What is the conversion rate of food waste to organic fertiliser in Shah Alam?

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Food Waste Conversion Rate to Organic Fertiliser in Shah Alam

In Shah Alam, the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) initiative transforms food waste into organic fertiliser, with approximately 5 kilogrammes of food waste yielding one kilogramme of compost. This program, established in 2016, aims to repurpose discarded food items, demonstrating their value in supporting sustainability and the circular economy. MBSA's efforts in managing organic waste have seen a significant increase in compost production, contributing to environmental conservation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing affordable fertiliser for local communities.
Food Waste Transformation Process

The process begins with the collection of spoiled fruits and vegetables from markets, food stalls, and restaurants across Shah Alam. These collected food wastes are then sorted to remove contaminants like plastics. Following sorting, the organic matter is mixed with coconut pulp and enzymes, which aid in retaining moisture and accelerating the decomposition process by bacteria. This mixture is then processed using composting machines.
Composting Yield and Production Figures

The composting process, facilitated by MBSA's nine composting centres equipped with 10 machines, takes approximately three to four days to yield organic fertiliser. On average, one kilogramme of food waste produces about 200 grammes of compost. This translates to a ratio where roughly five kilogrammes of food waste are required to produce one kilogramme of organic fertiliser.
Growth in Compost Output

The effectiveness of this initiative is evident in its increasing compost production. Between 2021 and May of the current year, MBSA collected over 291 metric tonnes of food waste, which was processed into nearly 28 metric tonnes of organic fertiliser. Compost production saw a notable rise from 3.2 metric tonnes in 2021 to 9.8 metric tonnes as of May this year, reflecting the expanding scale of the program and the growing participation of food premises.
Product and Community Impact

The organic fertiliser produced is marketed under the ‘Foodie Compost’ brand and undergoes quality testing by SIRIM to ensure its suitability for agricultural use. This fertiliser is sold at an affordable price of RM5 per one-kilogramme pack, making it accessible for urban farming and community gardens. The program not only diverts waste from landfills but also provides a valuable, cost-effective resource for local gardening initiatives, such as those in Section 8 and Section 20.

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What is the conversion rate of food waste to organic fertiliser in Shah Alam?

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