Assessment of the loss of mass, organic substance and combustible elements in the waste biodegradation process

The paper presents the results of an analysis of the changes of the mass and amounts of organic substances and combustible elements in a biodegradation process. The prepared sample of organic waste constituted the material used for the tests. The composting process was being carried out for 9 weeks in field conditions. The samples for analyses were collected every 7 days. The content of a biodegradable fraction was determined according to the procedure described in the standard of PN - EN 15169: 2007 "Characterization of waste – Determination of loss on ignition in waste, sludge and sediments". Reduction of the mass of the organic waste during the composting process amounted to 35%. A significant content of organic fraction (about 60 – 70% after 9 weeks) remains in the composted waste; and the content of combustible elements is reduced (by about 30%.)