Odorous Emissions During the Use of the Intermediate Fraction as an Additive to the Green Waste Composting Process

Mirosław Szyłak-Szydłowski () and Wojciech Kos
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Mirosław Szyłak-Szydłowski: Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Building Services, Hydro and Environmental Engineering, Nowowiejska 20 St., 00-653 Warsaw, Poland
Wojciech Kos: Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Building Services, Hydro and Environmental Engineering, Nowowiejska 20 St., 00-653 Warsaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Composting is a key component of sustainable development strategies, as it supports ecological waste management, minimises the impact of human activities on the environment, and promotes the efficient use of natural resources. Reducing the generation of additional waste—as “recirculation” of composted waste—is also an important indicator of sustainability processes. The intermediate fraction (IF) is the material within the 10 mm to 60–90 mm range. It can be incorporated into composting materials to enhance the composting process. Maintaining an appropriate proportion of this fraction in the compost mixture is crucial for its practical use. This research examined the impact of adding the IF to composting on reducing the release of odorous substances. Additionally, it aimed to optimise the composting process by effectively managing the fraction. Optimisation sought to achieve high-quality compost, minimise odour emissions, and enhance the overall efficiency of the process. The study enabled the selection of the optimal variant—adding 9% of IF with inoculum—considering both ammonia emissions and odour impact. This variant yielded 13% less ammonia and 37% less odour than the variant without additives. This included identifying the intermediate fraction’s ideal proportion and adding pre-composted waste to compost piles.

Keywords: compost; fraction; monitoring; odours; olfactometry; wastes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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