SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: 2008

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Introduction: Why Start a Solid Waste Project?
Getting Started
Step 1: Forming a Planning Team
Step 2: Waste Diagnostic
Step 2: Community Surveys
Step 2: Waste Generation and Classification...
Step 2: Waste Diagnostic (Presentation of the results of the Waste Diagnostic
Step 3: Planning the Solid Waste Management System...
Step 3: Type and Level of Service Desired
Step 3: Organizational Options for Solid Wa...
Step 3: Storage and Collection of Solid Was...
Step 3: Transport of Solid Waste
Step 3: Final Disposal
STEP 3: Reuse and Recycling Alternatives
STEP 3: Financial Management of Waste Project
STEP 3 : Developing an Action Plan with the Community
Step 4: Educational Outreach
Step 4: Educational Outreach
APPENDIX H: Cost Projections for Waste Management ...
APPENDIX G: Reuse of Organic Waste to Produce Orga...
APPENDIX F: Sanitary Landfills
APPENDIX E: Construction of a Tricycle Cart
APPENDIX D: Results of a Waste Generation and Clas...
Appendix C: Municipal Survey
Appendix B: Health Center Survey
Appendix A: Household Waste Generation Survey

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Introduction: Why Start a Solid Waste Project?

The mismanagement of solid waste is an issue that affects the majority of communities here in Peru. The rapid growth of the Peruvian economy and the expansion of consumer products to the most remote corners of the country are only exacerbating Peru’s waste problem. Waste management will continue to be a pressing problem in many Peruvian communities, both urban and rural, without a radical change of attitudes and behaviors.

In the last couple of years, Peru has reached a tipping point with regard to solid waste management issues. The national solid waste law was passed in 2000, requiring all municipalities to develop a solid waste management plan. While many municipalities have not complied with the law, many others have already developed solid waste management plans and taken steps to implement them. Additionally, there are many governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and even local community organizations making progress in certain communities on this issue. In spite of municipal inertia and the challenges of promoting responsible consumers, this is a great time to be working on waste management issues in Peru.

Some may have an interest on waste management issues but are simply overwhelmed by the scale of the issue. Others, recognizing the gravity of the problem but not the limits of their influence, aim to launch a comprehensive waste management program only to end up disappointed. The reality is that individuals can make a significant difference in their communities working with solid waste management, especially considering the breadth of issues involved with waste:

public health

environmental health
environmental education

leadership
municipal development

empowerment of communities
income generation.

In order to avoid the common frustrations experienced by those working on solid waste management projects, this manual has been written to help explain the process of facilitating the planning and implementation of a waste management system that is appropriate for the community.

Getting Started

Is a Waste Management Program Feasible?

Do one or many of these conditions exist in the community?

The community has identified solid waste as a priority

The municipality has demonstrated interest and commitment to solid waste issues

Technical experts are available in the municipality or in the district

Community leaders talk about solid waste as a problem

Community leaders demonstrate their ability to mobilize the population to achieve a common goal

Community members complain about trash in the streets/river/etc.

Woman complain about the poor health of their children that could be linked to the improper disposal of waste (diarrhea and respiratory diseases)

While all these conditions are not necessary to start a waste management program, they are a rough way to gauge interest and the ability of the community to organize a waste program. The only accurate way to measure these conditions is through the completion of the waste diagnostic.

Step 1: Forming a Planning Team

The planning and development of the waste diagnostic is a great way to involve the community in the first hands on activity of a waste management plan. It is important to first identify all the key stakeholders and community leaders that would want to be part of the planning process:

Municipal Authorities
Local Businesses/Companies/Associations
Local Health Authorities
Local Universities or Technical Schools
Primary & Secondary Schools
Parent Teacher Organizations
Mother’s Clubs
Environmental Committees (CAM)
Health Committees (CLAS)
Church Parish/ Church Group
NGOs
Youth Groups
Local leaders

Once these actors have been identified, call a community meeting or meet in small groups (whichever system works best in the community) to discuss the waste management planning process (remember, you have to sell it). With those that are interested in participating, formulate an action plan with specific activities, a timeline and responsible parties. Here is an example of an action plan:

Step 2: Waste Diagnostic

Duration: 1 – 4 months

Goals - Determine:

generation and composition of waste in the community
storage and disposal habits of community members
attitudes of community members towards waste and waste disposal in the community
attitudes of health and municipal authorities towards waste and waste disposal in the community

In order to develop a waste management plan appropriate for the community, you must start by completing a thorough waste diagnostic analyzing the generation, storage and disposal of solid waste along with the attitudes of community members, health authorities and municipal authorities with regard to waste in the community.

There are four basic components of a complete waste diagnostic:

- Household Surveys
- Municipal and Health Center Surveys
- Waste Generation and Classification Study
- Presentation of the Results to the Community

Step 2 (cont): Community Surveys

Household Surveys:

The household survey is your opportunity to converse directly and frankly with members of the community regarding their waste generation, storage and disposal habits and their attitudes and opinions about waste and waste disposal in the community. This information will be critical in helping you design a waste management program appropriate for the community. Household surveys will vary depending on the size, economic level, consumption level, local customs and information that the waste program planners are looking for. Here are some general tips to help you get started on your survey

Always design and implement surveys with community members or a community group if possible
Hold a planning meeting with participating community members to describe the purpose and plan the logistics of the survey (day of the week, time, designation of sectors, etc)
Hold a mini-training with the survey team a couple days before the survey to go over the questions on the survey and give tips for successful interviews (including: a clear explanation of the survey purpose, non-directive question delivery, discreet observation of the household environment to ensure accurate responses, politeness and saying thank you, etc.)
The day of the survey set time limits to ensure the completion of the surveys in a timely manner
Hold a small celebration to thank the survey team and mark your accomplishment

See Appendix A for an example of a Household Survey

Municipal and Health Center Surveys:

The municipal and health center surveys will provide important information about the attitudes and opinions of local municipal and health officials along with their organizational and financial capacities. Even if you these entities have not to date expressed an interest in participating in planning the waste management program, they are key sources of information in the community. Additionally, the diagnostic is a good opportunity to show the health and municipal authorities that the waste program planning process is well organized and professional. This image will encourage local authorities to be more likely to support and participate in the waste program in the future. Like the household surveys, the municipal and health center surveys will vary between communities. Here are some general tips to help you with your surveys:

Formally introduce yourself to the municipality (health center) and/or the mayor (doctor/nurses) if you have not already done so and explain the reason for and indicate your intention to complete a waste survey with the municipality (health center) at a later date
First impressions are important, act professional and confident even if you aren’t (Bring a friend/family member/counterpart if you do not feel comfortable)
Try to work with the mayor (doctor/nurse) or another official with authority on the municipal survey
Invite the mayor (doctor/nurse) and other important officials to the presentation of the waste diagnostic results and indicate your desire to work with them (even if the show no interest)

See Appendix B for en example of a health center survey
See Appendix C for an example of a municipal survey

Step 2 (cont): Waste Generation and Classification Study

Materials: trash bags, safety equipment (mask, gloves and goggles), balance, large barrel, plastic sheet for waste classification

The Waste Generation and Classification study aims to track the generation and characteristics of waste in the community through the study of a sample set of households over a defined period of time. The volume and characteristics of waste dictate what can be done with it and what waste management system will be the most appropriate for the community (Note: this is a really dirty activity)

Choose a sample size of households that is representative of the community (for a community of 250 houses, 30 houses); If there a specific sites that generate large amounts of waste (markets, stores, businesses, etc.) conduct separate waste studies

Organize a waste study team responsible for collecting samples and analyzing the waste collected (at least 5 people, depending on the size of the community) and explain the purpose of the activity

Work with the waste study team to identify households to participate in the study (save all the trash generated in the household daily and give the sample to the waste study team every morning for a week) and confirm the participation of these households

Work with the waste study team to collect samples from the selected households every morning for a week

Weigh the collected samples to measure the total mass of waste generated per day and approximate an average rate of waste generation per person per day. Also calculate the average density of waste generated.

Separate the combined samples into paper, glass, metals, plastics and organic material and weigh each component to determine the percentage

Repeat steps 5 and 6 for a week and average the calculated values over the week

Thank the waste study team

(see APPENDIX D for the results of a waste diagnostic in a rural Peruvian community)

Step 2 (cont): Waste Diagnostic (Presentation of the Results)

Presentation of the Results of the Waste Diagnostic

While the presentation of the waste diagnostic results may seem like a formality, it is an important part of the diagnostic. The presentation of results to the community:

1. lends transparency to the planning process
2. encourages the participation of community members, local groups and authorities
3. is a good forum to receive feedback

The presentation of results can be formal or informal, depending on the community, but you should invite all the stakeholders that were identified in the first step and additional stakeholders that you have identified during the waste diagnostic process. Ideally, the meeting should be run by community members who participated in the waste diagnostic. An agenda should be set beforehand with time for the presentation, feedback and discussion and next steps.

Step 3: Planning the Solid Waste Management System

Analyzing the Situation:
Now that you have completed a waste diagnostic and presented it to the community, you must analyze the current waste management situation to determine a desired level of service and objectives to be reached. Here are some questions to get you started:

Is there a current collection system? What are its strengths/weaknesses?
Are there differences between neighborhoods/sectors with regard to waste management/attitudes towards waste/environmental consciousness?
Are there stigmas or gender differences with regard to the handling of waste?
Have community members tried to start some type of waste management project (formal or informal)?

Evaluating the Alternatives:
Here are the basic components of an integrated waste management system that you will be analyzing in this step:

* From the Hacia el Plan Maestro para la Gestion y el Manejo de los Residuos Solidos en el Cono Norte de Lima. Alternativa 1999, pg 47.

What system might be good for the community?

Here is a chart of good options available for rural communities in Peru with recommendations of waste management programs based on community size, community organization, generation of waste, etc. :

*This calculation considers that much of this organic material will go to feed animals
** This calculation considers that not all of this recyclable material will be able to be collected and sold

Step 3 (cont): Type and Level of Service Desired

Type of Service Desired: can be any sector that produces waste or a combination of several sectors. Be sure to prioritize services based on waste generation and feasibility:

Level of Service: Coverage of Collection
When starting a waste management collection system, it’s recommended to start small. Use this opportunity as a test run to make observations about the process noting challenges and best practices. This can also serve as a model to educate other community members about the project. You can also use a series of small activities to gauge the interest and dedication of project participants before you embark on a large scale project. Once you have an established system that works well, it will be easier to expand into other neighborhoods/communities/etc.

Level of Service: Frequency of Collection

If you are starting a waste collection system, the idea is to find a balance between convenience for community members and operation costs. Obviously, the higher the frequency of waste collection, the easier it is for community members to take out all the waste produced for collection. On the other hand, such a high frequency of waste collection would only make sense in a community producing enormous quantities of waste. Generally in small, rural communities the recommended frequency of collection is once a week (to avoid flies, pests, and bad odors while also keeping operation costs to a minimum). Use the information gathered during the waste diagnostic to determine an optimal waste collection schedule.

Step 3 (cont): Organizational Options for Solid Waste Management Systems

There are various options available for the organization of a solid waste management program. The first and most obvious choice is to set up a collection and disposal system with the municipality. This requires that the municipality assign a budget to the program and provide the personnel to both manage and run the project. As you may have already realized, this is not an easy task. This method normally requires months of preparation and a municipality with the interest and funds to carry out such a program. If the municipality does not show interest in the issue of solid waste management, and if you can leverage enough support and the community is well organized you can lobby the municipality and present the program proposal at the annual presupuesto participativo (participatory budget) meeting. All you really need is an idea popular in the community with the support of a well organized group of people to prepare the proposal. Although, keep in mind that it’s a very political process, which may not be rational or fair. This annual meeting is the only formal opportunity to solicit funds from the municipality. Small funds can be solicited in most municipalities on other occasions, but this funding is not guaranteed even if promised.

Another option is to work with a local/regional business that is willing to fund the operational costs of a small solid waste management project. Many large Peruvian agribusinesses and tourism operations have the money and interest to invest in a project that will improve the standard of living of its workers and more importantly improve business and the image of the company (or companies). Social responsibility campaigns are catching on in Peru recently, and it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of. Also, local businesses are great contacts for donations (old barrels to be used as trash cans, recyclable material to sell, fruit to feed kids that participated in a clean up campaign…etc) and a medium to announce events and/or convey a message (posters in the lunchroom, announcements at meetings, etc.).

In the case of recycling, you can also work directly with the informal recyclers to set up a more formal system of collection house by house. This is a good option because it is in the best interest of community members (especially in very poor areas) to sell their recyclable materials to the recyclers. Also, working with the recyclers you avoid having to set up a system from scratch. This system would works especially well in establishments like schools, comedores populares, clubs, etc. as a way to raise money.

Step 3 (cont): Storage and Collection of Solid Waste

There are 4 good alternatives for storage and collection of solid waste, each with advantages and disadvantages:

Here is a plan for placement of trash cans in a rural community, in conjunction with a house by house collection of waste and recyclable material. The placement of trash cans was used to combat critical points of accumulation of solid waste in the community:

Step 3 (cont): Transport of Solid Waste

Transport Options for Solid Waste. When determining which method is most appropriate for the community, be sure to factor in maintenance costs, road conditions and availability. It is better to opt for the simplest method feasible for the production level of solid waste and the size and road conditions of the community.

Step 3 (cont): Final Disposal

Sanitary Landfills

A sanitary landfill is the systematic burial of solid waste to diminish adverse health and environmental effects.

Mini-Landfills:
Mini-Landfills are an easy way to promote proper solid waste management without the need for promoting a waste collection system on a community-wide scale. Mini-landfills are ideal for small, rural and remote communities where residents do not produce large amounts of waste. Here is a great manual on how to make mini-landfills (although it does not mention a liner to prevent leachate from leaking into the surrounding soil):

*From Acciones Ambientales para el Mejoramiento del Medio Ambiente en la Comunidades Rurales. Elizabeth Shapiro y A. Bambi Tran, pg 89-94

Community/Municipal Landfills: COMING SOON!

(See APPENDIX F for more details)

Friday, April 4, 2008

STEP 3 (cont): Reuse and Recycling Alternatives

The Life Cycle of Recyclable Material in Perú:

Recycling is a great way to decrease the waste stream in the community. It is also a good way to generate income and turn a once valueless object, trash, into something of value so people may think twice about throwing that plastic bottle in the local river/irrigation ditch/street. Informal networks of recyling are already set up in many parts of Peru. The main points to evaluate when considering a recycling program are the:

financial aspects (is a recycling program economically feasible? See the market study below)
organizational aspects (who will be in charge of the program? where are the targeted sources? how long will the program operate?)
educational aspects (how will you encourage participation? See STEP 4: Educational Outreach for some tips)
logistical aspects (is there a secure area to store the material? who will buy the recyclable material? how will it be transported?)

Here is a simple feasibility study to figure out is a recycling program is an economically viable option in the community:

Market Study for Recyclable Material and Compost in the Community:

*From the Guía Técnica para la Formulación e Implementación de Planes de Minimización y Reaprovechamiento de Residuos Sólidos en el Nivel Municipal, CONAM Pg. 33

If a recycling program isn't economically viable on a community-wide level, try working with community groups or institutions that are already organized (schools are great, as are mother's clubs and youth groups). A specific program working directly with one group will drastically cut down on expenses (educational campaigns, transport, etc) and be much easier to plan and organize. These types of targeted programs are also more likely to be sustainable because there is a smaller group of people direcly benefiting from the recycling program.

Other Points to consider:

Does an informal recycling sector exist in the community/district? If so, what would be the implications of creating a more formalized recycling system? Is it possible to work through these informal recyclers?

Are there accessible local markets for recyclable products (informal or formal)

Are there fluctuating local prices for recyclable products? Do prices differ substantially between local buyers?

Reuse of Organic Waste: Composting/Vermiculture (see APPENDIX G for more details)

Other points to consider:
· Quantity and quality of organic material available
· Willingness of community leaders and community members to separate their organic waste
· Appropriate location and size of the composting area (does the area have a fence?)
· Access to water

STEP 3 (cont): Financial Management of Waste Projects

The most important point to remember when looking for funding sources for a project is to use your creativity. Fundraising events like polladas, rifas and subastas are a good way to get a project started or to earn some extra funds for a project. On the other hand, you must try to find a sustainable source of income to keep the project running. This will be much easier if the project is simple and small. Try to secure donations from local businesses, NGOs and the municipality (if they are not supporting the project).

With respect to tracking expenses, be sure to keep a detailed accounting spreadsheet to both calculate cost projections and record actual costs. Here's an example of an annual budget for a small scale recycling project (in San Jose, El Carmen in Ica). Note that all items are tracked, including donations. Also be sure to account for materials that need to be bought on a regular basis (lime for composting, masks, etc).

A successful small scale project can be run on a very small budget, so don't be discouraged by a lack of funding. Keep searching for creative solutions.

See APPENDIX H for budget projection worksheets and some examples of cost projections for a large-scale waste management system.

STEP 3 (cont): Developing an Action Plan with the Community

Developing the Vision of the Program:
Working with the community members who evaluated the alternatives for waste management programs, develop the vision for the solid waste management program with goals and objectives. While it may not seem important, defining a specific set of goals and objectives from the start will guide the activities you plan and help you evaluate how you're doing further along. Here are some quick tips on writing objectives:

Checklist for Writing a Specific Objective:

1.Begin each statement of a specific learning outcome with a verb that specifies definite, observable behavior. (identify, apply, plan, analyze, explain, demonstrate, etc.)

2.Make sure that each statement meets all three of the criteria for a good learning objective: observable behavior, the conditions under which the student will be expected to perform, and the criteria to be used for evaluation of the student's performance.

3.Be sure to include complex objectives (appreciation, problem-solving, etc.) when they are appropriate.

A Learning Objective has three major components:

A description of what the person/people will be able to DO
The conditions under which the person/people will be able to perform said task
The criteria for evaluating performance

*From Writing Learning Objectives. Raoul A. Arreola Ph.D. 1998, pg 3-4.

...NOTE: the meaning of the words goal and objective are often switched in Peru, here's an example from Carhuaz, Ancash:

*From Ciudades Saludables Una Prioridad: Manejo Sostenido de los Residuos Solidos en la Ciudad de Carhuaz. Ciudad Saludable, pg 20.

Activity Plans
Once you have defined your goals and objectives, you're ready to draw up an activity plan. Here is an example of a monthly work plan for a small-scale functioning solid waste system (note that the responsibilites for each activity are clearly established below the calendar):

1. Reactivación del Comité de Gestión Local de Residuos Sólidos de San José

Responsables:
Acondicionamiento del lugar (Club San José) – Lucho
Agenda y dirección de la reunión – Yajaira
Convocatoria – Yhajaira

2. Asamblea Pública de Rendición de las Cuentas y Actividades

Responsables:
· Convocatoria y seguimiento – Yajaira
· Bancas, mesas, micrófono, etc. – Lucho
· Agenda y Preparación de la exposición – Jocelyn

3. Encuestas a la población de San José

Responsable:
Coordinación General: Jocelyn

4. Arborización UPIS de Mayta Cápac y remodelación de la berma central de la
Av. Principal

Responsables:
Conseguir árboles y abono – Sra. Teresa
Coordinación con vecinos de Mayta Cápac – Fernando y Sra. Luci
Conseguir herramientas – Fernando y Lucho
Diseño de berma remodelada y arborización en Mayta Cápac – Jocelyn
Coordinación con Alcalde – Ñaña

5. Mantenimiento de triciclo, herramientas y uniformes

Responsables:
Coordinación General – Lucho

Your Turn!
Here's an empty rubric to fill with activities planned with the community (or use another format if you prefer). Don't forget to include activities/meetings that cover all the important elements of the project: organizational, financial, logistical, educational, evaluation, etc. :

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Step 4: Educational Outreach

Defining an Educational Strategy:

Community Reality
(Identify the problem of interest, causes, impacts on the community and feasible solutions)

Problem:
Neighbors dispose of waste behind their homes, in rivers, common spaces

Causes:
Lack of environmental consciousness
There is no waste management system in the community

Impacts:
Increased prevalence of diarrheal and respiratory diseases
Pollution of local watersheds, fields, etc.

Feasible Solutions:
If it is a small, rural community and there is little environmental awareness about the impact of improper solid waste disposal, start up a basic educational campaign addressing the hazards and risks of environmental pollution. If there is interest in the community, you may be able to start a family based mini-landfill and home composting project

OR

If it is a medium sized, rural community and there is environmental awareness about the impact of improper solid waste disposal, start up a more targeted educational campaign with the goal of implementing family based mini-landfill/home composting project or a community-wide waste collection system.

Target Groups
(Identify stakeholders, authority figures and their willingness/ability to effect change)

Stakeholders:
Waste handlers (mothers, women, children), waste generators (men, women, children)

Authority figures:
Municipal authorities (mayor, gobernadores, chiefs of personnel), health authorities (doctors, nurses, technicians), school authorities (directors, teachers, parent organizations), church authorities, local leaders

Message(s)
(Describe the problem, identify incentives, outline educational goals and develop an appropriate message)

Means/Methods
(Identify the most effective ways to get the message to the target group(s))

Mothers: house visits, meetings with mother’s clubs
Children: school activities and afterschool activities
Municipal authorities: Official community meetings, visits to sites that have already implemented a waste management strategy

*Adapted from Como Planificar un Programa de Educación Ambiental. David S. Wood and Diane Walton Wood, IIED 1987.

Step 4 (cont): Educational Outreach

Brochures from a waste programs in El Carmen, Ica and Santo Domingo, Piura

Here is an example of an educational activity plan:

Goal 1: The population of Santo Domingo will demonstrate their understanding of waste streams and the risks associated with improper waste disposal

Goal 2: The inhabitants of Santo Domingo will receive and participate in waste collection services in their homes

* From the Municipalidad de Santo Domingo, SPA Grant Proposal 2005

Environmental Education Resources (with sections on solid waste):

(PC Perú Library) Manual de Educación Ambiental para Primaria: N*1 Los Residuos Sólidos. CONAM, 2003.

(PC Perú Library) VIVA la Ciudad: Guía de Educación Ambiental para Escuelas Urbanas. CIDE y OACA, 1996.

(PC Perú Library) Adapting Environmental Education Materials. PC ICE #M0059

(PC Perú Library) Juntos Cuidamos Nuestro Ambiente: Guía de Orientación Docente (Secundaria). Unión Europea y Grupo Gea, 2006.

(PC Perú Library) Juntos Cuidamos Nuestro Ambiente: Cuaderno de Trabajo del Alumno(Secundaria) . Unión Europea y Grupo Gea, 2006.

(PC Perú Library) Aprendemos de Nuestro Ambiente: Guía de Orientación Docente (Primaria). Unión Europea y Grupo Gea, 2006.

(PC Perú Library) Aprendemos de Nuestro Ambiente: Cuaderno de Trabajo del Alumno (Primaria). Unión Europea y Grupo Gea, 2006.

APPENDIX H: Cost Projections for Waste Management Systems

Example Budget Plans:

*From the the Manual de Diseño de Proyectos Comunitarios 2008. Peace Corps Perú.

Budget Projections for the Implementation of a District-wide Solid Waste Collection Pilot Program:

*From the Plan de Gestión Ambiental de los Residuos Sólidos del Distrito de Vice

Budget Projections for an Urban Solid Waste Management System:

*From the GUÍA METODOLÓGICA PARA LA FORMULACIÓN DE PLANES INTEGRALES DE GESTIÓN AMBIENTAL DE RESIDUOS SÓLIDOS, CONAM pg. 101.

MORE TO COME!

APPENDIX G: Reuse of Organic Waste to Produce Organic Fertilizers

Compost

What is compost?

Compost is an organic fertilizer produced through the decomposition of animal and vegetable and plant wastes. Depending on the local climate, compost can be produced in 2-5 months.

How is compost used?

Compost should be mixed with moist soil before planting.

How do I know if compost is right for me?

Advantages:

It is an organic fertilizer that does not pollute soils, water, air or the products produced by the plants
Provides a source of nutrients for crops which are complete and healthy; furthermore, the nutrients are available over a period as long as 3 year
Knowledge in Peru (in most places) about its use
Low maintenance
Encourages the reuse of organic waste

Disadvantages:

Long production time
Quality levels vary with the type and amount of materials used
Avoiding animals and insects during production can be difficult

Preparation of Compost

Materials: Any raw organic waste from plants/vegetables/fruits (NEVER include cooked foods: rice, pasta, cooked vegetables or fatty foods like meat or grease). Some good examples of compost material include:

Carbon: dry leaves, egg shell, straw, saw dust, etc.

Nitrogen: green leaves, manure, feathers, raw veggie peels, etc.

Potassium: ash, peanut shell, banana peels, etc.

Phosphorus: ash, banana peels,

The inclusion of different types of materials and nutrients (achieveing a balance of carbon and nitrogen is especially important) is the most important component of producing good compos. The best manure for composting is that of guinea pigs and rabbits, followed by that of sheep, goats, chicken and horses.

Preparation (NOTE: this is a basic method for making compost, there are many other alternative methods)

1. Find a suitable area with access to water, preferably an area with a fence or an area protected from animals

2.Mix all the organic waste collected, making sure to chop up larger pieces

3.Create a pile of the mixed waste and cover the top with leaves/straw and cover with lime (cal) to avoid insects and rodents (You can also cover the pile with a plastic sack)

4.Lightly water and turn the compost, mixing all the materials, every couple of days to ensure a shorter production time

5.The compost is ready when it is a dark coffee color and emits no strong odors (Depending on the local climate and management of the compost, a small to medium sized compost pile should produce compost every 3-5 months)

6.Be sure to sift the compost after harvest with a piece of mesh wire

Resources:
Huertos Organicos en Peru (Organic Gardening in Peru) 2005. PC Peru Library

Additional Resouces:
Composting Guide: http://www.compostguide.com/
El Compostaje: http://www.infoagro.com/abonos/compostaje.htm
Technology Transfer for Development: Organic Waste; Urban Solid Waste Series. Peace Corps Peru Library
Acciones Ambientales. Peace Corps Peru Library

Vermiculture

What is Vermiculture?

Vermiculture is an intensive form of worm farming whose principal objective is the production of worm excrement (humus), a nutrient rich organic fertilizer. The production of humus normally takes between 3-5 months.

How is humus used?

After production the humus should be stored in a plastic sack, keeping in mind that its moisture needs to be maintained. The humus should be mixed with moist soil before planting.

How do I know if vermiculture is right for me?

Advantages:

It is an organic fertilizer that does not pollute soils, water, air or the products produced by the plants
Contains enzymes, hormones and amino acids that increase plant growth and harvest yield and help prevent some illnesses that affect plants. These enzymes, hormones and amino acids stay in the soil for up to several years
Maintains soil moisture, thus saving water
Keeps the soil soft and loose, providing plant roots with more oxygen

Disadvantages:

Requires a moderate level of investment and technical know-how
Long production time
Requires a high level of maintenance

Preparation of Humus

Select an appropriate site:
· Close to a water source
· Close to the house or field
· Flat surface

Mixture of worm food: animal manure and organic wastes (fruit and vegetable peels, hay, egg shells, etc)

Proportion of Manure: Organic Waste

Guinea Pig or Rabbit 1: 2
Chicken or Sheep 1: 1 ½
Cow 1:1
Pig or Horse 1 ½ -2: 1

Preparation of the worm food:
1. Form a 10 – 20 cm layer of organic waste in an area of at least 3 m2

2.Add a 5-20 cm layer of animal waste (depending on the type of animal) on top of the organic waste

3.Repeat steps 1 and 2 until there are at least 4 layers, but do NOT exceed 1 meter.

4.Once the bed is formed, water it generously and mix the layers. Repeat this step every 2 or 4 days (depending on the local climate).

The mixture is decomposing if the temperature is above 45 °C.

How do we know the food is ready?
- Lack of strong, unpleasant odor
- Dark black color
- Low temperature (20 o 25 °C)
- Neural pH (6.5 – 7.5)
- Add a couple of worms to a handful of food, if they immediately “dig in” the food mix is ready

Tips:
· The more you water and mix the bed, the faster the decomposition rate
· When watering and mixing, if you squeeze a handful of the mix and a few water drops are produced the moisture level is adequate
· If the mix is too acidic, add lime or ash to decrease the acidity
· If the inside of the mix is cool to the touch, the mix is in the final stage of preparation

Management of the Worm Box: Where the worm food is placed and the worms are raised; Can be made from a variety of materials (stone, wood, adobe, brick, plastic, etc) or simply in piles

Spread out the worm food throughout the worm box

Place California Red worms (Eisenia foetida) evenly throughout the worm food (about 7,500 – 10,000 worms for an area of 3 x 1 x 0.30 m)

Construct a small roof or cover the worm box with hay to protect it from the sun and rain

To avoid birds, rodents, lizards, etc construct a small wire mesh covering. If there are ants, cover the outside walls of the box with burnt oil

Every month or so add another layer of worm food until the box is filled

Lightly water the worm box every 3 or 4 days depending on the climate (never flood the box)

Harvest of Humus: 3 to 5 months depending on the quantity of food, number of worms, climate conditions and management of the worm box (A worm box with the dimensions 3 x 1 x 0.3m will produce about 700 k of humus every 3 – 5 months)

When do we know that the humus is ready for harvest?
- Dark black color
- Granulated texture, like coffee grounds
- Odor of moist soil
- Lack of worm eggs in the mixture
- Reduction in size and weight of worms with a marked tendency to flee

How to carry out the harvest?
1. As a worm trap, place a line of new food in the middle of the box on top of the mixture (height: 15 – 20cm, width: 10 -20cm)
2. After 2 to 4 days, remove the trap with the worms and place a new trap as many times as necessary to retrieve all the worms
3. Place the worms in a container while the humus is harvested
4. Harvest the humus, sift it and store it in plastic sacks for use

Resources:
Huertos Organicos en Peru (Organic Gardening in Peru) 2005. PC Peru Library
Outreach: Materials on Waste and Recycling 1995. PC ICE R0096
Ciudades Saludable: Manejo Sostenible de los Residuos Sólidos en la Ciudad de Carhuaz