• Shinde Kiran M.
• Telgote Ajinkya R.
• Patil Satish S.

Municipal solid waste and sewage sludge need safe, economical and sustainable treatment before disposal or reuse. This study developed and evaluated a low-cost earthworm-based vermicomposting system for the integrated treatment of both wastes under six administrative divisions of Maharashtra representing different climatic conditions. A pilot-scale experiment was conducted using three treatment combinations. Physical, chemical and biological parameters were monitored over a 90-day composting period. Treatment performance was evaluated using one-way ANOVA, Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test, Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis. The developed system performed well under all climatic conditions and produced stable vermicomposting in every treatment. Treatment T3 gave the best overall performance. It recorded lower total organic carbon (16.28%) and C:N ratio (11.20), together with higher total nitrogen (1.51%) and humification index (5.20). Earthworm biomass and cocoon production increased throughout the study, while coliform counts declined and earthworm mortality remained below 5%. Statistical analysis supported these improvements and confirmed strong relationships among the major compost maturity indicators. Sewage sludge and municipal solid waste can be effectively managed with the cost-effective vermicomposting technology. It is appropriate for local resource recovery and waste management because to its efficacy in a variety of climates.

Municipal solid waste; Sewage sludge; Vermicomposting; Earthworms; Performance evaluation; Cost effective technology; Sustainable waste management.

"Performance Evaluation of a Cost Effective Earthworm-Based Vermicomposting Technology for Integrated Management of Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no.b733-b753, October-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610174.pdf

"Performance Evaluation of a Cost Effective Earthworm-Based Vermicomposting Technology for Integrated Management of Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 10, page no. ppb733-b753, October-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2610174.pdf