Evaluating the Effectiveness of the C-EcoForHome Composter for Indoor Biowaste Processing in Educational Institutions

Indoor biowaste treatment using small-scale composters has proven effective for processing organic waste and recovering valuable resources.This study evaluated the performance of the handmade C-EcoForHome composter, supplemented with an inoculant, in processing biowaste generated at five educational institutions in Split.During the biowaste treatment, key parameters were monitored, including temperature, compost heap height, moisture content, dry and volatile matter, carbon and nitrogen content, pH, and electrical conductivity.The collected leachates were analysed for volume, pH, electrical conductivity, and turbidity.Pre-composts were subsequently matured in two soil types, where the same physicochemical parameters were assessed to evaluate further stabilisation.Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to evaluate compositional changes in the biowaste resulting from composting conditions, and to analyse the produced water-dominated leachates.The results showed that the C-EcoForHome composter effectively processed biowaste in institutional settings, producing stable pre-composts with only minor variations compared to the initial substrate composition.Anaerobic fermentation caused acidification, ion release, and partial stabilisation of organic matter, while soil maturation further contributed to drying and consolidation.Indoor small-scale biowaste treatment represents a sustainable, low-maintenance solution for biowaste management, producing nutrient-rich pre-compost suitable for soil amendment.