Insects are important in maintaining ecological balance, particularly in waste management. These tiny yet industrious creatures have become efficient decomposers, breaking down organic matter or even inorganic ones!
In New South Wales, Australia, maggots are being used in a trial to help process food scraps as part of a sustainable waste solution initiative.
Together with eco-solutions company Goterra, the trial is expected to transform 600 tonnes of food waste into protein-rich animal feed or fertiliser over 12 months.
“This is the next step in our war against waste. Using maggots is an innovative and sustainable solution for this growing problem,” said Clover Moore AO, Sydney’s lord mayor, pictured above right.
The project begins by collecting food scraps from residents and feeding them to Black soldier fly larvae housed inside shipping container-sized units. These larvae will eat twice their body weight every day before their manure is processed into fertiliser.
Afterwards, the maggots themselves are turned into protein feed, which can be given to fish or poultry or used to manufacture pet food.
Unlike other insects, the researchers said the Black soldier fly isn’t a vector for disease, and its larvae break down bacteria in the organic material they consume.
Moore said the service, which will be set up at a facility in Alexandria, will result in reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
“This is a brilliant circular economy result as we regenerate what was once considered waste into sustainable commodities: insect protein for animal feed and a natural low-impact fertiliser, both essential for food production.”
Food scraps account for approximately one-third of the waste in general waste bins, and when they end up in landfills, the organic material decomposes and emits methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases on the planet.
“We’re really excited about this project – it has the power to revolutionise food waste management for residential food waste and logistics in Australia’s largest city,” added Goterra CEO Olympia Yarger.
The processing trial with Goterra will begin late this year and run for 12 months. The City of Sydney and Goterra will evaluate it to expand the service in the future.
