Rapid start-up and humification of kitchen waste composting by an innovative biodrying-enhanced process

•The BEC process of KW was successfully conducted through a continuous pilot study.•BEC converted KW into highly maturated product with superior GI and HI within 10 days.•BEC accelerated thermophiles succession related to KW mineralization and humification.•BEC enhanced conversion of small molecule substances and FA into stable HA.•New humification pathway of “methoxy-aromatic nucleus” was found and illustrated.