Autonomous Solar Powered Composting Device for Household Use

The issues of solid waste management is a growing concern worldwide. Besides its damaging effects on the human health, the impact of waste accumulation and improper disposal greatly affects the environment and biodiversity. This study proposed an autonomous composting system for households which was powered by solar energy to convert organic waste into beneficial compost. The goal of developing this innovative device was to achieve better and more ecological waste management while improving the yield for high-quality compost. The proposed system was composed of a composting tank fitted with a motor-driven waste grinding mechanism plus a water-resistant cabinet which house the control unit and other electronics. Key parameters for quality compost were autonomously monitored during the compositing process by using infrared, moisture and temperature sensors. The feedback control system processed via the Arduino microcontroller was successfully implemented to achieve optimum composting conditions in terms of temperature and moisture content of $50{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ and $35 \%$ respectively. Testing of the device displayed conclusive results whereby a $50 \%$ reduction in waste volume was considered as full completion of the composting process. From the findings of this study, it was evident that the implementation of a small-scale composter in households boasts great potential to generate high-quality compost from organic wastes while further promoting sustainable practices.