Advancements in Food Waste Recycling Technologies in South Africa: Novel Approaches for Biofertilizer and Bioenergy Production—A Review
Samukelo Zwelokuthula Mngadi,
Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh (),
Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo and
Sudesh Rathilal
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Samukelo Zwelokuthula Mngadi: Green Engineering Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko Road, Durban 4001, South Africa
Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh: Green Engineering Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko Road, Durban 4001, South Africa
Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo: Green Engineering Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko Road, Durban 4001, South Africa
Sudesh Rathilal: Green Engineering Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Steve Biko Road, Durban 4001, South Africa
Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-29
Abstract:
Globally, tons of agricultural and food waste are inevitably produced daily due to increasing population demands. As fertilizer prices surge and environmental degradation worsens, sustainable farming practices are gaining attention, especially with circular economic principles. This study explores how food waste can be repurposed into biofertilizers and bioenergy using advanced technologies like anaerobic digestion, composting, pyrolysis, and heat treatment. These methods are evaluated for their effectiveness in recovering essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and generating energy, alongside their sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Data trends reveal a significant rise in studies focused on “circular economy” and “food waste valorization.” Early findings highlight anaerobic digestion and composting as the most practical approaches, offering efficient nutrient recovery and minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the integration of food waste recycling with sustainable agricultural practices presents a powerful path toward mitigating environmental impact, lowering fertilizer costs, and supporting global food security through circular economic solutions.
Keywords: circular economy; food waste valorization; sustainable fertilizers; nutrient recovery; anaerobic digestion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:20:p:5396-:d:1770332
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