Guidelines and manuals
2023 • EAWAG - Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology BSF-Black Soldier Fly biowaste processing
The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Biowaste Processing practical knowhow is a comprehensive web-based guide that offers practical, step-by-step knowledge on operating BSF processing facilities. It covers topics such as rearing BSF larvae, converting organic waste, post-processing for product development, business models, greenhouse gas emissions and safety considerations. This tool supports sustainable waste management while promoting circular economy practices through nutrient recovery and animal feed production.
Recovered Materials & Products
Fertilizer
Soil conditioner
Materials
Feed
Waste Streams
Organic solid waste
Manure
Food processing by-products
Faeces
Confirmed countries
Sweden Afghanistan Australia Mexico United States of America
What is this tool intended for?
The BSF Biowaste Processing web-based platform aims to provide practical guidance for:
- Sustainable biowaste management using BSF larvae
- Organic waste conversion into protein-rich feed, compost, and other valuable products
- Business development and marketing of BSF-derived products
How does the tool work?
The website includes a step-by-step guide to BSF Biowaste processing (available in English, French, Chinese, Georgian, Indonesian in pdf form) as well as instructional videos, fact sheets, and research papers covering areas such as:
- BSF rearing: practical techniques for maintaining a healthy BSF colony
- Biowaste conversion: methods to process organic waste efficiently
- Post-processing: refining BSF larvae into products like protein meal, fats, and chitin
- Business development: tools for economic feasibility, including business models and market analysis
- Safety & environmental impact: research studies about heavy metal assessment and measured greenhouse gas emissions from BSF treatment
Who might use this tool?
Waste management practitioners, entrepreneurs, small-scale farmers, and NGOs, municipal authorities, agricultural cooperatives, feed producers, and environmental organizations.
What stages of a process can this tool support?
- Feasibility assessments
- Facility setup and operation
- Product development and marketing
- Business planning and financial modeling
What skills, capabilities and resources are required to use this tool?
- Basic knowledge of organic waste management
- Facility space for BSF rearing and processing
- Access to materials for substrate preparation and post-processing equipment
Where can this tool be used?
Applicable globally, especially in regions facing challenges with organic waste management, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
Case examples of where this tool has been used
Indonesia
Get the Tool
The guide is available online and freely accesible at the link below
https://www.eawag.ch/en/department/sandec/projects/mswm/practical-knowhow-on-black-soldier-fly-bsf-biowaste-processing/
Technologies
Composting
Anaerobic digestion
Themes
Assessment
Design
GHG emissions
Business models
Technologies
Operation and maintenance