Paper Title
Transforming Food Waste to Fertilizer: An Alternative Method for Cost Reduction in Food Waste Management in Bangkok

Abstract
Thailand's capital, Bangkok, struggles with a large volume of waste. The city produced 3.91 million tons of rubbish in 2018, of which food waste accounted for 52.96% of all solid waste. In 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, Bangkok spent a very high amount of money on waste management: 161.86, 152.36, 170.14, 173.17, and 128.86 million USD, respectively. Furthermore, food waste attracts vermin, creates an unpleasant environment, and poses health risks by spreading infections linked to poor sanitation. Bangkok now disposes of its waste in landfills or incinerators, which have a negative impact on the environment and public health. Therefore, a more ecologically responsible approach to garbage management is imperative. Here, we demonstrate that, in comparison to landfills and waste incinerators, aerobic composting—a process that breaks down food waste or organic matter into carbon dioxide and heat by oxygen-dependent microorganisms and bacteria—is a much more affordable and environmentally friendly way to dispose of food waste. Additionally, an end product of aerobic composting that can greatly improve soil quality is organic fertilizer. Our findings show how to convert food waste from the local market and home into organic fertilizer using inexpensive, easy-to-follow techniques. They also compare the costs of traditional food waste disposal and aerobic composting, as well as the condition of the soil before and after applying organic fertilizer. Additionally, this study advances knowledge regarding the effects of composting food waste in many areas of each nations. Keywords - Aerobic composting, food waste, Bangkok, organic fertilizer