Entomocomposting: an innovative strategy for sustainable organic waste management

The increasing global population has significantly raised the demand for food production, leading to a substantial rise in waste generation. It is estimated that around 998 million tons of agricultural waste is produced worldwide each year, yet only 16% is recycled, while 46% is discarded. According to a 2019 report, global food waste amounted to 1 billion metric tons, with households generating approximately 570 million metric tons, representing 61% of the total waste. To address these challenges, various waste management strategies have been introduced. One promising method gaining widespread attention is entomocomposting, the use of insects to convert organic waste into valuable resources such as food, animal feed, and other eco-friendly products. In particular, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have emerged as an effective solution for recycling organic waste while producing protein-rich biomass. Additionally, insect frass, composed of unconsumed substrate, feces, and exuviae, is a nutrient-rich material containing beneficial microbes, making it a valuable organic fertilizer. This bioconversion process aids in soil remediation, enhances soil fertility, and boosts crop productivity. The organic waste market is projected to grow from USD 39.02 billion in 2023 to USD 53.46 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. This review examines the role of insect-based organic waste management in sustainable agriculture and its potential to drive the transition toward a circular economy.