Bangalore and Composting

How many homes in Bangalore compost?

At least 25,000 do – in different ways. The Shows project in Sanjaynagar collects waste from 500 homes and converts the organic waste to compost. There are other such projects. (see “resources” for full addresses and details)

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Isn’t it the responsibility of the municipal department to manage this organic waste?

Let’s say it’s the joint responsibility of the citizens and the governing bodies that are elected to do this task if it is to be done effectively.

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Why can’t I just throw my organic waste out for it to reach the landfill site – where it will eventually
compost?

It will not all turn into compost. Due to lots of other materials, chemicals and missing ventilation, microorganisms can't exist in a landfill. Even if composting should take place, the resulting compost would be poisoned and mixed with the other waste, just adding to the misery of the landfill.

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Are there any other reasons why organic waste shouldn’t go to the landfill site?

In a landfill, organic matter reacts with other materials and creates toxic leechate that may contaminate nearby streams or groundwater. Organic matter placed in airtight landfills stops the earth’s natural cycle of
decomposition. This cycle plays a crucial role in the health of our environment. The airless (anaerobic) conditions mean that instead of composting, the materials ferment, giving off methane – an explosive, potent contributor to the greenhouse effect. Furthermore, the site is unstable and liable to subsidence.

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Will my neighbours be bothered by a Daily Dump product in my compound?

Not if they know what is going on in it. If you maintain it in a way that it doesn't produce odors, they surely won't mind. Just tell them about how you are contributing to keep the earth healthy and invite them to dump
their food scraps and yard clippings in your product if they don't want to maintain their own.

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Didn't I hear my cousin's friend talk about city laws that put restrictions on composting at home?

If so, she was wrong. The law on the other had encourages decentralized handling of home waste.

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Where can I find other organizations doing work in this area?

Look at our resources section or do a Google search “composting in Bangalore” or “waste management in Bangalore”.

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Karnataka stage composting unit