Efficient Recycling of Domestic Cooked Food Waste into Hermicompost Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae

Economic progress, urban expansion, and enhanced quality of life in India have led to the formation of densely populated megacities and a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation. Such waste consists of a substantial volume of residues from food waste, kitchen waste originating from residential complexes, restaurants, and remnants of agricultural activities. Consequently, handling municipal solid waste has become a critical issue. Though composting is being practiced as an eco-friendly means of recycling organic waste, it is laborious and time-consuming. In the recent past, researchers have suggested the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as an effective solution for solid waste management. This study aims to assess the degradation potential of BSFL, which is gaining attention in recycling technology due to its composting capabilities, and its ability to produce soil amendments suitable for agricultural purposes. To evaluate the ability of BSFL to degrade different types of organic wastes, with a focus on cooked food waste, the compost formed after 14 days of degradation was analyzed based on elemental composition and other parameters. Comparative examinations were made with different vermicompost samples and hermicompost produced using BSFL to check the effect on plant growth. The analysis showed a higher percentage of nitrogen (4.21%), and phosphorus (0.5%) in hermicompost. The C:N ratio was 12:1 which is suitable for agronomical purposes. This study concludes that, BSFL are useful as versatile bioconversion agents of cooked food waste and provide a promising organic recycling strategy for sustainable waste management.