Environmental · Solid Waste
Compost System Optimization
Intermediate 6 weeks 20-30 hours
Run side-by-side compost bins with different carbon-to-nitrogen ratios and measure which recipe breaks down fastest.
Major
Environmental
Focus area
Solid Waste
Total hours
20-30 hours
What you'll need
- compost bin tumbler or 5 gallon buckets 3 pack
- compost thermometer 20 inch stainless steel
- digital kitchen scale
- soil moisture meter
- garden gloves
Shop the parts on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Steps
- Research carbon-to-nitrogen ratios for common browns and greens.
- Set up 3 bins at different ratios, like 20:1, 30:1, and 40:1.
- Record temperature and moisture every 1 to 2 days and turn the piles weekly.
- Track peak temperature and how many days each bin stays hot.
- After 6 weeks, compare volume reduction and how finished each compost looks.
- Chart the results and document the best recipe for your portfolio.
What to photograph for your portfolio
- 3 labeled bins
- thermometer in active pile
- temperature over time chart
- finished compost comparison
Resume bullet starters
Copy one, then swap in your own numbers.
Ran a 6-week controlled composting experiment comparing 3 carbon-to-nitrogen ratios
Found the [X]:1 recipe reached [X]°F and reduced volume by [X]%, the best of all 3
Quantified results with [insert your result, such as removal percentage, accuracy, strength, or cost savings] and summarized findings in a technical report
Skills you'll show off
Biological processescontrolled experimentsmass ratiosdata loggingwaste management