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Environmental assessment of home composting

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  • Colón, Joan
  • Martínez-Blanco, Julia
  • Gabarrell, Xavier
  • Artola, Adriana
  • Sánchez, Antoni
  • Rieradevall, Joan
  • Font, Xavier

Abstract

In this study the environmental burdens of home composting were determined using the life cycle assessment (LCA) tool. Data used for the LCA study such as gas emissions (CH4, N2O, NH3 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)), tools and composter characteristics were obtained from an experimental home composting process of leftovers of raw fruits and vegetables (LRFV). Stable compost with a high content of nitrogen and organic matter was obtained. Neither pathogens nor phytotoxic compounds were found in the final compost. In relation to gaseous emissions, only volatile organic compounds (0.32kg VOC/Mg LRFV) were detected, even though ammonia, methane and nitrous oxide emissions were also measured. Regarding environmental burdens, the composter was the major contributor to the total home composting process impact for the impact categories of abiotic depletion, ozone layer depletion, and cumulative energy demand. Gaseous emissions (based on our own measurements and literature data) caused the greatest contribution to the acidification, eutrophication, global warming and photochemical oxidation potentials.

Suggested Citation

  • Colón, Joan & Martínez-Blanco, Julia & Gabarrell, Xavier & Artola, Adriana & Sánchez, Antoni & Rieradevall, Joan & Font, Xavier, 2010. "Environmental assessment of home composting," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(11), pages 893-904.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:54:y:2010:i:11:p:893-904
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.01.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blengini, Gian Andrea, 2008. "Using LCA to evaluate impacts and resources conservation potential of composting: A case study of the Asti District in Italy," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 52(12), pages 1373-1381.
    2. Güereca, Leonor Patricia & Gassó, Santiago & Baldasano, José María & Jiménez-Guerrero, Pedro, 2006. "Life cycle assessment of two biowaste management systems for Barcelona, Spain," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 49(1), pages 32-48.
    3. Martínez-Blanco, Julia & Muñoz, Pere & Antón, Assumpció & Rieradevall, Joan, 2009. "Life cycle assessment of the use of compost from municipal organic waste for fertilization of tomato crops," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 53(6), pages 340-351.
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    1. Karnchanawong, Somjai & Suriyanon, Nakorn, 2011. "Household organic waste composting using bins with different types of passive aeration," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(5), pages 548-553.
    2. Colón, Joan & Cadena, Erasmo & Colazo, Ana Belen & Quirós, Roberto & Sánchez, Antoni & Font, Xavier & Artola, Adriana, 2015. "Toward the implementation of new regional biowaste management plans: Environmental assessment of different waste management scenarios in Catalonia," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 143-155.
    3. Pierer, Magdalena & Schröck, Andrea & Winiwarter, Wilfried, 2015. "Analyzing consumer-related nitrogen flows: A case study on food and material use in Austria," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 203-211.
    4. Quirós, Roberto & Villalba, Gara & Muñoz, Pere & Colón, Joan & Font, Xavier & Gabarrell, Xavier, 2014. "Environmental assessment of two home composts with high and low gaseous emissions of the composting process," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 9-20.
    5. M. A. Vázquez & R. Plana & C. Pérez & M. Soto, 2020. "Development of Technologies for Local Composting of Food Waste from Universities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-20, May.
    6. Butler, John & Hooper, Paul, 2010. "Down to Earth: An illustration of life cycle inventory good practice with reference to the production of soil conditioning compost," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(2), pages 135-147.

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