RIVERSIDE, Calif. – University of California, Riverside, scientists have created a small-scale system that transforms food waste into high-protein animal feed and fertilizer using black soldier flies.

Black soldier flies have long been used by cities and industry to break down food scraps and agricultural waste. Compared to industrial-scale operations, the DIY system is more affordable and accessible, said UC Riverside.

“A commercial facility might process tons of food waste a day, but that comes with big capital and labor costs,” said Kerry Mauck, UCR entomologist who helped design and test the system. “Our system can be built with off-the-shelf materials, maintained by one person, and still produce useful products that can help grow more food.”

A paper co-authored by Mauck describing the bioreactor system and its effectiveness as a food transformation tool has been published in the journal Waste Management.

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