UPDATE: A groundbreaking initiative in Sydney is transforming food waste into a profitable resource, as startup founder Olympia Yarger reveals her innovative approach using black soldier fly larvae—commonly known as maggots. Yarger’s company, Goterra, is actively diverting food waste from landfills, a critical step as Australia grapples with an annual food waste crisis costing over $36.6 billion.
Just announced, Goterra’s facility in western Sydney is at the heart of this movement, where Yarger personally oversees operations. Daily deliveries of discarded vegetables and stale bread flood in from supermarkets and food producers, fueling a process that not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens new economic avenues. “We’ve developed a technical system that accepts and manages food waste using insects,” Yarger stated.
The environmental urgency cannot be overstated. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, food waste contributes around 3 percent of Australia’s total emissions, with rotting food releasing methane—a greenhouse gas significantly more harmful than carbon dioxide. Lisa Bai, a research fellow at the University of Queensland, emphasized the importance of food waste separation, stating, “Turning it into compost has real benefits for the environment by reducing emissions.”
Australia generates a staggering 7.6 million tonnes of food waste every year, with over 70 percent deemed perfectly edible. This shocking statistic translates to approximately $2,500 wasted annually per household, a figure prompting state governments to implement new regulations. Starting July 1, 2026, businesses in states like New South Wales will be required to separate food waste from general waste, a move driven by diminishing landfill capacity and an urgent need to tackle the waste crisis.
At Goterra’s facility, the process begins with the careful sorting of spoiled produce, which is then fed to the larvae. Each modular system, or “box,” can process 1.7 tonnes of food waste per day. This innovative approach not only mitigates waste but also produces nutrient-rich fertilizer and sustainable poultry feed. Justin Frank, Goterra’s chief sustainability officer, confirmed the effectiveness of this feed, stating, “The chickens love it, and it’s full of amino acids essential for egg production.”
Despite the promising developments, challenges remain. Bai warns of rising contamination levels in food waste, complicating composting and waste management processes. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is urging businesses to adhere strictly to waste sorting protocols to maintain the integrity of organic material.
As Goterra expands its operations beyond its current seven sites across four states, Yarger remains committed to revolutionizing how Australia views food waste. “If we can leverage technology to create a circular economy, we win at both ends of our value chain,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
This initiative represents a pivotal shift in Australia’s waste management landscape, with significant implications for both the economy and the environment. For more updates on this developing story and other urgent news, download the SBS News app and subscribe to our newsletter.
