Integration of a Communal Henhouse and Community Composter to Increase Motivation in Recycling Programs: Overview of a Three-Year Pilot Experience in Noáin (Spain)

Francesco Storino, Ramón Plana, Monika Usanos, David Morales, Pedro M. Aparicio-Tejo, Julio Muro and Ignacio Irigoyen
Additional contact information
Francesco Storino: Department of Environmental Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Ramón Plana: Organic Wastes Management Consultancy (www.maestrocompostador.com), 08027 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Monika Usanos: Office of Climate Change and Agenda 21, 31110 Noáin, Navarre, Spain
David Morales: Vermican Soluciones de Compostaje S.L., 31191 Galar, Navarre, Spain
Pedro M. Aparicio-Tejo: Department of Environmental Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Julio Muro: Department of Agricultural Production Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Ignacio Irigoyen: Fertile Auro—Professional Association for Waste Management Strategies and Circular Economy, 36211 Vigo, Galicia, Spain

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: This paper presents a three-year pilot experience of a new municipal waste management system developed in Navarre, Spain that integrates composting and hens. The aim of this new system is to motivate the general public to participate more in waste prevention programs. The Composter-Henhouse (CH) is a compact facility comprised of a henhouse and three composters. This is shared by 30 families who provide the organic part of their kitchen waste to feed the hens. Hens help speed up the composting process by depositing their droppings and turning the organic residue into compost. This study assesses the CH in terms of treatment capacity, the technical adequacy of the composting process, the quality and safety of the compost obtained and some social aspects. Over three years, the CH has managed nearly 16.5 tons of organic waste and produced approximately 5600 kg of compost and more than 6000 high-quality fresh eggs. No problems or nuisances have been reported and the level of animal welfare has been very high. The follow up of the composting process (temperature, volume reduction and compost maturity) and a physicochemical and microbiological analysis of the compost have ensured the proper management of the process. The level of involvement and user satisfaction has been outstanding and the project has presented clear social benefits.

Keywords: community composting; urban farming; low-tech composting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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