Composting for Organic Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review on Processes, Applications, and Environmental Integration

Abstract

Solid waste management remains a critical environmental challenge, particularly in developing nations where urbanization outpaces infrastructure development. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste often exceeds half of the total stream, posing both environmental risks and opportunities for resource recovery. Composting—the controlled aerobic decomposition of organic matter—offers a sustainable, low-cost solution to transform this waste into a stable, nutrient-rich soil amendment. This review highlights the scientific and operational foundations of composting, emphasizing biochemical processes, microbial succession, and key factors such as carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, moisture, aeration, temperature, and feedstock quality. Various composting systems, from simple windrows to advance in-vessel reactors, are compared in terms of efficiency, scalability, and suitability for diverse socioeconomic settings. The agricultural benefits of compost application are explored, including improvements in soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial health. Additionally, integrated approaches combining composting with vermicomposting or biochar production are discussed for enhanced waste recycling and soil fertility. Within the broader environmental framework, composting contributes to the circular economy by reducing methane emissions, sequestering carbon, and addressing soil degradation and food security concerns. Overall, this synthesis provides a concise reference for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners pursuing sustainable waste management strategies that align with global sustainability goals and advance multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Objectives.