With organic waste piling up in Baguio and other urban areas, finding effective ways to manage it has become increasingly urgent. One solution in this scenario is the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens).
Known for its impressive ability to break down organic matter, this fly is gaining attention worldwide for its role in waste disposal and sustainability. Unlike common flies, black soldier flies aren’t pests; they don’t spread disease and, more importantly, they play a valuable role in reducing waste.
It’s no wonder black soldier flies have caught the attention of the city government in its quest to achieve its zero-waste goals.
How black soldier flies help in waste reduction
The black soldier fly’s larvae are nature’s efficient composting machines. They can break down food scraps, agricultural waste, and other organic matter in a matter of days. These larvae can eat up to twice their body weight daily, converting the waste into nutrient-rich compost and leaving behind minimal residue.
Not only does this reduce the volume of waste heading to landfills, but it also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste decomposition, which is a significant contributor to climate change.
Additionally, black soldier fly larvae are rich in protein, so they are also a sustainable feed source for livestock and fish.
When used to compost waste, they create an eco-friendly “closed loop” where waste is not only managed but also recycled into valuable products like compost and animal feed.
Can this solution work for Baguio City?
For a city like Baguio, which has limited space for waste management facilities, black soldier fly composting can be a promising alternative.
By reducing the volume of organic waste, it can ease pressure on waste disposal systems, cut down on landfill usage, and even generate products that can benefit the local economy.
Short-term or long-term solution?
Black soldier fly composting is not a standalone fix for all types of waste, but it’s an effective solution for organic waste in the short term and has potential for long-term impact when integrated into a broader waste management system.
Other cities that have implemented black soldier fly composting have seen substantial reductions in organic waste, proving its viability over time. In Baguio, establishing black soldier fly facilities could offer immediate relief for waste management challenges, especially when combined with recycling and other composting methods.
Adopting black soldier fly composting
Can black soldier fly composting be implemented at home? Small-scale black soldier fly “bins” are now available, designed for residential use. Homeowners can add food scraps, vegetable peels, and other organic waste to the bin, where black soldier fly larvae do the work. These larvae rapidly consume waste, breaking it down efficiently and producing compost in a compact space.
For city residents with limited outdoor areas, a black soldier fly bin could be ideal. Not only does it reduce the volume of kitchen waste, but it also offers a way to compost without odor or pest issues. And unlike traditional compost bins, which require weeks or even months to produce compost, black soldier fly bins work quickly, with organic material breaking down in just a few days.
For businesses, especially those into food and hospitality, black soldier fly composting could be an invaluable addition to their waste management efforts. Restaurants, markets, and hotels generate significant amounts of organic waste, and a black soldier fly system could help these establishments reduce waste volume while producing high-quality compost.
Some businesses may even view black soldier fly composting as an opportunity to promote eco-friendly practices. With growing demand for sustainable solutions, businesses that adopt this system may enhance their public image, and attract environmentally conscious customers.
For large-scale waste generators, partnering with local black soldier fly facilities or investing in an onsite system can make an impactful difference in waste reduction.
Pros and cons of using black soldier fly composting
Using black soldier fly to break down organic waste offers several advantages:
- Rapid Waste Reduction: Black soldier fly larvae break down organic matter within days, minimizing waste quickly and efficiently.
- Cost Effectiveness: In the long run, black soldier fly composting can reduce waste disposal costs by cutting down on landfill fees and transportation expenses.
- Eco Friendly System: This method reduces methane emissions from organic waste decomposition in landfills, so it contributes to the fight against climate change.
- Sustainable Byproducts: Black soldier fly composting produces nutrient-rich compost and protein-rich larvae, which can be used as animal feed. The larvae can also be manufactured into high-quality biodiesel.
- Odor Control: Black soldier fly composting generates little to no odor, so it’s suitable for residential areas or businesses where sanitation and cleanliness are priorities.
However, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies with black soldier flies either. Consider these cons:
- Limited Waste Types: Black soldier flies can only process organic waste. Other forms of waste, like plastics and metals, must be managed through other means.
- Initial Setup: While small bins are available, larger setups for businesses require a modest initial investment and training for staff.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Black soldier flies thrive in warm, humid climates. Baguio’s cooler climate may require controlled environments to maintain efficient decomposition.
- Maintenance: Although relatively low-maintenance, black soldier fly bins require some attention to ensure the larvae remain healthy and effective.
Black soldier fly composting can work great on its own. However, government support can help ensure its widespread adoption and integration into Baguio’s waste management system.
The city government could provide incentives for businesses that implement black soldier fly composting systems, along with educational campaigns to raise awareness about its benefits.
Additionally, setting up centralized composting facilities could serve neighborhoods or barangays, so the costs of using this system does not burden residents unnecessarily, and also make black soldier fly larvae (BSF) technology more accessible and sustainable.
