USO DA COMPOSTAGEM COMO FERRAMENTA DE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL EM ESCOLA PÚBLICA DE RIO VERDE-GO

Abstract

This case study was carried out at the State School Abel Pereira de Castro, located in the municipality of Rio Verde - GO, aiming to promote the management of solid waste generated by the school, using composting as an environmental education tool, implementing selective collection in school and school community awareness. Educational lectures were held on recycling and composting, and training for research practice. Were implanted color separation bins, where it was observed not to be the best alternative for the separation of residues, given the difficulty in determining which material fits in which color, the system using only three bins being more suitable: one for dry recyclables, one for organic waste and one for tailings. Two types of composting were chosen for implantation: thermophilic aerobic composting and vermicomposting. At the end of 45 days, samples were collected every seven days to perform in the laboratory the analysis of moisture content, total, fixed and volatile solids content, pH and electrical conductivity. Through laboratory analysis it was observed that the degradation of the thermophilic composter was not occurring as expected, and the characteristic heating of the windrow was not observed. Vermicomposting showed a good rate of degradation although with limitations. It was concluded that the practice of composting is a good tool for environmental education at school, although for this to be successful, greater engagement by other teachers and school coordination is necessary, since in this work only the science teacher acted directly.