An evaluation of breeding conditions of flies and optimum food waste rations for effective composting in Municipal Solid Waste composting site in Southern Sri Lanka

Abstract

Composting is effective way of solving problems associated with solid waste management. Some of the main issues associated with municipal solid waste composting are the increase of food waste percentage and development of breeding conditions favourable for various fly species causing public health issues. Experimental composting piles were constructed by changing food waste composition (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%), roofing and outer covering of the piles to estimate the composting efficiency and fly breeding conditions. House fly (Musca domestica) and fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) was associated with food and vegetable waste and blowflies (Calliphorid species) with septic and fish waste. Optimum composting efficiency and minimum fly emergence was recorded for the piles containing 50% food waste and 50% garden waste and constructed under the roof cover. Covering of piles containing food and vegetable waste, with a clean garden waste outer cover reduced the incidence of fly breeding. The findings of this study suggest that proper combination of bulking agents with food waste is essential for effective composting. Fly management require a good understanding of composting process and relationship between fly breeding conditions.