Hungry maggots help keep food scraps out of Sydney landfill

A NSW council trial has turned food waste from inner Sydney into around 19,000 kg of fertiliser and 6000 kg of protein-rich animal feed.

Since January, an army of maggots has eaten its way through almost 90 tonnes of discarded food scraps in the City of Sydney project exploring sustainable waste solutions.

"Sydney's landfill space is running out fast, making these projects vital," said Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore. "Not only does this trial mean we can avoid sending food scraps to landfill, we've created a circular economy solution by generating valuable products such as fertiliser and animal protein that can be used to produce more food.

"Working with food waste innovators Goterra, we've established a processing facility in Alexandria. Waste is processed closer to where it's collected, which cuts down on fuel costs and emissions. It's an approach that is net positive, removing more carbon emissions from the environment than it generates."

The Sydney council partnered with circular solution company Goterra in June 2024 to trial the use of black solider fly larvae to consume food scraps from residents in the area. 

Inside a shipping container-sized unit, the fly larvae feast on food scraps, consuming twice their body weight daily. Their waste is turned into fertiliser, while the larvae become a nutrient-rich protein source for fish, poultry and even pet food. Unlike other insects, the black soldier fly isn't a vector for disease and its larvae breaks down bacteria in the organic material it consumes.

The system diverts food scraps from landfill, preventing the harmful methane emissions released during decay.

"This is the seventh site to officially open in our network. As another first-in-the-world asset, this trial is focused on solving residential food organic waste in cities," Goterra founder Olympia Yarger said. "This is a bold step forward in waste-to-value management, transforming everyday food waste from across the city into valuable inputs for agriculture.

"In partnership with the City of Sydney and Bingo, we're at the forefront of circular innovation and are preparing for the FOGO Recycling Bill, which mandates diversion of residential food waste from landfill from July 2030. The future of zero food waste to landfill is coming and we're proud to be leading the way."

More than 22,500 households are involved in the Sydney council's food scraps recycling service, which is expected to generate up to 600 tonnes of food scraps in 12 months.

The City of Sydney is accepting expressions of interest from apartment buildings that wish to join the food scraps service.

Image caption: Maggots feeding on food scraps in Alexandria food waste facility. Image credit: Phoebe Pratt.