Economical smart composting machine to manage food waste, alleviate  environmental degradation and combat climate change on Penang Hill

Che Zalina Zulkifli

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Type :	article
Subject :	GE Environmental Sciences
Main Author :	Che Zalina Zulkifli
Additional Authors :	Karthigayan Gunasegaran Tan, Xinhui Sarah Nur Hazlina Abu Hassan Amiruddin Bunyamin M Yapid Suci Ayu Kurniah Putri Burhanuddin Nani Harlinda Nurdini
Title :	Economical smart composting machine to manage food waste, alleviate environmental degradation and combat climate change on Penang Hill

Place of Production :	Tanjong Malim
Publisher :	Fakulti Seni, Komputeran dan Industri Kreatif
Year of Publication :	2019
Corporate Name :	Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Abstract : Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Penang Island, or Pulau Pinang, is one of the most urbanized and densely populated regions in Malaysia. It is undergoing rapid environmental degradation. Simultaneously, a significant culprit for soaring rates of deforestation and severe climate change is inefficient and unsustainable food waste management. Literature reviews have analysed the efficacy of various composting systems that divert food waste to be repurposed and transformed into a value-added soil enhancement. They reveal the superiority of an in-vessel Economic Smart Food Waste Composter. The ESFWC employs a plastic drum to turn compost materials, an automated programming system, and microbial solutions to accelerate the aerobic digestion of organic waste. The ESFWC requires minimal time, cost, labour and GHGs emissions. For this study interviews and questionnaires were conducted with stakeholders on Penang Hill, or Bukit Bendera. It displays a need for an ESFWC, to reduce the detrimental environmental effects of food waste and also deliver health, economic, social, and environmental benefits for inhabitants of Penang Hill as well as other communities across the globe.

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