Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic materials like food scraps, leaves, and paper into nutrient-rich soil. Microorganisms, fungi, and decomposers (eg: worms) break down waste, but the process requires a balance of nitrogen-rich “greens” (eg: food scraps) and carbon-rich “browns” (eg: dry leaves, paper). Oxygen and proper moisture help speed up the decomposition process, and turning the compost pile regularly is required to keep the conditions optimal for the microorganisms to thrive and break down the compost more efficiently.
The benefits of composting are significant. When managed properly, composting is one of the most sustainable ways to handle organic waste. It reduces landfill waste, cutting methane emissions—a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It also enriches soil, improving structure, water retention, and nutrient levels while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting utilizes beneficial microbes to create nutrient-rich soil that boosts plant growth and prevents soil degradation. Schools in particular can benefit from composting by composting cafeteria waste and using compost in gardens to enrich soil and replace synthetic fertilizers. It can also serve as a hands-on learning tool for students studying biology and sustainability.
Despite these numerous advantages, composting still remains uncommon in the U.S. The EPA reports that while food scraps and yard waste make up 30% of what we throw away, only 6% of food waste is composted. The main reason is inconvenience—composting requires regular maintenance, including turning the pile and managing moisture to prevent odor and pests. In schools, limited time and resources make composting difficult to sustain, so organic waste often goes into trash and ends up in landfills, releasing harmful gasses and contaminating our environment.
To solve this challenge, my partner Julian and I are designing and developing an automated composter using Arduino, sensors, and motors to simplify the composting process. Our system will track temperature and moisture and make corresponding actions (eg: fans, pumping water) to keep the compost at optimal condition. There will also be a mixer automatically turning the compost when needed to speed up the decomposition and reduce manual labor. By combining technology with sustainability, we aim to make composting practical and easy for schools, cutting cafeteria waste without adding extra work. If successful, this project could make composting more accessible at Friends Academy and serve as a model for innovative solutions to community challenges, demonstrating how creativity can make positive changes.
