Eco-Friendly Dehydrator Machine for Food Recycling: A Waste Management System

Abstract

Up to one-third of food intentionally grown for human consumption is wasted uneaten, with significant environmental, social and economic impacts. There is now a growing number of publications in the field addressing various aspects of this important issue, generally focusing on proactive approaches to reduce food waste and recommendations for more efficient waste management. Focuses on reactive solutions. In this context, this project aims to better understand different types of food waste and use this knowledge to support informed decision making for more sustainable food waste management. The decomposition of food waste produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. To that end, we take a holistic approach in this project, we proposed a food waste dryer machine using the thermal effect and sensor techniques to reach the required temperature and ensure good drying through a moisture and temperature sensor. Experiments have shown that the optimal temperature range for hydration is 70-127 °C. Food waste can be dried in the shortest possible time and with low energy consumption using the proposed dryer. Dehydrated food waste slightly affected soil pH. However, they significantly increase soil EC and repeated use can lead to soil salinity. Food waste also increased plant macronutrients (N, P, and K) in different soil types. Carbon and nutrients in dehydrated food waste increased microbial activity as measured by basal respiration.Sometimes, the dehydrated food waste may need to be composted before applying it to the soil or incorporated into the soil for a long period of time before planting. These processes will overcome the limitations of anoxic conditions, phytotoxins, salinity, and water repellency.