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Callie Ball, Jonathon Carrillo, Emma Raisch, Scott Spink
Introduction
Introduction
Overview of the smart composter:
Overview of the smart composter:
Made of food-safe materials such as untreated lumber painted with food-safe paint
Control box on the outside that monitors the inside climate of the composter and allows users to activate the blowers and water pump
Viewing panels on both sides
Loading door at the top on one side (see right picture) and unloading doors at the bottom on both sides (see left picture)
Aeration tubes that can be adjusted by a lever on top of the composter
A 55-gallon water drum with a water pump attached to it that can water the composter when it senses low humidity
Why composting matters
Why composting matters
It recycles organic waste into a valuable soil amendment!
Improves soil health by...
adding organic matter
helping hold moisture and nutrients
preventing compaction
enhancing drainage and aeration
Reduces landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions
The purpose of this project
The purpose of this project
To determine if everyone would be able to operate the smart composter easily
To assess how effective and efficient the smart composter is when composting materials
To analyze our findings and propose any improvements that may be needed based on those findings
To develop an understanding of what an ideal composter for the SAP would look like
Background Research
Background Research
Composting Science: How does it work?
Composting Science: How does it work?
Factors that contribute to composting:
Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio: The ratio should roughly be 30 to 1 from C to N (or otherwise 3 parts "browns" to one part "greens"). This ratio is important because an imbalanced ratio can hinder the effectiveness of the composter and slow the composting process, create odors, and attract pests.
Microbes: Microbes are the ones that facilitate and drive the composting process. They are the ones that break down organic matter and convert it into the nutrients that plants can use.
Ideal temperature: Depending on the composting method ideal temperatures can vary. Optimal temperatures are typically between 131 to 160 degrees .
Particle sizes: The smaller the material being composted the quicker it will compost, but the more compact/dense it will be. The larger the material the slower it will compost, but it will make the pile less dense and allow for aeration and water/moisture to flow. It is important to have a healthy mix of both.
Different System Types
Different System Types
Different Composting Systems emphasize certain factors/variables to help with the composting process:
Warm Composter: Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio is emphasized, moisture levels and temperature important factors, regular aeration (turning) needed.
Cold/Passive Composter: compostable materials are piled up to decompose, carbon to nitrogen ratios not as strict, takes a long time, but is less hands on.
Vermicompost: Vermicomposters utilize earth worms and other microorganisms to help break down materials. This system requires good airflow and stable temperatures for the worms.
Tumbler Composter: Involves putting compost in a turnable bin. Aeration is a big factor and the bin helps retain moisture and heat.
System Evaluation
System Evaluation
What We Tested
What We Tested
In this project, we tested the effectiveness of the smart composter by applying organic materials and evaluating temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels. We also assessed its functionality and how accessible the compost was.
Observations
Observations
Uncertainty about sensors and their accuracy:
Temperature sensors indicate that the top of the compost pile has the hottest temperature. But typically, higher temperatures are located in the lower levels of the compost.
Faulty humidity sensor (middle sensor reads 100% humidity from October 21, 2025 to present)?
Loading and unloading doors
Difficulty opening the doors and required other equipment to open them (see cobra head weeder above)
Once open, allowed easy access to compost
Strong visibility
Easy to observe compost with side windows
Access live data now: SMART Compost Data
Part of the SMART composter's design includes sensors that record temperature, humidity, and oxygen-levels 24/7. The data from these sensors can be viewed from the composter's live data stream. Current data is located on the upper left side of the composter.
Temperature
Temperature
Contains upper, middle, and lower scale sensors that record the temperature.
Humidity
Humidity
Humidity is controlled by a water pump and sensors are located in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the composter.
Oxygen-Levels
Oxygen-Levels
Oxygen levels are managed by two blowers and sensor data records oxygen levels and oxygen fill.
What's Working Well
What's Working Well
Smart composter has a large capacity
Easy-to-locate entry and access points
Adequate places to view the material inside the composter
24/7 monitoring and data collection (temperature, humidity, and oxygen)
What's Not Working Well
What's Not Working Well
There is uncertainty about the accuracy of the sensors. The temperature sensor that we are told is the top is warmer than the temperature sensor at the bottom, but this does not make sense
The food-safe lumber material makes it difficult to open and close the loading and unloading doors
The control box is a little hard to understand and operate
Unable to manage oxygen levels due to faulty blowers
Recommendations
Recommendations
Double-check the accuracy of the sensors and the placement of which sensor goes to which part of the composter
If possible, replace the food-safe lumber with another food-safe material, such as stainless steel
Make the sensors and pumps solar-powered
Create clearer instructions on how to operate the control box
Conclusion
Conclusion
The smart composter is a creative and practical step toward sustainable waste management.
It turns everyday organic waste into nutrient rich soil, helping reduce landfill buildup and greenhouse gas emissions.
The project shows how technology and sustainability can work together to create long-term environmental solutions beyond the classroom.
The wooden structure gives it a natural and eco friendly look, but wood can warp, rot, or absorb moisture over time.
Future versions could use more durable materials such as recycled plastic lumber, stainless steel, or coated metal panels to improve weather resistance and lifespan.
The sensor system could be upgraded with corrosion resistant materials and more advanced humidity and temperature sensors for better accuracy and lower maintenance.
The current design is well thought out featuring user friendly viewing panels, aeration controls, and an automated systems.
Overall, it’s an efficient and accessible design that balances simplicity with innovation.
With stronger materials and upgraded sensors, the smart composter could become a model for larger scale composting systems in schools and communities, creating sustainability all over.
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