From Pests to Protein: How Fly Larvae Are Changing Food Waste Management

Imagine turning food waste into a profitable source of protein and fertilizer. In Vilnius, Lithuania, innovative solutions are being implemented to tackle the challenge of food waste disposal. A waste management company known as Energesman has introduced fly larvae to consume the city’s food waste, effectively replacing traditional waste disposal methods and saving the city €2 million annually.

Vilnius generates approximately 40,000 tonnes of household waste but only manages to collect an estimated 2,700 tonnes of food waste, necessitating an efficient processing solution. With the new orange food waste bags and a marketing push, residents are encouraged to separate their food waste, while Energesman plans to expand its processing capacity dramatically by 2026.

The secret weapon in this novel approach? Millions of fly larvae that can devour up to 11 tonnes of food waste in just a few days. The larvae, which are harvested before becoming mature flies, are rich in protein and can be converted into products for animal feed, as well as other unconventional uses such as ingredients in paint, glue, and even furniture. Their manure, referred to as frass, is equally valuable as a fertilizer.

Energesman faces challenges, such as stringent EU health regulations that prevent fly larvae from being used in edible products for humans when fed on contaminated kitchen waste. However, international examples shine a light on the success of fly larvae in waste management worldwide, such as projects in Kenya and Australia. The potential for this method to be adopted by UK councils is optimistic—though current regulations obstruct progress.

The upcoming mandatory weekly food waste collections in England by 2026 could pave the way for insect-based solutions, and there is a growing demand for sustainable practices as councils grapple with the increasing volume of food waste.

As innovative waste management strategies emerge globally, it’s clear that transforming pests into agents of sustainability could reshape how we address the monumental problem of global food waste, which amounts to over 1.3 billion tonnes yearly. Optimists in the industry like Larry Kotch, CEO of Flybox, believe that insects hold the key for councils to enhance food waste processing, creating a future that could significantly reduce landfill use and generate valuable resources.