New method converts food waste into plastic and organic fertilizer

Researchers at Binghamton University, led by PhD student Tianzheng Liu and supported by Professors Sha Jin and Kaiming Ye, have developed an innovative microbial process that converts food waste into biodegradable plastic and organic fertilizer. Using the bacteria Cupriavidus necator, which synthesizes polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from fermented food waste containing lactic acid and ammonium sulfate, the team can harvest about 90% of the bioplastic produced. This method addresses two major environmental issues simultaneously: the massive food waste in landfills that emits greenhouse gases and the growing problem of plastic pollution. The process is robust and adaptable, working with various types of food waste as long as the mixture ratios remain consistent, and the waste can be stored for at least a week without impacting results. The leftover residue from fermentation is also being evaluated as an organic fertilizer alternative to chemical fertilizers. The researchers aim to scale up the system for industrial application, seeking partnerships and additional funding to expand the