Pendley (2005) conducted a feasibility study and comprehensive action plan for a
large scale municipal composting operation at the Riverton disposal site in Kingston,
Jamaica. The rationale for this study came from the desire of the Government of Jamaica
to integrate waste reduction strategies into the existing solid waste management (SWM)
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system in order to divert compostable waste from the landfill. The operation was
designed to process commercial organic waste, not household organics.
The use of appropriate technology for the composting operation was emphasized
by Pendley (2005), which the author states is often overlooked in developing countries
that import high-tech equipment and designs from aid agencies and developed countries.
The author discusses the three main categories of composting technologies: windrow
composting, aerated static piles, and in-vessel composting.
The study concluded that a windrow composting operation would be
‘economically feasible,’ and that the production of compost could be used as a cover
material at the Riverton dumpsite, resulting in a significant cost savings (Pendley, 2005).
Economic benefit was the primary goal of this composting operation, since the quantities
of organic waste originating from the planned sources did not represent significant waste
reduction. Significant to the present research, Pendley (2005) suggested that significant
waste reduction could be accomplished through source reduction with increased backyard
composting, since about 50% of household waste is organic material.
The two studies just examined provide a foundation for further investigation into
the feasibility of waste reduction strategies in developing countries. Pendley (2005)
concluded that large-scale composting was economically feasible, but suggested that
backyard composting and source reduction would result in greater quantities of diverted
waste. The research conducted by Troschinetz (2005) suggests that recycling may not be
the best option for Jamaica at the present time based on the presence of few existing
incentives. Given the limited utilization of information in determining the existing