Performance assessment of innovative waste management system developed for the production of bio-fertilizer

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 33 % of the world's food, equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes, is wasted annually as of 2019. This wastage is disproportionately high in developed regions like Europe and North America, where individuals discard an average of 95–115 kg per annum, compared to 6–11 kg in parts of Asia and North Africa. Kitchen waste, comprising 30–40 % of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), significantly contributes to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions if not properly managed. To address these issues, an integrated waste management approach is being adopted, focusing on recycling resources from uncooked kitchen waste. Three different types of organic waste; uncooked kitchen waste, sawdust, and fresh cow dung/digestate, which also served as an inoculum, have been considered to optimize the quality and effectiveness of biofertilizers. In-vessel reactor composting, studied under controlled conditions, digestate in a 7.5:1.5:1 ratio as an effective inoculum, showed promising results in physio-chemical parameters compared to other trials. Additionally, using fresh cow dung as an inoculum led to significant bioaccumulation of pollutants, suggesting its potential for bioremediation purposes. These findings highlight the importance of innovative waste management strategies in reducing food waste, mitigating environmental impact, and promoting sustainable resource utilization.