source separation of food waste - turning waste into compost

COLLECTION OF FOOD WASTE AND PRODUCTION OF COMPOST
During the period from November 2008 to February 2009, the volume of food waste collected from the hawker centres
became a concern to the project. 6 tonnes of food waste or around 50 kg/day were received. Over-estimation of the food
waste generation at the hawker centres proved to be the main reason for the low collection rate. It was found that some
hawker stalls were not in operation and some did not generate any significant amount of food waste as they are only
selling beverages. Increase in participation from the hawkers would therefore, not be sufficient to fully utilise the capacity
of the composting machines.
In addition to the continuous efforts to increase participation from the hawkers, the taskforce therefore, decided to include
food waste from other sources. MPSJ approached the hypermart (Jusco Bandar Sunway) in view that the food courts in
the hypermart generate significant amount of food waste every day. Jusco Bandar Sunway was positive towards
participating and bins were subsequently provided to them by MPSJ. The involvement of the hypermart in the project
from March 2009 has significantly increased the food waste amount received, reaching about 90% to 100% of the
capacity of the composting machines from March and April 2009.
Since the operation of the food waste composting facility from November 2008 until April 2009, a total of 21 tonnes of
food waste have been collected from the 4 hawker centres and Jusco Bandar Sunway, resulting in about 15 tonnes
(including saw dust input) of composts being produced (see graph below). The volume of food waste was on average,
reduced by approximately 50% after the composting process.
AMOUNT (Tonnes)
9000
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mac Apr
PERIOD
FOOD WASTE COLLECTED
COMPOST PRODUCED
Volume of Food Waste Collected and Compost Produced, November 2008 - April 2009
14