Design and Fabrication of Organic Waste Crushing Machine

The rapid increase in organic waste generation has created significant challenges in waste management, particularly in areas with limited access to electrical power. Effective reduction of organic waste volume is essential to support sustainable disposal methods such as composting and biogas production. This work presents the design and fabrication of a foot-step operated organic waste crushing machine that converts human effort into mechanical energy for waste size reduction. The machine employs a rack and pinion mechanism to transform linear motion into rotary motion, which is further transmitted through a chain–sprocket and gear system to drive a cutter shaft equipped with high-carbon steel blades. The proposed design is simple, economical, and environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for electrical energy. Experimental operation demonstrates that the machine efficiently crushes common biodegradable waste such as vegetable peels and food residues into smaller particles suitable for faster decomposition. Due to its compact structure, low maintenance requirement, and manual operation, the machine is well suited for household use, rural areas, and small institutions. The study highlights the potential of human-powered mechanical systems as sustainable alternatives for decentralized organic waste management.