Solid Waste Management by Black Soldier Fly

The burgeoning issue of solid waste management (SWM) poses significant challenges for urban waste managers globally, with developing nations such as India experiencing a marked rise in municipal solid waste due to urbanization and population growth. A novel waste treatment technology involves the utilization of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae to process organic waste. This method not only aids in waste reduction and stabilization but also produces prepupae, which serve as a valuable additive in animal feed, thereby presenting a new economic opportunity for small entrepreneurs in developing regions. The black soldier fly’s capability extends beyond waste reduction; it also converts organic waste into bio-fertilizer. This article reviews recent trends and technologies related to composting with black soldier flies, assessing the feasibility of using their larvae for the digestion and degradation of organic waste. Small-scale experiments conducted in Nashik demonstrate the benefits and limitations of this technology, revealing an average prepupae production of 25g/m²/day under optimal conditions, and a waste reduction rate of 50% to 60%, which varies based on daily feeding, black soldier fly population, and moisture content. The study confirms the significant potential of this fly species as effective waste managers in low- and middle-income countries.