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This study attempted to manage the food waste and soybean curd residue generated in Taiwan's National Ilan University by black soldier fly-aided co-composting. The food waste and soybean curd residue were co-composted with rice husk as a bulking agent in 4:1 ratio and 0.42 mg BSF/g waste. The higher organic matter degradation of 31.9% was found in Container B (black soldier flies aided food waste and rice husk co-composting) with a rate constant of 0.14 d -1 . In Container D (black soldier flies aided soybean curd residue and rice husk co-composting), the organic matter degradation of 29.4% was found with a rate constant of 0.29 d -1 . The matured compost of 6.02 kg was obtained from 20 kg of food waste, while 5.83 kg of matured compost was generated from 20 kg of soybean curd residue. The physico-chemical parameters of the final matured compost were in the favorable range of Taiwan's compost standards. The germination index was 188.6% and 194.78% in Containers B and D, respectively. The present study will expand the application of BSF at the institutional level which prove to be a feasible solution for rapid, clean, and efficient composting of post-consumer food wastes., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In the present scenario, solid waste management (SWM) has become one of the main concerns for urban waste managers in the developing world. This article reviews the recent trends and technologies associated with the process of composting. Utilization of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae can be one of the rapid methods for treatment of biodegradable wastes. A detailed review of the literature indicated that more importance is to be given on the pre-processing of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) which includes segregation of biodegradables, inerts, metals for preparing the requisite substrate for application of the suitable technology. In developing countries, major emphasis should be given on curtailing the environmental and health impacts caused due to improper management of MSW and for developing some innovative as well as economically feasible systems for proper handling of MSW. BSF can transform the biodegradable wastes into biofuels and byproducts at a minimal cost. The utilization of BSF for treating various organic waste (OW) has been thoroughly studied and discussed in detail. The salient observations on the factors affecting the growth of BSF larvae as well as comprehensive analysis of patents on breeding and utilization of BSF are also presented in this paper. The present review also assesses the potential of various rapid composting techniques and advocates about the planning and development of real-scale treatment systems by the researchers, environmental planners and policy makers to eradicate the problem of solid wastes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The use of plastics has become deeply ingrained in our society, and there are no indications that its prevalence will decrease in the foreseeable future. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the global plastic waste disposal landscape, examining it through regional perspectives, various management technologies (dumping or landfilling, incineration, and reuse and recycling), and across different sectors including agriculture and food, textile, tourism, and healthcare. Notably, this study compiles the findings on life-cycle carbon footprints associated with various plastic waste management practices as documented in the literature. Employing the bio-circular-green economy model, we advocate for the adoption of streamlined and sustainable approaches to plastic management. Unique management measures are also discussed including the utilization of bioplastics combined with smart and efficient collection processes that facilitate recycling, industrial composting, or anaerobic digestion. Moreover, the integration of advanced recycling methods for conventional plastics with renewable energy, the establishment of plastic tax and credits, and the establishment of extended producer responsibility are reviewed. The success of these initiatives relies on collaboration and support from peers, industries, and consumers, ultimately contributing to informed decision-making and fostering sustainable practices in plastic waste management. [Display omitted] • Plastic waste management incorporated with bio-circular-green economy is discussed. • Global plastic recycling in different supply chains is examined. • Recycling methods including advanced integrated chemical recycling are analyzed. • Lifecycle carbon footprints of different waste management practices are summarized. • Pathways to decarbonize plastic waste recycling for carbon neutrality are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high moisture content, low carbon/nitrogen ratio and higher oil & fat contents in the post-consumer food waste make it unfavourable for its application to the composting process. The present study is an attempt to develop favourable conditions for rapid composting of post-consumer food wastes through a novel combination of garbage enzyme and maggots' larvae (0.04 g of maggots per gram of waste) in different combination of food waste with wheat straw and biomass waste, respectively. The in-vessel composting experiments were conducted in three polystyrene vessels out of which the Vessel 1 contained only food waste, Vessels 2 and 3 contained food waste with wheat straw and biomass wastes in the ratio 3:2, respectively. Indigenously prepared garbage enzyme and the isolated maggots' larvae were introduced in the same amount in all the vessels to observe its effect on the composting process. The co-composting of these combinations was carried out and its comparative analysis was also performed. The maximum organic matter degradation of 77.72 ± 0.11% was found in Vessel 2 with a 'k' value of 0.15 d−1, while, the organic matter degradation of 76.98 ± 0.01% and 76.21 ± 0.07% with a 'k' value of 0.12 d−1 and 0.1 d−1 was observed in Vessels 1 and 3, respectively. A significant reduction in heavy metals along with high bioaccumulation factors was detected in maggots' larvae. It is comprehended that applying the requisite combination of maggots' larvae and garbage enzyme can prove to be a feasible solution for rapid and efficient composting of post-consumer food wastes with a different combination of agricultural and biomass wastes. Image 1 • Rapid composting of food waste was done with wheat straw or biomass waste. • Indigenously developed garbage enzyme and maggots' larvae were used in composting. • Maximum degradation was observed in food waste and wheat straw combination. • Bio-accumulation factor of heavy metals in maggots' larvae was also reported. • Significant organic matter loss and reduced C: N ratio observed in mature compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]