DOST develops bioreactor for household composting

A bioreactor that can transform biodegradable household wastes to soil-enriching compost has been developed.

The device was designed by scientists of the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) Microbiology and Genetics division headed by Romeo Cabacang, an engineer.

DOST-ITDI said the bioreactor can transform wastes into compost ideal for growing vegetables and flowers and propagating seed crops.

The device is now being commissioned at the Smokey Mountain district in Tondo, Manila, it was reported by DOST at a recent press briefing at the Grand Boulevard Hotel in Manila.

DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro presented the bioreactor project initiated by DOST-ITDI.

A one-ton per day showcase and training facility at the Smokey Mountain aims to enhance social acceptability and is expected to become operational by the end of this month, ITDI reported.

"The huge garbage dump that once symbolized more than waste mismanagement right in the heart of the country’s capital is being developed into an environmental rehabilitation showcase," DOST further stated.

Aside from Alabastro, Undersecretaries Fortunato dela Peña and Flor Tesoro and Cabacang who briefed the media on the technology and other waste management programs, a representative of the Sambayanan ng Muling Pagkabuhay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SMPMPC) gave a testimonial on the bioreactor technology’s viability.

Among several options, the bioreactor will initially deal with solid wastes churned out by Metro Manila residents and later in other parts of the country. The national capital region generates about 6,000 tons of waste per day.

The DOST-ITDI officials averred that the bioreactor technology is comparatively beneficial to health and environment against the traditional landfill because it eliminates groundwater contamination, emits insignificant odor, accelerates composting process, limits worm and fly proliferation, and consumes minimal operational power.

Cabacang said the ITDI technology has been field-tested with promising results in Bulacan and Calumpit towns, both in Bulacan; and at the Alabang Hills and PhilAm Homes subdivision in Muntinlupa City.

Several private and local government units from Metro Manila and some provinces have already expressed interest in acquiring and employing the bioreactor technology in their respective areas.

ITDI is now working overtime for the full-scale commercialization of the one-ton per day composting technology by early next year.

DOST emphasized, however, that the bioreactor concept will rely on an effective waste segregation scheme by the host community to be successful.

The project has already found allies in community organizations such as SMPMPC and the Ecological Alternative Guild (EAG), which promote waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The EAG is an environmental youth group, many of whom are former child scavengers in the Smokey Mountain.