Community environmental management of household and agricultural waste promoting productive sustainability in Ecuador
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Abstract
Composting is an important sustainable waste management strategy because it transforms waste into resources and improves soil fertility. However, implementing it in rural communities presents logistical, technical, and regulatory challenges. This study examined how the community of San José del Cantón Portoviejo in the province of Manabí, Ecuador, manages household and agricultural waste. The field study was exploratory, not experimental. Two systems, Open Pit and Static Reactor with Aeration, were evaluated without experimental replications. A comparison of the systems was carried out using controlled indicators of physicochemical and biological processes. Initially, a descriptive survey was conducted to understand how household and agricultural waste was managed. Based on the obtained information and quantities collected, two composting systems were designed: an open-air pile and a static reactor with aeration. For four months, indicators such as humidity, oxygenation, and temperature were monitored to ensure optimal biodegradation conditions and minimize the impact of external factors on the process. At the end of the process, the physicochemical and biological parameters of the compost obtained from both systems were analyzed and compared with the standards established by Ecuadorian regulations. The results showed adequate levels of humidity (38%-42%), bulk density (0.35%-0.36 g/cm³), porosity (82.06%-83.33%), organic matter (18.82%-20.16%), and pH (6.94%-6.98%). However, the electrical conductivity (5.61–5.74 dS/m), calcium content (0.98–1.2%), and nitrogen content (2.49–2.63%) exceeded the national limits, though they complied with international standards. Additionally, total coliform levels (30,000-35,000 u.f.c./g) exceeded permitted values (<1,000 u.f.c./g), suggesting the need for additional treatments to ensure safety. Both systems produced compost with favorable characteristics, though adjustments to some parameters are needed to comply with local regulations. Community participation was essential for implementing composting, and the return of biofertilizer was a key incentive for its adoption and continued use.
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