Effects of bulking agents on food waste composting

The effects of rice husk, sawdust and rice bran on the composting process of food waste were studied in a 180-L laboratory composter based on a mixture experimental design. Linear and quadratic models of seven important process characteristics (composting and acidification times, lowest and final pH values, highest temperature, the water-soluble organic carbon to water-soluble organic nitrogen (COW/NOW ratio), and the water-soluble organic carbon to total organic nitrogen (COW/NOT) ratio) in terms of fractional compositions of bulking agents as well as the water absorption capacity and the free air space of the composting matrix were developed.