Putrescible waste management at hostel cafeteria of Universiti Malaysia Perlis

Abstract

Food waste generation in hostel cafeterias in Wang Ulu, UniMAP is determined everyday for one week. Two cafeterias was selected in this research which are Rose cafeteria and Shafaz cafeteria. The objective of this study is to investigate the food waste generation rate data and recognize food waste composition in hostel cafeteria of UniMAP. It also to compare the two types of bulking agents that use in food waste composting. The project was done by collected, segregated, weighted and recorded the quantity of food waste everyday starting from Monday until Sunday. The sampling was done twice a day before the waste is collected and sent to Padang Siding. The sample of food waste from cafeteria is taken for composting process which is it can help to reduce food waste that sent to landfill. Two bulking agent used are coconut fiber and saw dust to compare the characteristic during composting process. From the research, the food waste generation rate data for everyday is around 0.031 kg/capita/day and from composting process, both of bulking agents can use for composting and help in composting. Food waste composition for Shafaz’s Cafeterias is about 68.60% and Rose’s Cafeteria is about 67.90%. It is higher compare than other waste. Composting has many advantages which can reduce food waste that sent to landfill and can reduce the pollution into environment such as air and water pollution.