5.10 Applicability in Emergency Settings

Vermicomposting demands a high level of organisation and labour to manage the facility and monitor treatment efficiency. Consequently, it is unlikely to be practical during the acute response phase of emergencies. However, it becomes a viable option during the stabilisation and recovery phases, especially when sufficient space is available. 

To make it profitable, vermicompost facilities are required to be operated as a business, with revenue generated from selling compost as well as worms as a marketable product. However, for this to happen, national regulations must be in place that allow the use and commercialisation of compost produced from human waste and faecal sludge. It should be noted that the sales of compost and worms alone may not cover the full cost of the service.