COMPOSTAGEM DOMÉSTICA COMO ALTERNATIVA PARA REDUZIR A DESTINAÇÃO AOS ATERROS SANITÁRIOS DOMESTIC COMPOSTING AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO REDUCE DESTINATION TO LANDFILLS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the importance of composting using earthworms (vermicomposting), as it allows its use even in apartments, has a shorter degradation time of organic matter, in a hygienic way, without health risks and without the generation of odors. Currently, one of the biggest public health problems is the incorrect disposal of household waste. A survey was carried out in the form of a descriptive case study and the object of study will be families from the Municipality of São José dos Campos - SP. The main objective of this work is to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills using the domestic composting process, showing that it is possible to treat part of the domestic waste at home and thus use landfills less, leaving in them only what cannot be treated by composting and recycling, reducing the daily impact on the Environment. This work proposes a change in the habits of the population, which to be achieved depends on continuous educational actions. It is necessary to show that composting can be done in small spaces (including apartments), that when done correctly it does not generate odors or health risks, change the negative impression that people have of earthworms and, above all, raise awareness that whoever produces the garbage has the responsibility to take care of its correct disposal. It is concluded that home composting using earthworms is a viable and low-cost alternative that can be used as an option to reduce the use of landfills, in addition to being a source of income. However, the biggest challenge to be faced is changing the population's habits, which will demand a continuous and well-articulated program from the public authorities through educational campaigns to raise awareness and explain the correct way to dispose of household waste.