WASTE TO WEALTH: ORGANIC WASTE RECYCLING AND VALORIZATION THROUGH BLACK SOLDIER FLY (HERMETIA ILLUCENS L.) BIOCONVERSION

Abstract

The rapid increase in organic waste generation driven by population growth, urbanization, and intensification of agri-food systems represents a critical global environmental challenge. Current estimates indicate that approximately 2.0 - 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated annually worldwide, with 45–55% comprising biodegradable organic matter. Conventional disposal practices such as landfilling and incineration are associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient losses, and land-use constraints. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) bioconversion has emerged as an efficient and environmentally sustainable waste-to-wealth strategy. Experimental studies demonstrate that black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can reduce organic waste mass by 50–80% within 10–14 days, depending on substrate type, larval density, and rearing conditions. During this process, larvae convert waste nutrients into high-value biomass containing 35–45% crude protein and 25–35% lipids on a dry matter basis while the residual frass retains significant agronomic value. This review provides a comprehensive and quantitative synthesis on black soldier fly-mediated organic waste bioconversion, encompassing larval biology, waste degradation mechanisms, system performance indicators, and substrate-dependent efficiencies, along with industrial valorization pathways, environmental impacts assessed through life cycle analysis, and economic feasibility. It further presents an integrated perspective on the role of BSF bioconversion in advancing circular bioeconomy systems and identifies key research priorities for its sustainable and scalable deployment.