TikToker shows how private Indonesian island disposes of food waste using fly larvae

TikToker Josh Porter has documented how Cempedak, a private Indonesian island, sustainably disposes of their food waste using fly larvae.

TikToker Josh Porter has documented how Cempedak, a private Indonesian island, sustainably disposes of their food waste using fly larvae.

The filmer from Manchester, UK, has been documenting the lives of the island's team on social media.

Porter explains: "The island's cooked food waste ends up in these pods, this attracts black soldier flies that lay eggs in the top.

"Their maggots then eat the food waste and after a week crawl up a ramp and drop into a bucket so they actually harvest themselves." The filmer then demonstrates how they use the maggots to feed the island's ducks, fish and egg-laying chickens.

He adds that the leftover waste is then treated by Abuy and used as fertiliser for the island's gardens.

Porter explained his role on the private island: "My role at the resort is guest relations manager.

I am a native English speaker with knowledge of the region's wildlife and film making.

"When I get time off from my duties I like to document island life, including the people and wildlife I share the island with.

"When the COVID-19 pandemic struck I decided to use video to get the island seen by a broader audience.

My videos have since received over 10 million views on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.

"Cempedak Island is situated just south of Singapore and its structures are made entirely from bamboo.

The majority of the staff are local Indonesians whose talents range from fine dining to carpentry, to scuba diving and sustainability.

"The team ensure Cempedak is running in the most sustainable way possible with a number of initiatives including solar panels, food waste treatment, wastewater treatment and management of marine protected areas.

"We have a staff team of around 180 and at any one time, around 60 of us will be on the island accompanied by up to 40 guests.

At the minute, with no guests, the number of staff has been reduced to a skeleton crew that rotates, working to maintain the structures and ensure its security.

"There are so many talented people that work on this island and whilst the tourism industry sleeps, I would like their stories to be told."