Sundaram Climate Institute

What are the different types of waste?

Wet waste
Dry Waste (Single use and Reusable)
E-waste
Hazardous waste (includes Biomedical waste)

What is wet waste?

Kitchen waste - including vegetable and fruit peels and pieces, tea leaves, coffee grounds, eggshells, bones and entrails, fish scales, as well      as cooked food is wet waste.
Garden waste - is any organic waste that can be composted such as grass clippings or leaves

What is Dry waste?

Waste that cannot be broken down by soil bacteria is called dry waste. Examples include
Plastics
Metal
Glass
Rubber
Thermocol
Fabric
Leather
Rexine.

What is Hazardous waste& E-waste?

E(electronic)-waste is waste from electronic products. Examples include batteries, computer parts, wires, electrical equipment of any kind,       electrical and electronic toys, remotes, watches, cell phones, bulbs, tube lights and CFLs

Hazardous waste is any waste that needs careful handling to prevent harming public health or the environment. Examples include paints,       cleaning agents, solvents, insecticides and their containers, old medicines, shoe polish, other chemicals.

What is Biomedical waste?

Biomedical waste needs very special handling to prevent accidental injuries and infection of waste handlers. Biomedical waste is any kind of       waste containing infectious (or potentially infectious) materials. Menstrual cloth, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, bandages and any       material that is contaminated with blood or other body fluids are biomedical waste.

It may also include waste associated with the generation of biomedical waste that visually appears to be of medical or laboratory origin      (e.g.,packaging, unused bandages, infusion kits, etc.). Examples include used needles, syringes, bandages, medical waste.

What is segregation?

At the time of waste generation, place wet, dry and hazardous wastes separately into different containers, so that dry waste can be recycled, wet waste can be composted/made into biogas and hazardous waste alone can be sent out to the landfill.

Why should I segregate?

Effective segregation of wastes means that less waste goes to landfill which makes it cheaper and better for people and the environment.
Segregated waste is also often cheaper to dispose of because it does not require as much manual or mechanical sorting as mixed waste.

How many bins should I have?

Minimum 3 bins – 1 for each
Wet waste
Dry waste
Hazardous waste

Is there a color coding to follow?

Follow a system that suites you. Alternatively, Swachh Bharat adopts
A green bin for wet/compostable waste
A blue bin for recyclable dry waste
Red bin for reject/Sanitary waste.

Will dry waste smell if I store it for a week?

Not if it is clean and dry. Make sure that plastic sachets of milk, curds, oil, idli batter, any food item, are cleaned of all their contents and dried before being put in the dry waste bag. Then they are unlikely to smell.

Will I have cockroach, rats and flies problems?

Typically, not if waste is correctly segregated into wet & dry and wet waste is managed daily.

When will the Waste Segregation at Source Policy be implemented?

Waste Segregation at Source Policy has begun from 1st June 2016
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change India, S.O. 1357 (E) [08-04-2016].

How to reduce waste at home?

1. Segregate at source
2. Convert Wet waste to compost / biogas
3. Sell reusable dry waste
4. Minimise the use of single-use plastic
        Use reusable (cloth/jute/paper) bags instead of plastic
        Use compostable substitutes for single use plastics
        Paper straws
        Wooden stirrers
        Cutlery made sugarcane waste etc.
        Use glassware
        Use Stainless steel lunch boxes
5. Buy Products with Less Packaging
        Buy Reusable and Not Disposable
        When something is broken, try to repair it before buying a replacement.

What is biogas?

Biogas refers to a mixture of different gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Biogas is a renewable energy source.

Biogas can be produced from raw materials such as
     Agricultural waste
     Manure
     Municipal waste
     Plant material
     Sewage
     Green waste or food waste

Can biogas be replaced for LPG at home?

Biogas is a clean and efficient fuel which can easily replace petrol, diesel and LPG. However, because it is not pressurized cooking time is little longer

Does biogas contribute to climate change?

Biogas production is carbon-neutral and will lower additional CO2 emissions.

How feed the plant?

The input to the plant should be cut into small pieces and soaked in water in order to allow the bacteria to easily break down the waste.

What are the advantages of biogas?

Addresses the Organic Waste disposal problem
Generates Gas used for Cooking, lighting & Electricity generation
One time investment
Reduces Global warming & Carbon Foot Print
Easy and Minimum Maintenance

What will be the cost of the plant for home?

Initial investment:approximately Rs. 27,500/-
Maintenance cost: Minimal

Do’s

Remove solid particles from the waste water before feeding.
Maintain proper slope in the pipeline for easy flow.
Use ISI marked burners and lamps to get maximum efficiency.
Close the main gas cock in the night after the use of gas is over.
Test the burning of the gas at the burner.
Put the burners on a raised platform in the kitchen.
Adjust the air shutter to get blue flame to get maximum heat.
Use lighter or light the match before opening the gas tap.
Keep the kitchen ventilated.

Don’ts

Don't use burners and lamps which are not approved by ISI since they may not give maximum efficiency
Don't leave the gas taps near the burner open after use.
Don't test burning of gas at the main gate valve on the dome/gas holder.
Don't use fire for testing the leakage in the gas holder.
Don't make the air shutter tight or too loose. In both the cases, there would be incomplete combustion and thus wastage of gas.
Don't open gas tap and start searching for lighter and match box.
Don't inhale biogas.
Don't allow the gas holder to rust which brings down its life

What is Composting?

Organic or “wet” waste such as food waste, leaves, grass, paper etc. are broken down by bacteria and turned into an organic fertilizer known as compost.

What are the advantages of using compost?

Prevents wet waste from going to the landfill
Improves plant growth - flowering and vegetable yield
Improves soil health

What are the methods of composting solutions available?

Bokashi
Aerobic (and bulk) compost
Vermicompost

Can we sell compost?

Yes

Where can I buy Compost bins & Microbes?

Please write to us sci@climaction.net

What do you mean by Bokashi compost?

Bokashi compost is an indoor composting solution. It is a compact composting solution that works in functionally anaerobic (i.e. low air) conditions to convert kitchen scraps to compost.

How much does Bokashi Kit cost?

Onetime expense: Rs.1300
Recurring expense: Approximately Rs 75 per month for microbes

What can I expect to find in the Bokashi Kit?

Most kits contain:
Plastic bucket 10litres -2 nos
Lids –2 nos.
Drain Tap –2 nos
Strainer 2 nos.
A pair of imported latex hand gloves
Microbes -1 kg.

Is the bucket reusable?

Yes.

Does the composting process smell?

Unless something is amiss, usually there is not a terrible smell. It is only when the microbial process is disrupted or overwhelmed that there       can be a smell.
Usually, when emptying waste into the plastic bins, there will be no smell. But do ensure the lids are kept on tightly.
However, when transferring the semi-composted material to the composting basket, there can sometime be an unpleasant smell.

What are the items that can be added to the Bokashi composter?

Foods & Leftovers
Vegetables & fruits
Dairy Products / Ice cream sticks
Snacks
Baked foods
Tea & coffee extract / compostable tea bags
Egg shells
Flowers
Small pieces of pure cotton clothes
Jute
Make sure the pieces are small, bacteria are pretty small –they work best when their food is small also

What are the items that should not be added?

Plastic / Glass / Aluminum
Plastic/ Foil Packaging
Metal (Foil, staples)
Tobacco Ash, Pet Waste
Paints
Stones
Pencil lids
Wood
Leather / used shoes
Acid
Hair
Bottles & Cans

What are microbes?

Microbes are bacteria – like those found in curds.They facilitate composting process by digesting the waste.

How long it will take for 1 bucket to be filled?

From our experience, a 10 kg bucket is typically filled within 7 to 10 days for a family of four.

How much microbes should be used while feeding?

We can sprinkle 1 tablespoon of microbes for every layer of wet waste.

What is EM? Can it be used instead of microbes?

Effective Microorganism.
Yes it can be used
EM - 1 litre - Rs.330/-

What is the purpose of jaggery in this process?

Jaggery is added as the initial food for microbes.

What is leachate?

Water released during the composting process. This is a concentrated form of nutrients, and must be diluted before applying to the plants.

When will we get leachate? How should I apply this?

From the 10th day onwards leachate can be collected, once in every 2 days it can be collected from the tap. For one part of leachate, add 100 parts of water, and use as plant feed.

Why do we need a tap in the bin?

To drain the leachate

Can this process be done on some other plastic Bins?

Yes. We can do the same process with any air tight container having a tap.

Where do we get the sand, during the preparation of compost?

It is the usual sand in our garden which is also available in any nursery.

Can cocopeat be added instead of sand during the preparation of compost?

Yes, Cocopeat is a multi-purpose growing medium made out of coconut husk. It is a very good alternative to the usual sand in our garden.

How long does it take to become manure?

In Madurai who is collecting dry waste? Share the contacts

Dry waste by Madurai Kuppai – contact – 9754617777

Can citrus fruit be used for this composting?

Yes. If quantity is more, we can add Microbes little extra.

Bird’s feathers can be used for composting?

No.

Paints can be used for this composting?

No.

Can we put citrus content for composting?

Yes, If quantity is more, we can add Microbes little extra.

Can we put stones to compost?

No, but we can add sand.

Can we put rubber to compost?

No.

Can we compost Pencil lids?

No.

Woods can be used for composting?

Wood is biodegradable, it took long time process to compost, not suitable for Bokashi bin.

What is the use of jaggery in this process?

Jaggery is added as initial food for microbes present in the leachate that collects at the bottom of the bin. You can drain the leachate at your convenience, while the microbes make merry by gorging on the Jaggery.

Why we need a tap in the bin?

To drain the leachate that collects at the bottom of the bin.

What is a microbe?

Microbes are friendly bacteria – like those found in curds.They allow for the fermenting process that quickens the composting process, while eliminating odors and deterring pests.

We can put chocolates in compost?

Yes.

We can put leather in the compost?

No.

Can we put our used shoes for compost?

No.

Is that possible to put our clothes in compost?

Yes, we can put small pieces of pure cotton clothes into compost.

Can we put Jute in this?

Yes.

Can we put spoilt breads in this?

Yes.

Do microbes have blood?

No. Microbes are very small in size; we can able to see only in microscope.

Do microbes fly if air gets inside bin?

No.

Can we put waste sweets to compost?

Yes.

Is acid is compostable?

No.

How much microbes should be used while feeding?

We can sprinkle 1 tablespoon of microbes for every layer of wet waste.

How long it takes to become manure?

It takes 3 weeks to get Pre compost. Appearances of white growth on the surface and the presence of a sweet and sour pickle-like smell are good symptoms. It takes 3 – 6 weeks to get full compost. Volume of pre-compost will reduce into half are good symptom.

Can this process be done on some other plastic Bins?

Yes. We can do the same process with any air tight container having tap.

Can we put tea extract in this composting?

Yes, we can put tea & coffee extract.But tea bags need to break and use extract inside.

Hairs can be used for this composting?

No.

Can we put charts into the composting bin?

No.

Can ice cream sticks be used for compost?

Ice cream sticks is biodegradable, it took longtime process to compost, not suitable for Bokashi bin.

Where can we get a Bokashi bin & Microbes?

What is the aim of SCI?

We strive to fill the 'Last Mile' of Climate change research and implementation. Improving our preparedness in facing a warming and stormier and drier climate

Zero Waste

Working towards reducing waste generated and sent to a landfill

Promoting awareness & training families/schools/colleges/institutions.

Zero Water

Working towards a zero net water farm by using latest international technologies to reduce water demand, ensuring more crop per drop.

Conserving rain water through systematic analysis of rainfall and land conditions.

Where it is located?

Lakshmi Building,
Usilampatti Road,
Kochadai,
Madurai - 625 016.

How can we contact you?

Email: sci@climaction.net

Why SCI select the concept of Solid Waste Management?

In India, we throw 62 million tons of waste every year.

We throw 170 grown elephants equivalent weight of waste into landfill in Madurai alone daily.

In India, we throw 62 million tons of waste every year.

If it continues, we don’t have space to live in future.

Teaching courses available in SCI?

Will be developed in the future.

What is Composting?

Composting is nature's process of recycling decomposed organic waste like food waste, manure, leaves, grass, paper etc., and turns into a valuable organic fertilizer known as compost.

How can I do it?

We can make compost with waste generate in home by using compost bins, pits etc.

What are the home composting solutions available?

Compost bin recycles your kitchen scraps into an organic compost 'Soil conditioner'.

Some of them are Eco bin, Smart bin, Trust bin etc.

Where to buy Compost bins & Microbes?

Please write to us sci@climaction.net

What is Ecobin?

Eco Bin is a unique "All Season" indoor Bokashi composter kit. Eco Bin recycles your kitchen scraps into an organic compost 'soil conditioner'.

Ecobin -How much does it cost?

Eco Bokashi compost kit –Rs.1300/

What is in the Ecobin box?

Kit contains:
Smart bin bucket 10
litres -2 nos Lids –2 nos. v Drain Tap –2 nos
Strainer 2 nos.
A pair of imported latex hand gloves
Microbes -1 kg.

Is Ecobin reusable?

Yes

Does it smell?

While filling waste in to compost bins, there will be no smell. At the time of semi-composting to composting process, smell will be there.

What are Microbes?

Microbes are friendly bacteria –like those found in curds. They allow for the fermenting process that quickens the composting process, while eliminating odours and deterring pests.

Microbes - How much does it cost?

EM - 1 litre - Rs.330/-
Em 1 litre should add with 2kg of Jaggery & 17 liters of water.
It has to dilute with water at ratio of 1:300
Diluted EM - cost / litre - 0.13 Paise.

Microbes - How long does it last?

Typical use means we use Diluted EM ½ litre per month.

Do’s & Don’ts of Ecobin?

Do’s:
Foods & Leftovers-Fruits
Veg
Diary Products
Fish Prepared Foods-Pizza
Burger
Snacks
Baked foods
Cakes Other Organic foods-Spent Flowers
Coffee Grounds Make sure the pieces are small
Bacteria are pretty small –they work best when their food is small also

Don'ts:
Bottles & Cans
Plastic
Glass
Aluminium
Packaging
Metal (Foil, staples)
Plastics
Others Tobacco Ash, Tea Bags, Pet Waste

Why we are adding jaggery?

Jaggery is added as initial food for microbes present in the leachate that collects at the bottom of the bin. You can drain the leachate at your convenience, while the microbes grow by feeding on the Jaggery.

How long it will take 1 bucket to be filled?

It will take 1 week for a bucket to be filled for a small family of 4 members.

Why do worms/maggots come?

Maggots are fly larvae, breed in compost bins because they thrive on the nitrogen-rich products of the decaying process that produces good compost fertilizer. Maggots are harmless and may even help the composting process by breaking down organic material. They hatch into flies.

How long does it take 1 filled bucket to get Pre-compost? What are the signs that this process is complete?

It takes 3 weeks to get Pre-compost. Appearances of white growth on the surface and the presence of a sweet and sour pickle-like smell are good symptoms.

When we will get leachate? How to apply?

We will get leachate every 2 days. Dilute the Bokashi juice at a rate of 1:100 parts water. The Bokashi juice is pretty strong as it contains live microbes. So, ensure proper dilution before you use. This can then be used as plant feed or poured undiluted down the sink to prevent algae build-up and control odors.

How long does it take for the pre-compost to turn into full compost? What are the signs that this process is complete?

It takes 3 – 6 weeks to get full compost. Volume of pre-compost will reduce into half.

What are the advantages of using compost?

Prevent waste from going to the landfill
Allow for sale of dry waste Improve plant growth
flowering and vegetable yield

Is this is only way for composting?

No. Also we can do with Compost pit.

Can we sell the compost? If yes, share the contact.

Yes. We can use for our garden. If it excess, we can sell.
Please write to sci@climaction.net

Share contacts of Roof Top gardening.

Please write to sci@climaction.net

In Madurai who is collecting dry waste & wet waste? Share the contacts.

Dry Waste – Collecting by Madurai Kuppai. His contact - 8754617777

Why food should be placed in upper compartment of fridge?

Store all food items in to small, flat containers & kept in upper compartment.
It will get good temperature than bottom. Cool air need to circulate to keep food safe for long time.