Does Food Waste Upcycling Attract Unwanted Mammals?

• Christian Woznick, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Delaware

• Kyle McCarthy, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware
• Michael Crossley, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware

Nearly one-third of all food produced is discarded each year, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of valuable nutrients. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae provide a sustainable method of upcycling food waste by rapidly converting organic material into insect biomass suitable for livestock feed and frass that can be used as a soil amendment. However, because food waste is typically processed in open or semi-open systems, there is concern that these sites may attract unwanted wildlife and increase the risk of equipment damage or human-wildlife conflicts. This study evaluated mammal activity at a black soldier fly food waste upcycling facility at the University of Delaware using motion-activated trail cameras. Thirty containers containing food waste and black soldier fly larvae were monitored alongside two control sites located approximately 70 m and 700 m from the main composting area. Experimental treatments included grain, produce, meat, and unsorted food waste with larvae, as well as food waste without larvae and empty containers. A total of 18 trail cameras monitored wildlife activity from June through August. Preliminary observations suggest that the presence of black soldier fly larvae alone does not deter mammal visitation, although additional image processing and quantitative analyses are ongoing. These findings will help guide future waste upcycling system design and identify strategies to minimize wildlife interactions while promoting sustainable food waste management.