Paca Digestora Silva

Citizen garden

Introduction

The Paca Digestora Silva is a sustainable composting method, initiated in Colombia, that efficiently processes organic waste without odors. It involves layering and compacting organic materials in a structured mold, creating high-quality compost while also serving as a planting bed.

Activity Topic

Environmental education, education to sustainable development

Organisation

Orti Urbani Sociali Tor Carbone

Legal Status

NGO

Year of Establishment

2012

Location

Via Fulvio Bernardini, 31 - 00142 Rome

The Orti Urbani Sociali Tor Carbone ONLUS Association was founded in 2012 with the exclusive aim of promoting social solidarity by creating opportunities for community engagement and enhancing the urban environment.

The association manages a 2-hectare “rural green” area within the Tor Marancia estate, which has been part of the Appia Antica Regional Park since 2002. It offers over 73 members the opportunity to cultivate their own 40 m² individual plot, excluding common areas.

Activity Description

Aims and Outcomes

The Paca Digestora Silva is an innovative and sustainable method designed to process organic waste efficiently while promoting community participation. The main purposes of implementing this tool in a community garden include reducing organic waste, creating high-quality compost, and encouraging environmentally friendly waste management practices. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for social interaction and education, helping communities develop a stronger connection with sustainable agriculture and circular economy principles.

One of the key short-term results observed with this technique is the immediate reduction of organic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. The compacting method eliminates odors, making it a practical solution for urban areas where traditional composting may cause inconveniences. The Paca also enhances soil fertility by creating an enriched growing environment, allowing plants to thrive while the composting process continues. Within a few months, the community can start harvesting plants grown on the structure while benefiting from the rich organic matter produced.

In the long term, the Paca Digestora Silva contributes to a self-sustaining waste management system, encouraging people to become more active in environmental conservation. It promotes long-lasting habits of waste reduction and sustainable gardening, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers. The community also experiences stronger social ties as members collaborate in maintaining the composting system. Over time, the method can be expanded to involve more people, creating a culture of ecological responsibility while creating greener and more productive spaces.

Implementation Steps

Build the Mold: Construct a 1m x 1m square mold using wood, plastic, or recycled materials, ensuring it has four walls but no bottom or top.
Select a Location: Choose a sunny, open space, especially if the Paca will be used for planting.
Prepare Materials: Gather small branches, dry leaves, fresh green material, organic kitchen waste, and some soil.
Layering Process:

Start with a base layer of small branches for aeration.
Add dry leaves, followed by fresh green material, compacting each layer.
Create a nest-like structure in the center and fill it with organic waste.
Continue layering until the structure reaches about one meter in height.

Compact the Materials: Press down each layer using weighted tools or by stepping on it to remove excess air.
Finalize the Paca: Carefully remove the mold, leaving a compacted square biomass structure. Optionally, add a layer of soil and plant seeds.
Monitor and Maintain: Observe the decomposition process, expand the system gradually.

Advantages and Benefits

The Paca Digestora Silva is a great practice because it is easy, odor-free, and sustainable. Unlike regular composting, it does not smell, making it perfect for cities and community gardens. It also helps reduce waste by turning organic leftovers into rich compost that improves soil quality.

This method is low-cost since it uses simple materials like wood and leaves. Plus, it saves time and effort because the composting process happens naturally while also serving as a planting bed.

Beyond the environmental benefits, this project brings people together. It encourages teamwork and community engagement while teaching eco-friendly habits. The method can also be combined with other gardening or sustainability projects, making it a great long-term solution for greener cities and neighborhoods

Required Competences and Skills

To implement the Paca Digestora Silva, participants need basic construction skills to assemble the mold using wood or other materials. They should also understand organic waste management, including composting principles and the balance between dry and fresh materials. Problem-solving skills are essential for adjusting the process if decomposition slows down or moisture levels become unbalanced. Additionally, organizational skills help coordinate waste collection, assign tasks, and maintain the system efficiently. Since this is a community-driven project, strong communication and teamwork skills are needed to encourage participation, explain the process to newcomers, and ensure long-term engagement. A basic understanding of sustainability also helps participants see the environmental benefits of their efforts. While prior experience isn’t necessary, training sessions or group discussions can help develop these skills, making the project more effective and ensuring that the community remains involved in its long-term success.

Evaluation

The effectiveness of the Paca Digestora Silva is assessed through compost quality, waste reduction, and community engagement. Regular monitoring of the decomposition process ensures that organic materials are breaking down properly. The final compost is evaluated based on its texture, color, and nutrient content, determining whether it is suitable for enriching the soil. Another important factor is community involvement. The number of active participants and their engagement in maintaining the system indicate its success. Gathering feedback through meetings or surveys helps improve the method and address challenges. A key objective is to minimize organic waste sent to landfills. By tracking how much waste is processed, the impact of the Paca can be measured. If used as a planting bed, the growth of plants serves as an additional indicator of success. Expanding the practice within the community further demonstrates its effectiveness and long-term sustainability

Conclusions

The Paca Digestora Silva helps bring people together through waste management and gardening activities. It encourages teamwork and creates a sense of belonging in the community. People work side by side, learning and sharing knowledge while improving their surroundings. This method also teaches composting, sustainability, and waste reduction. Schools and local groups can use it as a simple way to understand environmental responsibility through hands-on experience. The project is open to everyone, no matter their age or ability. It gives people a chance to take part, make decisions, and help maintain the system. By turning unused urban spaces into green and productive areas, the Paca Digestora helps reduce waste, improve soil, and support local food production. It is more than just a composting method—it is a simple and effective way for people to work together and care for their environment.

Project Number: 2023-1-FR01-KA220-ADU-000153638

The objective of the Gardeniser Academy project is to support the development of community gardens in Europe by offering online training contents tailored to the needs and expectations of gardeners all over Europe.

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