Formation and emission of N2O and CH4 from compost heaps of organic household waster

Composting can be a source of N2O and CH4 production. In this investigation, different compost heaps of organic household waste were monitored with the focus on potential formation of CH4 and N2O in the heaps and emission of these gases from the heaps. The studied compost heaps had different compost ages, turning intervals and compost sizes. The analysed compost gases contained between 1-3421 mu L of N2O-N L-1 and 0-470 mL of CH4 L-1. The emission rates of N2O and CH4 from the compost heaps were between 1-1464 mg N2O m(-2) day(-1) and 0-119 000 mg CH4 m(-)2 day(-1). These very large differences in compost gas composition and emission indicate the importance of compost management. The results also give an understanding of where in the composting process an increasing emission of N2O and CH4 can occur.