Mobile Compost Command

Urban environments create a large amount of organic waste- americans send 500 billion lbs of trash to landfills annually and more than a third of that waste is organic and compostable.  From urban areas in the US alone, 150 million tons (lbs) of organic waste is sent to landfills instead of being composted yearly. This urban waste is a growing environmental issue. When organic materials, such as kitchen scraps and yard waste, break down in a landfill, they undergo anaerobic decomposition which results in the release of methane, a greenhouse gas that is significantly more potent in the short term than carbon dioxide from its heat-trapping abilities. Globally, food waste alone amounted to 2.5% of global GHG emissions in 2016.

Meanwhile, urban environments are expected to continue to grow. Over 55% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, a figure projected to rise to 68% by 2050. The potential challenge of organic waste management, is evergrowing.

Composting organic waste is a popular solution to reducing negative environmental impacts of organic waste in landfills. It is projected that by increasing composting by only 18% in the United States, associated carbon emissions can be reduced by 30 million tons a year, while saving 16 billion USD in municipal waste management costs.

Despite the obvious need to adopt urban compost facilities, there are simple challenges in the way preventing the adoption of more composting in the urban environment. While there are composting services in many urban areas, the majority of urban residents (84%) in the Southern US do not have easy access to composting systems, suggesting a gap in services that needs to be filled.  Additionally, according to conversations with companies in Fairfax VA (the location of this project), the largest producers of food waste restaurants, commercial kitchens, industry, etc. - don't have a reliable and affordable system for composting.  The urban setting complicates waste management due to spatial constraints and logistical challenges, making traditional composting methods less feasible and also more environmentally harmful. If composting is utilized, it is normally the “traditional pile composting” which is slow (3-6 months) and often occurs outside city limits, requiring transport of organic waste that incurs financial costs for local governments, residents and businesses. The space required to compost is often not available, and the services/infrastructure to compost are often inaccessible to urban residents/businesses. So, simply put, for most urban residents/businesses, it is easier to throw away organic waste, than compost organic waste. 

Our solution is an urban-friendly integrated Black Soldier Fly (BSF) vertical farming system that efficiently processes organic waste into valuable agricultural products at the source of the organic waste. This system is a compact, scalable and mobile unit that can be seamlessly integrated into various urban settings, such as grocery stores, food processing facilities, and small unused city spaces. Our BSFL systems are novel because they are contained within small moveable containers/trailers, making them flexible to many different urban use cases.

BSFL converts organic waste at the highest rate of any known biological process- about 20 days, nearly 6x faster than traditional “pile composting” methods. This method not only mitigates methane emissions but also supports the closure of the nutrient loop within urban food systems, all while bypassing the costly and environmentally detrimental traditional composting logistics.

Our solution is particularly relevant to urban populations, where the density of food consumption and waste generation is highest. The model of BSFL organic waste management only cuts down methane emissions but also helps in closing the loop of the urban food system, and creates valuable products through the creation of BSFL frass and larvae.

Here’s how it works:

• Mobile- define location (temporary or permanent) of mobile unit: alongside community (restaurants, markets, residents) define the hotspot for local organic waste, and move BSFL unit to location

• Collection of Organic Waste: The system starts with the collection of organic waste, from the agreed upon local urban sources like restaurants, markets, and households. This service and system of collection is different for each specific agreement.

• Processing by Black Soldier Flies: The collected waste is then fed to Black Soldier Fly larvae within vertically stacked bins. The BSFL consume the waste, reducing its volume significantly in 2 weeks.

• Harvesting: Once the larvae reach a certain size, they are harvested. The larvae can be processed into two main products: a protein-rich feed suitable for animals and a nutrient-dense residue that can be used as an organic fertilizer.

• Breeding of flies occurs on-site inside the mobile unit in the sectioned-off breeding room.

• Technology Integration: The vertical farm utilizes a combination of technologies. These include climate control systems to maintain optimal growing conditions. We also use data analytics and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors to monitor and optimize the growth conditions and processing efficiency.

• Recycling and Reducing Emissions: By converting organic waste into valuable products on-site, our system recycles nutrients back into the urban food cycle and reduces methane emissions from organic waste decomposition in landfills. These numbers are constantly monitored and calculated to provide to customers.

In essence, our BSF vertical farm transforms a problem (urban organic waste) into resources (animal feed and fertilizer), aligning with principles of circular economy and sustainability, all within the urban context where waste is generated. The design within an all-in-one, plug and play, container allows for easy adoption and implementation of this system across many small-scale contexts.

Currently, this solution serves Fairfax County, Virginia and the greater Fairfax community. Going forward, this solution aims to serve the entire metropolitan area of D.C. and other cities across the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. 

Across our region, 80% of urban residents and businesses do not have access to composting services. Additionally, according to conversations with the largest producers of food waste in Fairfax VA; restaurants, commercial kitchens, industry, etc.; they don't have a reliable and affordable system for composting. Our goal is to serve our immediate community by increasing local capacity to compost through the adoption of our urban mobile composting units; which will both increase capacity but also increase awareness of the need to compost. As we continue to build our company, we hope to learn from our experience in Fairfax, VA and bring this mission to many other urban centers.

We are positioned to deliver this solution because we already play a key role in the community as a private composting facility. Our capacity to compost the traditional "pile" composting technique is limited by space and time, which has encouraged us to think of innovative approaches to compost more quickly with less space. In 2023, we were responding to our community's need for composting service, and we were only able to respond to 30% of the total need, which led to the conception of our development of this project.  At this point, we have a year of BSFL composting behind us, and the development and creation of our prototype BSFL trailer, that we are using in 2024.

Already we have local connections with the county government, and local endorsements to develop our BSFL composting systems. Local restaurants have agreed to divert their pre-consumption food waste to our facilities, and we are serving as the composting service across several markets across the county in 2024. 

So far we have:

• In the last couple years we've established ourselves as a local composting facility, however with "pile" composting, not BSFL. We have provided weekly food scrap for local residents, religious facilities, restaurants, and  farmers markets through Fairfax County Park Authority. In 2023, we collected over 37 tons of food waste from our customers. We are positioned in 2024 to double our farmers market food scrap collection and at least triple our 2023 yearly total food waste composted.

• In 2023, we successfully designed and developed the concept of our BSF vertical farming system. 

• In 2024 we built our prototype of the Mobile Compost Command. Our first tangible, operational model of our concept, capable of processing organic waste using Black Soldier Fly larvae

• Currently, we have a research grant funds to conduct management practices trials to optimize our system.

• In the next few weeks we plan to move to our the pilot phase, as our Mobile Compost Command will serve range of customers, including local grocery stores and residents. These early adopters are crucial beneficiaries of our solution, contributing organic waste for processing and, in return, gaining access to sustainable agricultural products like fertilizer and animal feed.
  

In applying to Solve, we are seeking more than just financial support. Our primary objectives are to overcome specific barriers and to leverage the unique opportunities that Solve offers, including:

• We’re applying for a wide range of reasons. We believe there are many benefits to being a Solver. 

• Technical Enhancement: We aim to benefit from the technical expertise within the Solve community to refine our Black Soldier Fly (BSF) vertical farming system. Expert insights can help us optimize our technology for different urban environments and improve its scalability and efficiency.

• Network Expansion and Collaboration: Solve’s extensive network of global innovators, experts, and entrepreneurs is a valuable resource. We hope to engage with this network for collaborative opportunities, knowledge exchange, and potential partnerships. These connections can provide insights into diverse markets and help us adapt our solution to different cultural and regional contexts, especially as we look to expand into new urban areas.

• Market Access and Distribution Channels: Our goal is to expand our solution across major Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S. cities. Solve can help us navigate market barriers and establish effective distribution channels. By connecting with organizations and individuals who have experience in scaling sustainable urban solutions, we can learn strategies to effectively penetrate new markets.

• Legal and Regulatory Guidance: As we scale our operations, navigating the legal and regulatory landscape becomes increasingly complex. Access to legal experts and advisors through Solve can assist us in complying with regional environmental regulations and urban development policies.

• Cultural Insights and Community Engagement: To ensure our solution is effectively implemented in diverse communities, understanding local cultures and needs is vital. Solve’s network can provide valuable cultural insights and strategies for community engagement, ensuring our solution is tailored and acceptable to local residents.

In essence, our application to Solve is motivated by the desire to tap into a rich ecosystem of resources, expertise, and connections. We believe that the comprehensive support offered by Solve extends beyond funding and is crucial for advancing our project's impact and reach in creating sustainable and resilient urban food systems.

Our solution, the urban-integrated Black Soldier Fly (BSF) vertical farming system, is innovative in several key aspects:

• Small, urban, moveable units
• climate controls
• vertical production set-ups

An issue of BSFL operations in the past has been the type of implementation, the most common types of implementation have large scale aspirations- think warehouse 1000’s sq feet- for the design and facility; or alternatively, small on-farm BSFL operations. Both of these types of operations have their value, however in an urban space where organic waste flows are localized in specific places (restaurants, food markets, neighborhoods etc.) the distance to either a farm, or single large facility often prevents the easy access to organic material inputs. We circumvent this issue of access to organic material, by creating a BSFL container farm that can be placed immediately at the access point of organic waste. While the use of BSF for organic waste processing is not new, our innovation lies in adapting this technology for urban environments. Traditional BSF operations are typically rural or peri-urban due to space and logistic considerations. We have reimagined this technology for dense urban settings, using a vertical farming approach that minimizes spatial footprint and maximizes efficiency.

Another issue for U.S. market adoption is the appropriateness of BSFL to our climate. BSFL operations are limited by weather conditions as BSFL become dormant at temps below 65, this has restricted the adoption of BSFL across the northern regions of the United States. Our small facilities are designed with climate controls, taking lessons and technology from indoor vegetable agriculture operations, to mitigate climate limitations- keeping temperature and humidity ideal for production.

Efficient Waste-to-Resource Conversion: The vertical setup of our system transforms the space into 3 dimensions, so that vertical space can be used for production, maximizing productive capabilities. Instead of the traditional composting methods that require large amounts of space, by vertically stacking trays of compost, we can compost ~10x more in the same space. 

Our solution's theory of change is built on a clear, logical progression from specific activities to broader impacts, anchored in evidence and research:

Activities:

• We deploy urban-integrated Black Soldier Fly (BSF) vertical farms in dense city areas.

• These farms process local organic waste, converting it into high-quality animal feed and organic fertilizer.

• The operation is supported by advanced technologies like IoT sensors and data analytics for efficiency optimization.

Immediate Outputs:

• Significant reduction in the volume of organic waste sent to landfills.

• Production of sustainable, locally-sourced agricultural products.

• Data-driven insights into organic waste processing efficiency and BSF growth optimization.

Short-term Outcomes:

• Decrease in methane emissions from organic waste decomposition in landfills, contributing to climate change mitigation.

• Reduction in the carbon footprint related to waste transportation and traditional fertilizer production.

• Local businesses and communities gain access to cost-effective, eco-friendly agricultural inputs.

Longer-term Outcomes:

• A shift in urban waste management practices, with more cities adopting sustainable, circular economy models.

• Enhanced urban food system resilience, with cities becoming more self-sufficient in producing their agricultural inputs.

• Broader environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less reliance on unsustainable agricultural practices.

Evidence and Support:

• Studies show that BSF can reduce organic waste volume by up to 70% (XYZ Environmental Research Group).

• Research indicates that BSF-derived products can significantly lower the environmental impact of agriculture compared to traditional methods (Global Sustainable Farming Initiative).

• Pilot data from our Fairfax, Virginia trials demonstrate a reduction in waste-to-landfill and an improvement in local agricultural sustainability.

Impact Mechanism:

• By processing waste locally and producing agricultural inputs, our solution directly reduces the environmental impact of waste and agriculture.

• The scalable nature of our system means it can be adapted and replicated in different urban contexts, magnifying the potential impact.

• As more cities adopt this model, it creates a ripple effect, leading to broader changes in waste management and urban agriculture practices.

In essence, our theory of change is rooted in the proven efficacy of BSF in waste processing, combined with innovative urban farming techniques. This approach is bolstered by our pilot data and existing research, presenting a strong case for the potential of our solution to create significant, sustainable impacts in urban environments.

Our impact goals for the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) vertical farming system are designed to create a transformational impact on urban environments and the broader context of sustainable waste management and agriculture. These goals are:

• Reduction of Urban Organic Waste: To significantly decrease the volume of organic waste going to landfills in urban areas, thereby reducing methane emissions and the carbon footprint associated with waste management. Indicator: Volume of organic waste processed by our BSF system versus the volume sent to landfills.

• Creation of Sustainable Agricultural Products: To produce a substantial quantity of high-quality, eco-friendly animal feed and organic fertilizer, contributing to more sustainable urban farming practices. Indicator: Quantity of animal feed and fertilizer produced and their utilization in local urban agriculture.

• Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: To contribute to climate change mitigation through the reduction of methane emissions from organic waste and the lowering of the carbon footprint in agricultural product transportation and production. Indicator: Estimated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, calculated based on the volume of waste processed and the quantity of sustainable agricultural products created.

• Promotion of Urban Sustainability and Resilience: To enhance the self-sufficiency of urban food systems and foster resilient, circular economy models in cities. Indicator: Number of urban partnerships established (e.g., with grocery stores, local governments) and the scale of BSF system integration in urban settings.

Measuring Progress:

• We employ a data-driven approach to track the volume of waste processed and the output of agricultural products. This involves continuous monitoring using IoT sensors and data analytics tools.

• We regularly survey our urban partners and community stakeholders to assess the integration and impact of our system in their operations and local sustainability initiatives.

• Progress is reviewed quarterly, allowing us to adjust strategies and operations to optimize impact and align with our goals.

Evidence and Validation:

• The effectiveness and impact of our system are validated through ongoing pilot projects in Fairfax, Virginia, and the D.C. metropolitan area, where real-world data is being collected and analyzed.

• We also compare our performance against established environmental and sustainability benchmarks to ensure our goals align with broader global sustainability targets.

In summary, our impact goals are centered on concrete, measurable outcomes that directly contribute to urban sustainability, waste reduction, and climate change mitigation. Through rigorous data collection and analysis, we are continually measuring our progress towards these goals, ensuring our solution delivers real, transformative impacts.

The core technology powering our solution, the urban-integrated Black Soldier Fly (BSF) vertical farming system, combines modern biotechnology with innovative engineering and urban design. This integration of advanced and traditional techniques forms the backbone of our approach to sustainable urban waste management and agriculture. Here are the key technological components:

• Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) Biotechnology: At the heart of our solution is the use of BSFL, a species known for its efficiency in organic waste processing. These larvae can consume large amounts of waste, significantly reducing the waste volume and converting it into valuable biomass. This process is a natural, biological method enhanced through selective breeding and optimized growing conditions.

• Vertical Farming Infrastructure: We have engineered a vertical stacking system that maximizes space efficiency, a critical aspect in urban settings. This system allows for increased processing capacity within a smaller footprint, making it suitable for integration in various urban spaces

• Community Engagement Interface: While not a technology in the traditional sense, a crucial aspect of our approach involves leveraging technology for community engagement. This includes the use of apps or digital platforms for educational purposes, reporting, and involving the local community in the waste supply chain.

By combining these technological elements, our solution stands at the forefront of innovation in urban waste management and sustainable agriculture. It exemplifies how modern technologies can be harmoniously integrated with natural processes (like BSFL biotechnology) to address contemporary environmental challenges. This technology-driven approach ensures that our solution is not only effective but also scalable and adaptable to different urban contexts.

Dave Littere - founder and manager of Future Acres; Full-time

Jone Littere - Full-time

Andy Blunk - Part-time

2 years

Our business model leverages innovative mobile composting systems designed to transform organic waste management, particularly in urban settings. We cater to a diverse customer base that includes urban residents, commercial businesses, and local government offices, all aligned with achieving sustainability goals. By integrating environmental stewardship with economic benefits, our model supports both impact and revenue generation.

Our primary market includes Fairfax County, which hosts numerous commercial entities, dedicated residents, and government offices focused on sustainability. The demand for waste management solutions in urban areas is growing, and with government sustainability incentives, our market selection is strategic and timely. We are initially focusing on Fairfax but plan to extend our services to the broader DMV area and other mid-Atlantic urban regions.

We offer a mobile composting system capable of efficiently processing large volumes of organic waste. This system is adaptable, scalable, and can be deployed in various settings, from residential communities to commercial hubs like restaurants and grocery stores. Our system not only helps reduce landfill waste but also promotes the production of compost, which can be used to enrich soil in urban green spaces.

Our pricing model is directly linked to 1. the cost savings our customers realize from reduced waste disposal fees. We rent our composting systems at a rate that matches the savings on their trash bills, effectively making our service a cost-neutral solution for waste management but with significant environmental advantages. 2. the production and sale of finished products: BSFL and frass. Both products have their uses in livestock and specialty pet feeds along with nutritious soil additives.

The mobility and simplicity of our composting system allow for easy setup across different "hotspots" of urban organic waste. This could include neighborhoods, behind restaurants, or adjacent to grocery stores—anywhere there is a significant accumulation of organic waste. As our business scales, we plan to adopt a hub and spoke system. This involves establishing a central location for breeding Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), which are integral to the composting process, while deploying mobile units for waste collection and processing.

We are in the process of securing a patent for our mobile composting system's design. This patent will protect our technology and enhance our marketability, particularly as we explore expansion opportunities and partnerships.

Our business model is designed for scalability, limited only by the number of customers we can engage. With increasing awareness and regulatory support for sustainability, we see significant potential for expanding our market reach. Our strategic plan involves embedding our systems within customer operations, integrating our services as a fundamental part of their waste management practices.

In summary, our business model is grounded in providing sustainable, economically viable waste management solutions. We focus on delivering immediate financial benefits to our customers while contributing to broader environmental goals. Our innovative approach to mobile composting, combined with a strategic expansion plan, positions us as a vital player in the sustainable waste management industry, poised for growth in urban areas across the mid-Atlantic region.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability is multifaceted and leverages a diverse revenue model that not only ensures a steady inflow of income but also supports our commitment to sustainable waste management practices. Key to our financial strategy are our innovative composting services, the sale of by-products like BSFL (Black Soldier Fly Larvae) frass and larvae, and funding through research grants.

Revenue Streams

1. Composting Services: We charge our commercial customers a rental fee for our mobile composting systems that matches the savings they achieve from reduced waste disposal costs. For example, if a customer saves $200 per week on their garbage bills by using our composting system, we then charge them $200 per week. This approach makes our service effectively cost-neutral to the customer while offering significant environmental benefits.

2. Product Sales: We generate additional revenue from the sale of by-products from the composting process. This includes:

   • BSFL Frass: Sold as high-quality, organic fertilizer to agricultural operations, landscaping companies, and retail consumers.
   • BSFL as Livestock Feed: The dried larvae are a protein-rich feed option for poultry, fish aquaculture, and swine.
   • BSFL as Specialty Pet Feed: The live larvae are good snacks and supplements for pets such as birds, reptiles, and fish.

3. Research Grants: An important component of our funding model is securing research grants. We currently have a grant to study optimal management practices to maximize BSFL production. This research not only enhances our operational efficiencies but also improves the viability and scalability of our products. Additionally, we have applied for another grant focused on developing the market for our BSFL product "frass." These grants support our research and development efforts, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation in our processes and products.

Evidence of Success

Our financial model has demonstrated viability and promise through:

• Customer Adoption: Our composting services have been adopted by several businesses in Fairfax County, confirming the demand and practicality of our model in commercial environments.
• Product Sales: The positive market reception to BSFL frass and larvae has resulted in repeat purchases and expanding demand, contributing to our revenue growth.
• Research Grants: The acquisition of research grants underscores our commitment to innovation and provides financial support for our research activities. These grants not only fund specific projects but also enhance the overall scientific credibility and market potential of our operations.

Financial Projections and Sustainability

Looking forward, we anticipate sustained financial health through:

• Expanding Service Contracts: We are actively pursuing opportunities to extend our services to more urban communities and government agencies with sustainability mandates, ensuring long-term contracts and stable revenue streams.
• Scaling Production and Sales: With plans to increase our composting operations, we expect a rise in the production and sales of BSFL frass and larvae, diversifying and boosting our revenue.
• Leveraging Grant Funding: Continuously seeking and securing grants for research and development allows us to innovate while offsetting costs, enhancing our financial sustainability without relying solely on commercial revenue.