Composting of cellulosic hospital solid waste: a potentially novel approach

A 30-day random sampling of solid waste from King Edward Memorial Hospital, Pune (India), was carried out to generate data on its characteristics. Bio degradable waste was segregated and composted; the fresh waste was found to be deficient in readily available nitrogen and populations of cellulolytic microorganisms did not increase. Supplements were employed and cow manure- amended composting produced the best quality compost in the shortest time u nder laboratory conditions. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were evaluated during composting and it was found that the main cellulose-d egrading bacteria belonged to Bacillus sp. Fungi played a minor role during the process. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.