Govt initiative uses fly larvae as novel solution to mounting prison waste

The” Green Prison” initiative, which uses black soldier fly larvae to eject organic waste from jail, has been implemented in collaboration with the Department of Corrections ( DoC ).

Both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) to expand the initiative to 143 federally licensed correctional facilities.

DCCE director-general Phirun Saiyasitpanich said management of solid waste is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with food waste alone accounting for 35-40 % of Thailand’s community solid waste.

Policies on management of such spend rely on waste processing and the decrease of waste at the supply under the concept of the “3Rs” ( reduce, reuse, recycle ), Mr Phirun said, adding that standard solid waste management methods like hygiene landfills and open-air using release over 8.66 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, contributing over 50 % of waste-related emissions.

Black man travel eggs would be used to control foods waste in correctional facilities as part of the partnership between the DCCE and the DoC.

Pilots in seven prisons in the country have demonstrated successful agrarian and waste reduction training sessions online for more than 136 facilities, and black soldier travel larvae can be fed and turned into natural fertiliser.

DoC director-general Sahakarn Petchnarin said the program had 277, 950 residents as of last quarter. He said individuals often participate in community service activities, including waste reduction and trees farming, which contribute to environmental improvement.

Now, 17 correctional facilities are using black man fly larval for management of organic waste, and the MoU will help grow this process to 143 areas nationwide.

In contrast, both sections will work together to develop economic protection, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve agricultural output.