Feasibility Analysis of an Automated In-Vessel Composting System for Mall Settings in the Philippines

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Ram Angelo Davocol, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Ethan Paul Del Rosario, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Gian Federico Medrano, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Marcus Franz Mojica, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Franzel Caser Zaque Sarno, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Tapia, John Frederick, D.; Gue, Ivan Henderson, V.

Start Date

23-6-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Brother Andrew Gonzalez Multipurpose Hall, 20th floor

Abstract/Executive Summary

Commercial establishments in the Philippines generate a considerable amount of biodegradable waste. Major contributors to organic waste include malls, which generate approximately 27 percent. While there is considerable knowledge about the effectiveness of composting as a means to deal with mall waste, mall environmental sustainability programs have difficulty in sustaining their programs over time due to operational and social factors. For on-site waste processing, this study assesses the viability of implementing automated in-vessel composting systems, namely rotary drum, modular enclosed aerobic, and stationary agitated vessel systems. In order to assess decision criteria across technical, financial, environmental, and social dimensions, the research combined quantitative survey data from mall managers with qualitative views from technical specialists using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The findings show that the most important criteria for successful implementation are social aspects, especially odor control and low operational interference. Because of its better capacity and odor-control characteristics, the stationary agitated vessel system was found to be the most appropriate technology among the alternatives with an overall score of 0.453286, followed by the Modular Enclosed Aerobic System showing a score of 0.346931, then the Rotary Drum Composter with 0.199783. These conclusions offer mall companies a methodical framework for implementing circular waste procedures and meeting Republic Act 9003's requirements.

Keywords

compost production; waste management; in-vessel composting; analytic hierarchy process; Philippines

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes