FEASIBILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPOSTING IN QATAR: USING PORTABLE COMPOST SOLUTION FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLICATION

Abstract

The generation and management of organic waste (OW) represent significant environmental and economic challenges worldwide, particularly in the MENA region, where arid climatic conditions limit the feasibility of conventional treatment methods. Qatar generates approximately two million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually, of which approximately 57% is organic in origin. In the absence of practical decentralized treatment alternatives, the overwhelming majority of this material is transported to centralized landfill or composting facilities, a linear disposal pathway inconsistent with the circular economy objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and one that imposes substantial financial and environmental cost. While composting is recognized as one of the most sustainable waste management strategies, traditional windrow systems are constrained by high land requirements, strict waste segregation needs, and the necessity for locations distant from urban areas. This thesis presents the design, fabrication, experimental evaluation, and economic analysis of a portable drum composting system as a decentralized, household-scale solution for organic waste management under Qatar's arid conditions. Four composting drums were operated over a 100-day period under varying feedstock compositions and operational conditions: Drum 1 (cabbage and wood chips), Drum 2 (cabbage, carrot, dried leaves, and wood chips), Drum 3 (cabbage and wood chips with agitation), and Drum 4 (cabbage and wood chips without agitation). Physicochemical analyses indicated compost yields ranging from 43% to 62%. Non-agitated drums produced higher yields due to reduced moisture loss, while agitation accelerated decomposition rates. The C/N ratio ranged between 25 and 40, and nutrient analysis confirmed adequate concentrations of essential elements such as K, Ca, and Mg, meeting USEPA standards. A pot experiment using a 50% compost amendment (Drum 2) mixed with desert sand achieved approximately 90% seed germination in okra and tomato, compared to no germination in control. Compost application significantly enhanced plant height, chlorophyll content (>17 SPAD), and biomass under limited irrigation. Overall, the portable drum composting system offers a practical, low-cost, and sustainable approach for organic waste valorization, soil restoration, and circular economy implementation in arid environments.

Date of Award	2026
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering