ABSTRACTOptimum conditions for controlled lactic acid fermentation of frozen food processing wastes to produce a stable ensiled feed are described. Parameters used to determine success of fermentation treatments were rapid pH reduction to < 4.55 and rapid acid production. Treatments investigated included: inoculum; Lactobacillus plantarum culture 15A, or 2B, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus faecalis subsp. liquefaceins, and waste fermented. Black‐eye peas, potato, green beans, corn and turnip greens represented wastes of different carbon and nitrogen levels. Other treatments included time (0, 1, 2, 5, 12 days); and moisture content (90, 70, 50 and 30%). Moisture level adjustments were made by drying or adding peanut hulls, wheat straw, or cardboard. Optimum conditions were culture 15A, 70% moisture obtained by drying or adding peanut hulls (˜23%) (v/w), and carbon nitrogen ratio of 20–25:1 (10–1.5% protein). A pH < 4.55 was obtained after 5–12 days with sufficient acidity present to control stability.