Compost is an organic fertilizer made from plant and animal waste with the help of living organisms. In addition to providing nutrients and improving soil quality, compost is an effective solution for managing organic waste.

According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in 2022, Indonesia generates 68.7 million tons of waste annually. Want to learn how to make compost from organic waste? Read this article!

How to Make Compost from Organic Waste

There are several steps in making compost, from collecting the waste to waiting 2-3 weeks for the decomposition process. Below is a complete guide on how to make compost from organic waste.

1. Preparing Tools and Materials

The first step in making organic compost is preparing the necessary tools and materials. Here are the items you will need:

• Container: Use a large bucket or a sealed bin to store compost and ensure the decomposition process runs smoothly.
• Soil: Soil acts as a medium that helps break down organic waste into fertilizer.
• Water (as needed): Water is required to keep the compost moist.
• Rice husks or charcoal (optional): These materials can be added to maintain the compost’s porosity, preventing it from becoming too dense and speeding up decomposition.
• Lime: Helps reduce acidity levels in the compost, ensuring better results.
• EM4 Liquid: This liquid contains microorganisms that accelerate the breakdown of organic waste into compost fertilizer.

2. Sorting and Collecting Organic Waste

The next step in making compost is sorting and collecting organic waste. Make sure to separate organic waste from inorganic waste.

This process is usually necessary when the compost materials come from traditional markets or residential areas, where they are often mixed with other materials.

Examples of organic waste that can be processed to compost are fresh vegetable scraps (uncooked), rotten fruit, dried leaves, and others.

If you’re unsure how to sort waste properly, you can join Operasi Semut by Indonesia Asri.  where you will receive simple waste-sorting education to practice at home. You can also follow @indonesia.asri on Instagram for content related to a sustainable lifestyle.

Read also: Differences between Waste and Garbage, Don’t Misunderstand!

3. Chopping Process

After collecting organic waste, the next step is chopping it into smaller pieces. If the waste includes large items like leaves attached to branches, you should cut them first.

This chopping process aims to make the waste finer and easier to decompose. To do this, cut the organic waste into small pieces, about 1-2 cm in size.

4. The Mixing Process

This mixing process is also important to maintain moisture and airflow within the compost. If the compost is too dry, decomposition will slow down. On the other hand, if it’s too wet, it may produce an unpleasant odor.  

For the best results, you can mix wet and dry materials, such as vegetable or fruit scraps with dried leaves or sawdust. A balanced combination will speed up decomposition and produce higher-quality compost.

5. Securely Closing the Storage Container

Next, place the mixed organic waste into an airtight and tightly sealed container. If the air enters, the decomposition process may be disrupted and not proceed properly. Therefore, ensure the container remains closed so that the composting process can go effectively.

6. Resting Process

Once placed in the container, let the organic waste sit for several days until it decomposes. To speed up the process, you can add an EM4 solution.

The microorganisms in EM4, such as lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and photosynthetic bacteria, help break down plant residues, leaves, and kitchen waste into compost more quickly.

Typically, this process takes months, but with EM4, it can be completed in just a few weeks. Additionally, these microorganisms help decompose organic materials into nutrients beneficial for plants while also inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.

However, if you don’t have EM4, you can let the waste decompose naturally, but this will take longer.

7. Waiting for 2-3 Weeks

Let the compost sit for 2-3 weeks to allow the decomposition process to complete. During this period, microorganisms will break down the compounds in the organic waste into simpler forms.

Throughout this process, stir the compost every three days to accelerate decomposition. If the compost appears too dry or its moisture level falls below 40-60%, water it to keep it moist. You can do this whenever the compost pile starts to dry out.

8. Harvesting the Compost

After 2-3 weeks, the organic waste should have transformed into compost. At this stage, the compost is ready to be harvested and used for agricultural purposes.

That concludes the explanation of how to make compost from organic waste, from start to finish. By processing organic waste into compost, you not only reduce waste buildup but also help naturally maintain soil fertility.

Aside from managing waste more wisely, there are many other ways to contribute to environmental preservation. One of them is joining Indonesia Asri, a campaign that encourages people to participate in real actions and environmental education, including more responsible waste management.

This initiative is part of Chandra Asri Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Indonesia Asri also offers various exciting activities and fun challenges as part of the #SiPalingSustainable movement.

Through these challenges, you can adopt eco-friendly habits simply and enjoyably. Plus, you even have the chance to win exciting prizes!

Interested in becoming part of Warga Asri? Sign up now and take part in preserving the Earth. Visit our website for more information and join the movement for a greener future!

Read also: Organic and Inorganic Waste: 6 Differences You Can’t Miss!