TREATMENT OF KITCHEN WASTE USING BLACK SOLDIER FLY

Abstract

In the Indian scenario, the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) comprises approx. 30-55% organic waste, 40-55% inert, and 5-15% recyclables. The Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) to treat biodegradable waste is a relatively new technology. This research aimed to study the capability of BSFL to treat pre-consumer food waste. Along with the degradation and consumption of organic fraction, the prepupae (an instar in the lifecycle of Black Soldier Fly (BSF)) produced in the process has high protein and fat content. This study is conducted at Solid Waste Laboratory at IIT, Roorkee. The kitchen waste was treated with a consortium of bacteria to facilitate easy assimilation by BSFL. During the several experiments conducted to validate the ‘experimental procedure,’ it was observed that the biodegradable organic kitchen waste could be treated to reduce the volume up to 93% by wet weight. The time required for treatment is reduced to 3-4 weeks compared to that for conventional treatment methods, which require 5-6 weeks. The growth of BSFL takes 20-25 days, and the lifecycle of BSF continues. The protein content in prepupae is comparatively less than in BSF grown on other varieties of organic waste. However, the prepupae can be used as animal feed. Also, organic fertilizer is produced during the degradation of organic waste using BSFL. This study is relevant and unique considering the pre-treatment technique of food substrate (uncooked kitchen waste) used for rearing BSFL.