Kitchen Food Waste Processor

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Food waste processor is an electronic device used to process food and make it more useful to us, to plants and to the environment. Food waste is a decrease in the quantity or quality (nutritional value) of food intended for human consumption (FAO). This study aimed to design and develop a Kitchen Food Waste Processor to be a tool to help handling food waste issues.

METHODS

In constructing the machine, the researchers used recyclable materials such as AC motor and propeller from an old electric fan. The container is entirely casted of cement while some parts were made of metal sheets. After the machine was constructed, it was tested. Food waste was placed in the machine and processed for three hours. Then, it was repeated by two more times. The respondents watched before and after the process in order to rate the satisfactory observation. In evaluating the efficiency of the device, it was taken by the observations of the researchers and by sensory evaluation of the respondents.

RESULTS

The machine was tested its efficiency by the observation of the researchers and the sensory evaluation made by the respondents revealing a "Very Satisfactory" response. Economic value was also tested through sensory evaluation, which was described as "Excellent”.

DISCUSSIONS

After the processing period, the size of the food waste changed from coarse form to fine granules. The food waste became homogenous in phase. These were due to the grinding made by the mixer of the machine. The odor of the food waste abated after the procedure because of the presence of the charcoal and baking soda. In addition, the food waste decreased in amount due to separation of the liquid part.

The newly devised machine showed satisfactions and low cost in terms of economic value. The results proved that the Kitchen Food Waste Process has the potential to process food waste and has capability to work efficiently. Moreover, the materials used are affordable that made the study a low economic value.