Integration of a henhouse and composters for decentralised treatment of the municipal organic waste fraction: six months’ experience with the Avi-Compo system at Noain (Navarra region)

Abstract

This paper describes the innovative Avi-Compo system for decentralised treatment of the municipal organic waste fraction. Avi-Compo is a compact facility comprising a little henhouse and two composters, which is shared by a collective of persons who are also committed to its maintenance. The participants in this programme provide the organic fraction of their waste, which is fed to the hens, while the hens themselves help to speed up the composting/worm-composting process by the action of their beaks and feet. The hens’ eggs are distributed among the system’s users, which helps to motivate them to separate their organic wastes at home and to take part in the facility’s maintenance. The results of the first six months of operation of an Avi-Compo pilot facility in Noain (Navarra Region) are described. The organic waste of 28 volunteer families, who found it necessary to devote very little time or money to this process, was treated. In view of the high levels of participation and user satisfaction, the large amount of organic waste treated, the quality of compost produced and the incident-free comfort of the hens, this experience has been considered a success.

Keywords: prevention, biowaste, compost, eggs, hens.