Experimental study and proposal of a household organic waste treatment model using vermicomposting

This study investigates vermicomposting as a sustainable solution for household organic waste management in rapidly urbanising areas like Da Nang. A three-tier pilot system utilising earthworms efficiently decomposed kitchen waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost, achieving significant volume reduction within 21 days, particularly with pre-sorted, high-moisture food waste. Findings indicate that a 1:3 earthworm-to-waste ratio in a rotational two-unit system enables continuous processing. While optimised for vermicompost production, the model's efficacy for earthworm biomass generation may be limited by high oil, salt, or spice content in feedstock like leftover cooked dishes. Source separation, prioritising high-moisture, low-salt organic matter (e.g., vegetable scraps, plain rice), is recommended for optimal earthworm digestion. The resulting vermicompost is a valuable organic fertiliser for agriculture and gardening, offering dual environmental and agricultural benefits. The study concludes that household-level vermicomposting is a practical, eco-friendly approach to organic waste management with the potential to reduce landfill burden and promote urban sustainability.