SWM Innovation Workshop

The SWM Innovation Workshop presented successful projects in the solid waste sector, including the utilization of Black Soldier Fly Larvae for organic waste management, and deposit return systems for Timor-Leste.

On 23 February, more than 25 participants representing various stakeholders (e.g., ANAS, DMA, NDA, BTL, E.P., MPO, MSA, NAO) participated in a workshop showing experience from international projects in the solid waste sector.

Participants of the Innovation workshop in Dili and virtually on 23 February 2022

After an introduction of Mr. Jan Drozdz, PPIP Team Leader, and opening remarks by Mr Kassius Klei, MPO Focal Point for the PPIP, Mr Jan Skajaa, COWI Waste Expert, presented the key features of sanitary landfilling. The presentation focused on the differences between random dumping in uncontrolled dumpsites and depositing waste in engineered landfills, designed for the purpose. Such landfills will for example be equipped with systems for extracting gas from the waste, suitable for utilization as fuel thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The second session by Ms Sekti Mulatsih, Waste Expert from Indonesia, presented an on-going project on biowaste processing using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae in Indonesia. Biowaste processing using BSF Larvae may be an option for rural areas in Timor-Leste as it is easy to manage. The products of the process are fish or chicken fodder, and organic fertilizer.

Following this, a proposal for a deposit return system (buy-back systems) for beverage containers and other recyclables for Timor-Leste was introduced. Such system will be building on the private sector’s participation and motivation and mutual interest. Experience show that very high return rates and thus high degree of recycling can be achieved along with other positive effects. A deposit return system can complement other recycling programs, extend the usable lifetime of the landfill and most importantly, enhance public health and prevent pollution in general.

The Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP)[1], supported by the European Union and the European Investment Bank, aims to support the identification, preparation, and implementation of technically, financially, economically, environmentally, and socially sound investment projects in the forestry, solid waste, and water and sanitation sectors.

For more information please contact:

Mr Jan Drozdz, PPIP Team Leader, jadrx(at)cowi.com
Mr Kong Kiong Um, PPIP Project Coordinator, kkmux(at)cowi.com


[1] The Project Preparation and Implementation Programme for Timor-Leste is an EIB executed technical assistance operation which is financed from the European Development Fund, under the Investment Facility for the Pacific (IFP) and under the Cotonou Agreement.