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Kota Samarahan, 18 November 2016 - In an effort to raise public awareness on the emerging food waste problem, two UNIMAS graduates Wee Hung Yee and Tan Pei Chin have managed to collect a staggering half a ton (576 kgs) of food waste during the recent UNIMAS convocation which would normally end up at a landfill site.
The two innovative graduates were hoping to make their convocation a “greener” one by collecting food wastage from the on-going food bazaars and up cycled what they have collected through an ecological-friendly way, which is by using maggots. They have also shared the proper ways of doing food segregation with food operators.
“It’s an alternative for dealing with food scraps because not every food operators know how to manage food waste” said Wee who is a Chemistry graduate. He also initiated a “WormingUp Programme” because of his interests in PateeFly insect.
Contrary to other more popular recyclables items, such as papers and aluminium cans, waste collectors do not usually collect food waste as they do not know how to up cycle them. Thus, most food waste would end up at landfill site. Upon identifying this problem, the two graduates have come out with an inventive and green solution to up cycle the food waste back into the food chain. By recycling food waste, people will be able to reduce food wastage and the burden it can cause to the environment.
Their method includes using flies, which is known as the Pateeflies. Unlike the usual flies which are considered as pests, Pateeflies are essential decomposers that can break down organic substrates and in return, supply nutrients to the soil and environment. The worm of Pateeflies have the ability to consume a wide range of organic materials in a fast manner, these worms have huge waste management potential which, if fully tapped, will significantly reduce food waste in the country. In fact, they can solve the problem that cannot be addressed by traditional composting, which is the oily food. They can also be a natural and sustainable source of protein for aquaculture, animal feed, pet and human nutrition. What makes Pateefly special is their rather short natural lifespan which ensure that the process does not transmit disease to people. In short, by using this method, low quality bio-waste can be turned into high-quality bio-protein.
The worming process starts with segregation from the domestic waste and followed by sending the waste to their maggot farm. Before feeding the maggots, these wastes will have to be sterilized first. These processes have to be managed in a meticulous manner as any leakages will attract unwanted houseflies.
The duo have described the process to be rather tacky but that does not stop them in pursuing their passion to protect the environment and creating a more hygienic environment, especially when it comes to enabling food operators to serve food in cleaner settings.
