Economic assessment of treatment technologies for fruit and vegetable waste.
Abstract
Approximately 60% of MSW generated in Kampala markets is organic. The most common
method used to manage this waste is by having it collected and taken to the landfill. But
according to the waste management hierarchy, this is the least desirable method of managing
organic waste. Alternative methods of managing organic waste include black soldier fly
composting, vermicomposting, aerobic composting, and anaerobic digestion. However, it was
not known which one performs best in terms of costs and benefits. This study evaluated the
economic performance of these technologies used in the treatment of fruit and vegetable waste
in Kampala. The discounted payback period and equivalent annual annuity were calculated,
then a sensitivity analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. From the analysis,
vermicomposting followed by BSF composting showed a good economic performance with
vermicomposting being the least sensitive to changes in the discount rate. This can guide
stakeholders in selecting which technology to invest in to attain maximum economic benefits.