Poultry manure is rich in organic protein (up to 80%), making it an ideal feed source for housefly larvae, which efficiently convert waste into high-quality biomass. This method accelerates decomposition in just three to four days, far faster than traditional composting. It also reduces ammonia emissions, lowers odor nuisance, and improves nitrogen utilization, minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, larvae help suppress pathogens, reducing the risks of Salmonella and E. coli. Processed manure leaves behind nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil quality and supports circular agriculture. This sustainable and cost-effective solution benefits livestock, fish feed, and organic fertilizer production, offering an eco-friendly alternative to soy and fishmeal.
This Walter reduces nitrogen deposition from organic pulp and manure
The (patented) Walter offers companies a solution to nitrogen problems. Larvae breeding reduced the amount of nitrogen by 76% in manure.
Both larvae and manure bring money into the market and already by reducing manure's total weight and humidity by 67.2 and 80.0, respectively.
The odour emission (characterised by 3-methylindole) drops by 94.5%, and by feeding the manure directly to the larvae, hardly any ammonia can be formed.
The process is safe too. The Escherichia coli (E. coli) index reduces by 92.0%.
(source: Wang et al. 2013)
Innovative Processing of Poultry Manure with Housefly Larvae
Processing Pig Manure with Housefly Larvae: A Sustainable Solution
Pig manure has a highly variable composition, with dry matter ranging from 5-25% and organic nitrogen content fluctuating significantly. To ensure efficient processing, the manure requires pre-treatment to optimize moisture levels and nutrient availability for larvae. Housefly larvae then convert this waste into high-protein biomass, providing a sustainable alternative to soy and fishmeal. Unlike traditional composting, this method reduces ammonia emissions, lowers odor nuisance, and minimizes nitrogen runoff. The larvae also help suppress pathogens, making the manure safer for reuse. The remaining processed manure becomes a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, enhancing soil quality. This process enables faster decomposition, less storage space, and greater circularity in agriculture.
Processing Cattle Manure with Insect Larvae: A Solution for the Future
Cattle manure has a highly variable composition, with dry matter content ranging from 8-20% and organic nitrogen levels fluctuating significantly. To ensure efficient processing, pre-treatment is required to optimize conditions for larvae. Insect larvae convert manure into high-protein biomass, reducing dependency on soy and fishmeal. This method lowers ammonia emissions, reduces odor nuisance, and minimizes nitrogen runoff, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional manure management. With the loss of derogation in the Netherlands, efficient manure processing is essential to meet stricter regulations. The remaining processed manure becomes a nutrient-rich fertilizer, improving soil health while supporting circular agriculture.
Processing Organic Pulp in Lithuania with Housefly Larvae
In Lithuania, household organic waste is collected separately in orange bags. At a central processing facility, the organic fraction is efficiently separated from other waste and used as feed for housefly larvae.
These larvae rapidly convert organic material into valuable technical products, rather than being used in food or feed applications. This innovative approach offers a sustainable and circular solution for organic waste management.
Advantages of Processing Organic Waste with Larvae
✅ Significant waste reduction by diverting organic material from landfills
✅ Lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional waste processing methods
✅ Fast and efficient breakdown of organic waste in just a few days
✅ Scalable and cost-effective for large-scale waste management
Unlike traditional composting or incineration, this method preserves valuable nutrients and repurposes them into high-value applications. The process is fully automated, ensuring efficient handling of large waste volumes.
Challenges and Future Developments
One of the main challenges is optimizing waste separation to improve processing efficiency. Additionally, public awareness and participation are crucial for ensuring high-quality organic waste input.
Despite these challenges, the use of housefly larvae for waste processing represents a game-changing innovation in the circular economy. This method closes the loop on organic waste, turning a problem into a valuable resource.