| A client asked me the other day what the future holds for composters, allotmenteers, gardens, and waste, given all the automation and AI we now have. I found this question interesting since I started focusing on circular economy models alongside various improved and efficient techniques, such as no-dig, permaculture, and digital and automated advancements. The future might be better than it is now, especially given how much more people are aware of our environmental problems and profound climatic differences that cannot be denied as happening even by staunch critics and naysayers. More intelligent AI Changes are afoot whether people like it or not. |
| What is the future of organic composting, and how can AI assist? The potential of AI to revolutionize composting is truly inspiring, offering new possibilities and empowering us to create a more sustainable future. |
| Here are some key developments shaping the future of composting that l have observed: Smart Composting There are also now AI Smart composting systems with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, pH levels, airflow and oxygen, and moisture. These systems ensure optimum decomposition. AHCs, better known as automated home composters, are more commonly available today than five or ten years ago. These composting units are adapted for domestic use as kitchen appliances. I have even read that some newer systems are so advanced that they offer user software models that can analyse the textures and density of the compost. Some machines are so complex that they can now categorise organic waste to determine the best composting method (e.g., aerobic vs. anaerobic). So, with minimal effort, homeowners can create their compost in the sanctuary of their kitchen! Circular Economy and Urban Composting More council-run waste management centres are now fully integrating more efficient strategies for composting. They have more technology than twenty years ago. Compost is now seen as a valuable resource. Agricultural businesses are also introducing the circular economy to seek more ways to produce compost to grow food; this returns organic matter to the soil. Compost is crucial in regenerating soil health and reducing reliance upon chemicals and carbon sequestration. It is slow, but it is happening. If more governments started offering tax incentives and subsidies for businesses and households adopting composting, this would make a significant difference. Countries like France, Italy, Singapore, and even some American states are beginning to ban food waste from landfills and encourage composting at home. Composting Innovations Today, the composting industry has more resources than ever, which allows the decomposition process to increase efficiency and reduce the time taken to achieve end products. Think of Bokashi – fermentation-based methods that reduce decomposition time or in-vessel composting: faster, odour-controlled composting for urban environments to the new biodegradable additives that allow for compostable packaging [the latter of which is starting to gain hold and finally being seen in supermarkets.] Today, AI-enabled systems are also available that can sort and sift the compostable components and classify them into good and bad for the decomposition process to eliminate contamination. If that isn’t impressive enough, some machines can improve overall optimisation, configure and analyse the efficiency of the microbial activities within the process, and make the necessary adjustments to speed up the decomposition. Predictive systems also go further and can forecast whether the composting batch is hitting the satisfaction level for use once it has been cooked. Community Composting More and more shared green and community gardens are becoming popular, and their popularity is slowly increasing. In some areas in the UK, restaurants are also collaborating with local community composters to reduce organic waste. AI Apps We now have mobile apps and chatbots that can guide novices and professionals alike to achieving overall improved composting efficiency and practices. AI-powered VAs [Virtual Assistants] can now advise, guide, and offer tips and ideas to improve the decomposition process, providing a sense of support and guidance in the composting journey. AI can now predict methane emissions from composting heaps, piles, and mounds. It can also suggest and recommend the corrective actions needed to minimize greenhouse gas production, providing reassurance about the environmental impact of composting. Conclusion The future of organic composting is technology-driven and decentralised for a sustainable world. Cities, businesses, and individuals will continue to embrace composting as an integral part of waste management, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience. |
Earthly Comforts 
Countertop composters, as they are referred to, are actually not turning food scraps into compost. What they are doing is grinding and then dehydrating the food into a much smaller quantity – but it is not finished compost, which is the big scam of these machines which usually cost several hundred dollars. We had one several years ago and feel it’s the biggest con out there, unfortunately. Some things are just fine the old fashioned way. We’re just glad that more and more cities here in the US are mandating food scrap collection combined with yard waste, so it can all go to local industrial scale hot composting facilities and turned into finished compost which they then sell back to the public for gardening and farming adventures!
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Sadly this is the way that many new systems begin as, however in time, they will get it right, it just takes time.
A system l think of in comparison are the Robot Lawnmowers. I remember a neighbour of mine had one way back in the mid 90’s, l think it was a Husqvarna Automower.
It was okay but not truly finese, and yet here we are thirty years later and we now have top of the range Husqvarna Automower 435X which are masterclassed. It took thirty years to get where they are today and they still have a fair distance to travel, but still better than 1995.
In comparison the first countertop composters were introduced in l think 2021and they are promoted as composters which is clever marketing for the content they do produce and l agree with you, however again these will improve over the decades.
I used to compost 25,000 litres of compost yearly, l don’t do that anymore, over the last 30 or so months l have finely tuned the boxed Hügelkultur strategy combined with my deep grower organic composters which produces a wonderful mixture but as you have said, these are tried and tested composting methods. 🙂
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These points are so important
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AI can be very helpful if it is not used for maliciousness or evil doings. Your points are well made, Rory. 😉
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