Is composting worm availability the main barrier to large-scale adoption of worm-based organic waste processing technologies?

Abstract

Organic waste is the largest typology of waste generated globally, which if untreated, can causes environmental pollution and be a public health risk. The worm-based processing of organic waste is known as vermicomposting and is recognized as a sustainable approach for the management of organic waste streams. Although this technology has been around since the 1970s and many different organic wastes have been successfully processed via vermicomposting, this technology has not been widely adopted at national or international levels. This paper explores the hypothesis that the availability of composting worms is the reason for low uptake of this technology. A market analysis of composting worm farm (vermiculture) businesses in two countries (South Africa and India) was undertaken to explore the hypothesis. It was found that the Indian market had the capacity to supply over 70,000 kg of worms per month, whilst for the South Africa market this was 3000 kg. Both markets have the capability to increase production by two-fold or more. Overall, the study concludes that worm supply is not a barrier to the scaling-up of worm-based technologies in either country. Additionally, these countries show the potential to assist development of wormbased systems in neighboring countries through export of composting worms.

Taking Tiger Worm Toilets to scale: opportunities and challenges

“…Whatever the model, a key challenge is building capacity and capability at national and local levels. In terms of capacity, worm supply and logistics is a key requirement and would need to be scaled in most countries, though as mentioned previously, worm supply is unlikely to be a limiting factor (Furlong, et al, 2017b). Capacity in terms of other materials is also unlikely to be an issue, especially if the designs can be adapted to suit large-scale manufacture, but building an integrated supply chain is what will be needed to see this technology to scale.…”

“…These worms are highly efficient in processing organic waste, reproduce rapidly, and can tolerate a wide range of temperature, acidity, and moisture conditions. Depending on the country's history of vermicomposting and worm farming, worms for TWTs can be sourced through local farming or importing, as explored in studies conducted in South Africa and India (Furlong, n.d.;Furlong, et al, 2017b).…”

Evaluating Circular Economy under a Multi-Parametric Approach: A Technological Review

“…Finally, the future marketable perspective of vermiculture and cocoon seems to be a promising research orientation in conjunction with the development of innovative business models that take into account all stages of the process [46][47][48].…”

Reducing odor emissions from feces aerobic composting: additives

“…17 The application of mature compost into soil can improve soil fertility, provide nutrients for crops, and minimize the risk of weeds and land degradation. 18,19 In general, mature manure compost is a good fertilizer. 20,21 However, one of the most important problems of feces composting is the emission of various gases and the accompanying odors.…”