Robert wrote:
>Could you please send us a copy of any info you have on simple,
>rapid composting?
>
>I am working on a similar project in Cambodia to what you
>mentioned for the lady from Vietnam.   We plan to start a pilot
>SWM program for about 2500 families in Phnom Penh in January.
>We have a small space to process the
>waste so quick composting will be important.

In the vietnam case that I described, there is enough space for composting,
so it is not necessary to install a rapid composting plant. I gave her the
advice to install a slower low tech version to have a stable operation.

But this, Robert, won´t help you. In Germany the low tech versions are with a
simple turning system, which still needs a relatively high investment and
machinery which is produced in Germany or Western Europe. A really low tech
composting process without machinery for aeration is coming from rotting
residual MSW. The self aerated rotting according to the chimney process by
Spillmann/Collins (link: http://www.nloe.de/abteilung4/d42/kaminzug.htm) uses
the generated heat in the pile for aerating. But it is relatively complicated
to build and rebuild the windrow and I actually do not know a functioning
composting plant. In the beginnings of the composting in Germany the
realisation of the chimney process was tried on an other and easier way. The
chimneys were holes drilled into the erected piles. I will try to get more
information on it.

The congress "Microbiology of Composting" were in Innsbruck. More information
on it you find on following page:
http://homepage.uibk.ac.at/homepage/c718/c71806/conference.html

Kind regards
Andreas