5.8 Benefits and Limitations
The various benefits and limitations of vermicomposting are presented in the following table.
| Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Sustainable method to treat organic waste | It requires a considerable land area |
| It is a simple and robust technology | The quality of inputs needs to be closely monitored |
| Can combine various organic waste streams | Improper management of the process can result in foul odour generation |
| Does not need complex machinery or any chemicals | It may attract rodents and other pests to the organic material, especially food waste |
| It can be built and maintained with locally available materials, such as wooden boxes, earthworms, and organic waste | Hygienisation of compost is required |
| It has relatively low capital costs compared to other composting methods |