The Rajdhani College of Delhi University (DU) has installed a "Composting Unit" which will convert the organic waste generated within the campus into the nutrient-rich compost or soil.
The installation cost of Composting Unit is Rs 3, 10, 000 and it has capacity of handling 25 kilograms of organic waste material per day. The unit will convert 25 kg of waste it into about 5 kg of compost every day. The compost unit was inaugurated on Sunday by Prof Rajesh Tandon, Dean of Student Welfare , DU.
The organic matter that may be used in the process are brown organic materials i.e. dead leaves, shredded twigs and green organic material lawn clippings, fruit rinds etc. Apart from it kitchen waste like egg shells, bones, meat etc can also be used however plastic, iron nails, glass, jute etc are to be avoided.
"It is a fully automated machine though it can be operated manually. The degradation of organic material happens through an enzyme provided by the company which is supposed to be added manually in the process. The by-products are also environmental friendly and the unit is easy to operate without much hassle," said Dr. Pankaj Kumar Garg, convener, Committee on Environment, Rajdhani College.
Garg said "Composting Unit" is a stepping stone towards making college go "green" and in internally managing the organic waste generated in college and use the compost in various gardening activities. "Also it is a great opportunity for the students to learn greener methods within the premises and learn sustainable living," he said.