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
by C. Rubasinghe; D.N.M. Dahanayaka; J.M.C.K. Jayawardana; S. Pilapitiya
International Journal of Environment and Waste Management (IJEWM), Vol. 12, No. 4, 2013

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.

Online publication date: Sat, 20-Sep-2014

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Environment and Waste Management (IJEWM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com