Household Composting Program

“Introduction of Takakura Home-Method (THM) as an applicable household composting model for urban area”

Written by Prapti Wahyuningsih, ST

Consultant for Waste Management

Takakura home-Method (THM) is a composting method applied at individual household.

Composting is the breakdown of organic material such as straw and other agricultural waste, sawdust and other wood-type materials, cattle manure, organic waste and leftover food, sewage water and other organic mud by various organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, actinomycete, basidiomycete, lactic bacteria, etc.) that feed on waste and convert it into an earthlike mass through aerobic fermentation or anaerobic fermentation to produce compost, which will be used to give a favorable impact on microorganism in soil and plants. In other words, composting is the process to neutralize the negative image and odor of waste, produce compost that is hygienic and easy to use, has a favorable impact on soil and crops, and recycle organic waste as a resource.

It is essential to provide and maintain perfect conditions for optimum microbial activity. For that purpose, it is necessary to adjust carbon-to-nitrogen ratios (C/N ratio). The mainstream composts through aerobic fermentation processes, which requires oxygen. To begin with, microorganisms decompose easily decomposable organic matter such as amino acids and sugar groups. This prevents odors, emergence of pests, and growth inhibition and root rot caused by rapid decomposition in soil. The temperature of organic mass exceeds 60 degrees centigrade during the fermentation process. Disease-causing bacteria, parasites, pest eggs, weed seed and other materials that are present in organic mass and are harmful to humans, animals and plants will die or be inactivated due to fermentation heat, and organic mass will turn into compost that is hygienic and safe. Furthermore, microorganisms produce metabolites during the fermentation process. These metabolites change nutrient composition to produce humus required for agricultural soil, thereby helping plants absorve nutrients.

THM is developed by Mr. Koji Takakura from Jpec. Co. Ltd Japan in the cooperation framework of Surabaya city and Kitakyushu city executed by KITA (Kitakyushu International Techno-cooperative Association) based in Kitakyushu city, Japan. And BaliFokus is the secondary technology-transferred by KITA after PUSDAKOTA, local NGO in Surabaya.

THM is a composting method using aerobic fermentation. The box is constructed in such of manner as to allow for ventilation and prevent insects-entering. This method allows for the easy and hygienic production of good quality compost in a short period of time through the use of NM (Native Microorganisms: fermentation microorganisms that are native to the local area).

In Indonesia, the annual mean minimum temperature is 22 degrees Celcius and the annual mean maximum temperature is about 35 degrees Celcius. Annually average temperature between 28 to 29 degrees Celcius is an ideal climate for composting. Through the introduction of appropriate technology , residents are able to practice composting simply, but with few failures. In addition, if composting can be done in individual households, waste can be treated when it is still fresh and can produce good quality compost as well as create a link to improvement of comfortable living (decomposition and foul odors) and hygienic (fles, maggots, rats, germs and microbes, etc.) environment.

THM has the following characteristics to establish and expand as local technology.

• It can be placed inside the house.
• It has simple technology and low-energy system.
• It is portable with box sizes being 60 liters (30×42×60^Hcm).
• It facilitates aerobic fermentation as it allows air to pass through easily.
• Dumped organic waste almost loses shape on the following day.
• There is no bad smell as long as good conditions are maintained within the box.
• A locally available general-purpose product can be used to ensure low cost operation and continuity.

THM consists of the following and is very easy to operate.

• A commercial available plastic box or hand-made bamboo/rattan basket with good ventilation.
• Place cardboard (with ventilation) or rice-sack on the side face of the plastic box or bamboo/rattan basket.
• Place packaged rice chaff at the bottom to absorb excess moisture.
• Put fermentation microorganisms/NM (or finished compost) in the box.
• The lid has an anti-insect net.
• Put wet garbage into the box and mix the content well every time wet garbage is produced.
• Wet garbage must be chopped as finely as possible with a knife.

By implementing this method, it can reduce organic material at household level up to 50-75%.