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Proposal: Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) for Kathmandu’s Organic Waste

Problem

• Kathmandu produces large amounts of organic waste that are currently landfilled.
• Landfills are reaching capacity, causing environmental pollution and health risks.
• Existing waste management is inefficient and under‑utilises valuable resources.

Solution

• Introduce a BSFL system to convert 80 % of organic waste into useful products.
• Outputs:
  • Frass – nutrient‑rich fertilizer that can be sold to farmers.
  • Larvae – high‑protein feed for poultry, fish, zoo animals, pets, etc.

Benefits

• Cuts landfill waste by 80 %, extending landfill life and saving space.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution compared with traditional disposal.
• Creates a profitable revenue stream from frass and larvae sales.
• Generates local jobs in rearing, processing, and marketing.
• Improves public health by reducing disease risks from overflowing landfills.

Pilot Project

• Start in one Kathmandu district.
• Objectives: prove technical feasibility, gather data on waste reduction, frass quality, larvae yield, and economic returns.
• Build community support and address concerns.

Implementation Plan

1. Site selection – partner with existing waste facilities or set up a dedicated location.
2. Set up infrastructure – acquire breeding stock, equipment, and processing units.
3. Waste collection – coordinate with households and businesses to supply organic waste.
4. Monitoring – track waste reduction, frass quality, larvae output, and costs.
5. Evaluation – refine processes based on data before scaling.

Scalability

• After a successful pilot, roll out the system across Kathmandu in phases.
• Form partnerships with waste‑management companies, farmer cooperatives, and animal‑feed producers to secure markets and share resources.

Regulatory Support

• Work with local authorities to establish necessary regulations and approvals for BSFL operations and product sales.

Need

• Request approval from the Council of Ministers to launch the pilot.
• Emphasise the project’s alignment with waste‑management goals, environmental protection, and economic development.

Next Steps

• Conduct a detailed cost‑benefit analysis.
• Identify potential partners and investors.
• Develop a timeline, budget, and responsibilities for each phase.
• Address social impacts, such as job displacement and odor control, through community outreach.