International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST)

Composting for a Cleaner India Comparing Technologies for Sustainable Waste Management

India, as one of the most populous countries, faces an ever-growing challenge in managing its municipal solid waste (MSW). With over 40-50% of Indian MSW being biodegradable organic matter, composting has emerged as a viable solution for sustainable waste management. This article, based on the study “Assessment of the Quality of IMC Composting Produced from Municipal Solid Waste,” explores the comparative efficacy of different composting techniques -Windrow Composting (WC), Vermicomposting (VC), and Inoculated Microbial Composting (IMC). The analysis is grounded in laboratory testing of compost samples collected from various municipal corporations and assessed based on Fertilizing Index (FI) and Clean Index (CI) parameters. The findings offer a deeper understanding of compost quality, environmental safety, and potential for marketability, thereby shaping India’s journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.