15/06/2025
Wag lang basta itapon o gawing compost,
In sustainable farming,
every by-product has potential — even corn cobs!
After harvesting, many farmers discard them as waste, yet these cobs can be transformed into charcoal briquettes, providing a clean, affordable, and eco-friendly source of energy.
Making charcoal briquettes from corn cobs is not only a great way to reduce waste, but it also helps combat deforestation, lowers cooking fuel costs, and creates income-generating opportunities, especially for rural communities and youth cooperatives.
How to Make Maize Cob Charcoal Briquettes
1. Collect & Dry the Maize Cobs
Ensure the cobs are dry. You can sun-dry them for a few days to remove moisture.
2. Carbonize the Cobs (Charcoal Making)
• Use a simple drum kiln or dig a pit.
• Place the dry cobs inside and cover with soil or a metal lid to limit oxygen (to avoid complete burning).
• Light a small fire at the bottom and allow slow burning for 2–4 hours.
• Once carbonized (blackened but not turned to ash), let it cool completely.
3. Crush the Charcoal
Use a mortar and pestle, hammer, or grinding tool to crush the carbonized cobs into fine powder.
4. Mix with a Binder
• A common binder is cassava porridge or starch made by boiling cassava flour in water.
• Mix 1 part binder to 3–4 parts charcoal powder until the mixture feels sticky but firm.
5. Shape the Briquettes
• Use a briquette press (manual or metal mold) to shape the mixture into briquettes.
• If you don’t have a mold, you can shape them by hand into balls or blocks.
6. Dry the Briquettes
• Sun-dry the briquettes for 3–7 days until they are completely dry and hard.
• Store in a dry place for later use or sale.
Benefits of Maize Cob Briquettes
• Reduces farm waste (Zero Wastage approach)
• Affordable and accessible fuel source
• Longer burning and smokeless compared to firewood
• Reduces deforestation and indoor air pollution
• Creates entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and women
Let’s turn waste into wealth and adopt practical, climate-smart innovations that benefit both the environment and our communities. Every cob matters!
