Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Arduino-Controlled Smart Composting Bin Versus a Traditional Composting Bin in pH Regulation, Moisture Retention, and Organic Matter Decomposition

Organic waste management poses a significant challenge especially in densely populated areas as organic waste constitutes over 50% of municipal solid waste, composting solves this through to waste management, environmental degradation, and soil health, however, it does lack efficiency because of its inconsistent monitoring. Traditional composting requires abundant human intervention and it is inconsistent in maintaining optimal decomposition conditions. This research study aims to compare between an Arduino-controlled smart composting bin with a traditional composting bin across pH regulation, moisture retention, and organic matter decomposition. For over 7 days, the Smart Composting Bin maintained an average pH within the optimal range with no significant difference from the Traditional Composting Bin (p > 0.05), had a moisture content of 66.67% compared to 66.37% (Z = 0.01304, p = 0.9896), and showed an organic matter content of 59.00% versus 65.59% (Z = -1.2815, p = 0.2), indicating similar composting efficiency. The Smart Composting Bin did not significantly improve composting performance, though, automation features provide practical advantages in monitoring and managing composting conditions, supporting its potential role in sustainable waste management. Future research should broaden the scope by using larger sample sizes, extending the testing period, and incorporating environmental factors like temperature and aeration to provide a more comprehensive assessment of decomposition and compost quality. Additionally, improving the prototype's technical aspects, such as the durability of components and sensor reliability, is crucial for its practical application in urban waste management.