Solution

Upcycling Household Waste with Flies

This solution addresses inefficient waste disposal systems in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for those without the financial means for waste disposal, nearby farmers and livestock managers

Problem Description

In developing cities like Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, finding ways to treat waste in slums, especially organic waste, is a ongoing problem. With a rising population and decreasing availability of space or the means for proper disposal, slums must look for new and innovative solutions for this problem. One such solution uses a naturally occurring biological process to deal with waste. It calls upon Black Soldier Flies to process this waste (eat it) and transfer it into two components: 1) newly born maggots which act as a rich source of protein for farm chickens 2) nutrient-rich fertilizer. This all happens in cheap, easily reproducible plastic bins. It is low maintenance and naturally self-harvesting.

Building Blocks

Story

This solution was recently chosen as one of the winers of IDEO's Amplify Challenge addressing urban resiliency. It will receive funding from the Global Resilience Partnership to continue to improve its implementation. At this point in time, the implementors have been testing the Black Soldier Fly bins in various residential settings and they have confirmed that it is a scalable solution. They will use their grant money to produce more plastic bins and expand the preexisting fly breeding program.

Photos

Resources

OpenIDEO Solution Page
Showing additional questions from the public for the implementors

Contributed By

Matthew Haden, The Recycler
Kigen Compton, The Recycler

Solution Stage

One of the 7 stages of an innovation. Learn more

STAGE	SPECIALIST SKILLS REQUIRED	EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES	RISK LEVEL AND HANDLING	FINANCE REQUIRED	KINDS OF EVIDENCE GENERATED	GOAL
Developing and implementing5	Strong leadership, management, implementation skills	Policy design Programme design Business modelling Organisational design	Prepare for some adaptation to implementation MEDIUM	Programme funds, equity, loans, grants HIGH	A robust and detailed case developed through formal evaluation and evidence gathering – use of a control group to isolate impact	An implemented and sustainable innovation

Submitted By

Bryan Lehrer