species

6.

Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta). A laboratory study. Soil Biol Biochem, 24(12): 1345-1350.
Rodriguez, A.C. and I.R. Lapeire, 1992. Increase in weight, length and number of segments of Eudrilus

7.

eugeniae (Oligochaeta: Eudrilidae) at 24C. Rev Biol., 6: 215.

Vermicompost - Production and Practices ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre

Kolasib 796081, Mizoram.

Glenn Munroe 2004. Manual of On-Farm Vermicomposting and Vermiculture
Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada.
9. Card, A.B., J.V. Anderson and J.G. Davis. 2004. Vermicomposting Horse Manure. Colorado State
8.

University

Cooperative

Extension

no.

1.224.

Available

at

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/livestk/01224.html
10. V.K. Garg*, Renuka Gupta and Anoop Yadav Vermicomposting technology for solid waste management
WEBSITES
http://www.alternativeorganic.com
http://www.atlanticcountrycomposting.com.
http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~soilecol/index.html
http://www.jollyfarmer.com http://www.linksorganic.com/uk/links_redirect.asp?ID=2850
http://www.vermico.com
http://www.vermitech.com
http://www.vermitechnology.com
http://www.wormsargentina.com
http://www.wormdigest.org
15

http://www.wormresearchcentre.co.uk
http://www.wormwigwam.com
http://www.wormwoman.com
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/
eerc.ra.utk.edu/tnswep/9-12toc.htm
http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8732.html
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/index.htm

16