IBOWM redirects organic residues such as food scraps and agricultural by-products from landfills into insect bioconversion systems, significantly cutting methane emissions under the anaerobic conditions that drive climate change (Noudeng et al., 2018; Singh et al., 2019). By harnessing black soldier fly larvae, IBOWM not only mitigates greenhouse gases but also shifts waste disposal away from unsustainable practices linked to rising emissions (Diener et al., 2011; Gligorescu et al., 2020). The nutrient-rich frass and larval biomass produced enhance soil fertility and ecosystem health, embodying circular-economy principles through efficient resource recovery (Czekała et al., 2020; Pliantiangtam et al., 2021). Empirical case studies reveal bioconversion efficiencies up to 45.9% and demonstrate the approach’s scalability across both agricultural operations and urban waste streams (Surendra et al., 2020; Broeckx et al., 2021).

IBOWM converts up to 90% of food-waste biomass into protein-rich larvae and nutrient-dense frass, yielding high-value animal feed and organic fertilizers (Bosch et al., 2019; Ţucă and Stan, 2023). By integrating BSF and mealworm bioconversion, this circular-economy approach slashes landfill volumes while delivering environmental and economic gains, high feed-conversion ratios, reduced disposal costs, and closed nutrient loops that reintegrate energy and matter into agricultural systems (Huis and Oonincx, 2017; Madau et al., 2020; Wang and Shelomi, 2017).

Yet IBOWM must address contaminant risks inherent in feedstocks. Agricultural and industrial residues often contain persistent heavy metals, lead, mercury, cadmium, that can accumulate in frass and, if unmanaged, contaminate soils and water bodies (Oluwatoyin, 2018). Likewise, antibiotic residues from livestock manure and sewage sludge promote the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs); although insect bioconversion can reduce ARG abundance, conventional treatments rarely eliminate them completely, posing ecological and human-health concerns (Deng et al., 2022; Thakali et al., 2020). Furthermore, co-selection by metals and antibiotics may drive microbial communities to harbor both metal- and drug-resistance traits, amplifying the potential dissemination of resistance genes throughout agroecosystems (Pepper et al., 2018; Kanger et al., 2020).

IBOWM enhances biodiversity and ecosystem health by embedding insect farming within agricultural landscapes, creating microhabitats that sustain diverse insect populations and robust pollinator communities (Kovács-Hostyánszki et al., 2017). By fostering interactions among native flora and fauna, IBOWM boosts essential ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and biological pest control that underpin sustainable crop production (Garratt et al., 2018; Sutter and Albrecht, 2016). Field studies show that IBOWM systems with ecological margins and varied cropping practices deliver higher species richness and improved landscape connectivity for pollinators (Dilts et al., 2023; Mbelede et al., 2023). Overall, by marrying waste management with biodiversity conservation, IBOWM fortifies ecosystem resilience and offers a sustainable pathway for agricultural systems (Jankielsohn, 2018; Prajapati et al., 2024).

The IBOWM framework adopts a comprehensive strategy that integrates environmental, economic, and social benefits by harnessing the natural abilities of insects, specifically BSF and oil palm weevil larvae, to transform organic waste into valuable by-products. This innovative process drastically reduces waste sent to landfills, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and carbon dioxide, and recycles important nutrients back into agricultural systems. The recovered biomass is repurposed as animal feed, while the resulting frass functions as a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer (Allan et al., 2015), as depicted in Figure 1.

Beyond waste reduction, insect farming plays a pivotal role in enhancing local biodiversity by creating microhabitats that support beneficial insects, including pollinators and natural pest predators, thereby stabilizing key ecosystem processes (Nelson et al., 2010). Economically, the establishment of insect farming operations drives local growth by generating employment opportunities in waste management and agriculture, and bolstering food security through alternative protein sources (Gittman et al., 2016). Importantly, by diverting organic waste and repurposing it into food, feed, and fertilizer, IBOWM contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing the carbon footprint relative to conventional waste management and livestock production (Platonova et al., 2022). Figure 2 summarizes these interconnected benefits, illustrating how IBOWM offers a transformative solution to both environmental and economic challenges while paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Effective implementation of the IBOWM framework begins with targeted educational campaigns, participatory initiatives, and mass-media outreach to showcase its environmental and nutritional benefits (Hunter et al., 2023) as depicted in Figure 3. Engaging local communities from the outset fosters ownership and ensures stakeholder input guides the integration of IBOWM into existing waste management and agricultural practices (Bozdaglar, 2023). At the same time, co-developing harmonized regulatory frameworks with government bodies, researchers, and industry partners establishes the safety, quality-control, and sustainability standards needed, drawing lessons from the EU’s environmental management models (Duc and Thanh, 2023). Aligning IBOWM with current waste systems then creates synergies that drive sustainable farming, stimulate local economies, and generate new jobs in waste management and insect production (Juniyanti et al., 2024). Finally, ongoing research coupled with targeted economic incentives and clear performance metrics enables adaptive monitoring and continuous improvement, maximizing the framework’s environmental, economic, and social impacts (Puiu and Udriștioiu, 2023). Table 4 outlines the essential steps and key considerations for successfully implementing the framework for enhancing ecosystem services through IBOWM.

A robust evaluation of IBOWM’s impact on ecosystem services hinges on a suite of metrics spanning environmental, economic, and social domains (Allan et al., 2015; Balvanera et al., 2006). Waste reduction and resource recovery are gauged by the volume of organics diverted from landfills, declines in methane emissions, and the share of nutrients returned to fields via insect biomass and frass, metrics shown to correlate with substantial GHG abatements (Fu et al., 2015; Ma et al., 2016). Nutrient cycling and soil health are tracked through changes in fertility indicators, crop-yield boosts from frass applications, and improvements in soil structure and microbial activity (Ouyang et al., 2020). Biodiversity enhancement is assessed by monitoring gains in species richness and habitat complexity following IBOWM adoption (Allan et al., 2015; Balvanera et al., 2006; Egoh et al., 2009). Economic outcomes, job creation, income growth, and market expansion for insect-derived products provide insight into the model’s viability (Maseyk et al., 2017; Zhao and Wang, 2021). Climate-change mitigation benefits are measured via net reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions and overall carbon footprints (Martín-López et al., 2012; Guerry et al., 2015). Finally, public awareness and acceptance, key to scaling IBOWM are evaluated through surveys of consumer knowledge and practice uptake (Keeler et al., 2019). Table 5 offers an in-depth overview of these measures and serves as a practical guide for assessing IBOWM’s success and impact.

Implementing IBOWM across diverse regions has provided valuable insights and highlighted best practices essential for future endeavors. Integrating insect farming into local economies has proven particularly effective. For example, in Thailand, cricket farming not only supplies a sustainable protein source but also fosters social cohesion among farmers by reinforcing strong institutional support and cooperative frameworks (Halloran et al., 2016a). Similarly, in Africa, using local agricultural by-products as feed has effectively reduced waste and enhanced sustainability, demonstrating that leveraging local resources can lower costs and strengthen insect farming operations (Alemu et al., 2023). Additionally, targeted agricultural training and nutrition education have played key roles in promoting insect farming, thereby addressing food security while driving economic development.

In the European Union, the valorization of organic waste streams for insect farming underscores the need to overcome regulatory and market challenges. Supportive policy frameworks and market incentives have been instrumental in encouraging the use of organic waste in insect farming and in creating opportunities for insect-based products (Peer et al., 2021). Continuous research and innovation are vital; collaborations between research institutions, governments, and industry stakeholders have facilitated the development of new technologies and optimized processes for more efficient operations (Fowles and Nansen, 2019). Equally important, public awareness initiatives such as educational campaigns and community engagement have successfully promoted the benefits of insect farming and addressed cultural misconceptions by providing evidence-based information on the safety and nutritional value of insect-based products (Alemu et al., 2023).

Furthermore, ensuring the long-term sustainability of IBOWM initiatives depends on addressing both environmental and social impacts. Best practices include conducting thorough environmental impact assessments, upholding fair labor standards, and ensuring that insect farming operations do not harm local ecosystems (Pliantiangtam et al., 2021). Projects that prioritize social equity and environmental protection tend to achieve long-term success and contribute significantly to sustainable development goals. By integrating these insights and practices, future IBOWM initiatives can enhance agricultural resilience and help create a more sustainable and resilient food system. Table 6 summarizes these key lessons and best practices, offering practical strategies and examples to guide upcoming IBOWM projects.

IBOWM faces several key hurdles that impede its widespread adoption. A major challenge is the existing regulatory framework; many regions continue to use food safety and animal feed regulations that do not address the unique aspects of insect production, creating uncertainty for producers and investors (Broeckx et al., 2021). Limited public awareness and acceptance of insects as a viable food source further constrain market demand. Additionally, scaling up insect farming operations to meet larger market needs requires significant investments in infrastructure, advanced technology, and workforce training, while the inconsistent availability of organic waste as feed adds to production variability and impacts product quality (Fowles and Nansen, 2019; Pazmiño et al., 2023).

To overcome these challenges, several innovative solutions are emerging. Establishing clear, targeted regulatory frameworks is vital; comprehensive guidelines can ensure food safety, improve market confidence, and market incentives can further stimulate industry growth (Badu-Yeboah et al., 2018; Pinotti and Ottoboni, 2021). Public education campaigns are also essential to dispel myths and highlight the environmental and nutritional benefits of insect-based products (Al-Rumaihi et al., 2020; Candian et al., 2023). Additionally, technological advancements, such as implementing automated insect farming systems and enhanced waste processing methods, promise to improve efficiency and scalability. Integrating insect farming with existing agricultural practices may also create beneficial synergies that bolster both waste management and crop production (Al-Otaibi et al., 2022; Azizah et al., 2021). Table 7 provides an overview of the key challenges and the proposed strategies to overcome them.

The United Nations Environment Program’s Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 underscores how inadequate disposal exacerbates climate change, biodiversity loss and public-health risks, challenges most acute in low- and middle-income countries where open dumping and burning remain widespread (UNEP, 2024; Ferronato and Torretta, 2019). This report projects a sharp rise in municipal solid waste and champions a circular-economy shift, turning refuse into resources which dovetails perfectly with insect-driven bioconversion strategies.

In Europe, pilot programs and policy frameworks have pioneered integrated biowaste solutions that combine enhanced source separation, advanced composting and novel valorization pathways. Sharma et al. (2021) document how circular-economy principles boost recovery rates, while the Biocircularities project catalogues 36 exemplary practices, ranging from decentralized collection hubs to high-efficiency digesters that cut landfill dependence and reclaim valuable nutrients (Johari et al., 2021). Concurrently, UNECE analyses highlight that municipalities can leverage recycling, waste-to-energy and bioconversion to transform burgeoning waste streams into economic and environmental assets (Sharma et al., 2021).

Beyond policy, technology and community engagement are catalyzing change. The World Bank warns that without modern systems, waste management will continue to drive greenhouse-gas emissions and economic losses in urban centers worldwide (Islam et al., 2025). Mobile apps and sensor-based sorting tools are already empowering households to reduce and segregate food waste, laying the groundwork for scalable insect-rearing operations (Hong et al., 2023). At the same time, linking IBOWM to the UN Sustainable Development Goals clarifies its contributions to zero hunger, clean water, climate action and sustainable cities (Sharma et al., 2021).

Finally, regional success stories, such as the collaborative waste-reduction initiative on the Mississippi Gulf Coast demonstrate how multi-stakeholder platforms can optimize diversion, recovery and local buy-in (Evans-Cowley and Arroyo-Rodríguez, 2013). These global lessons reinforce the urgency of sustainable waste governance and spotlight insect-based bioconversion as a keystone technology in a truly circular, regenerative bio-economy.

Policies supporting IBOWM are increasingly being designed to integrate insect farming into sustainable food systems and waste management practices. For instance, in the European Union, the Animal Feed Regulation (EU Regulation 2017/1017) has established a framework for the safe incorporation of insect-derived products into animal feed, positioning insects as a sustainable alternative protein source under rigorous food safety standards (Rhoades et al., 2019). Similarly, Thailand has implemented comprehensive guidelines that emphasize rearing insects on organic waste and producing safe insect-based products, thereby reinforcing best practices for sustainable insect farming (Shahrani and Al–Surimi, 2018).

Despite these advances, the industry continues to face significant regulatory challenges. A major issue is the lack of harmonized regulations across regions, which not only creates trade barriers but also complicates market access for insect-based products. Furthermore, many current agricultural and waste management policies fail to address the unique operational needs of insect farms, leading to compliance uncertainties and inefficiencies (Wang et al., 2019). In addition, persistent public misconceptions regarding the safety and nutritional value of insect products further constrain consumer acceptance and market demand (Schmidt et al., 2018). Overcoming these obstacles will require policymakers to develop coherent, harmonized regulations that ensure safety and quality, enhance public trust, and support the growth of the industry. Table 8 provides a summary of these current policies and regulatory challenges, offering a detailed overview of established frameworks, existing issues, and the influential role of public perception in advancing IBOWM.

Promoting the widespread adoption of IBOWM begins with robust support for industrial-scale production and clear regulatory oversight. Governments should fund R&D and pilot facilities to refine rearing conditions, temperature, humidity, and substrate formulations for high-performing species like BSF, while offering grants, soft loans, and tax credits to incentivize private investment in modular, climate-controlled insect farms (Joly and Nikiema, 2019; Shafer et al., 2022). At the same time, policymakers must establish harmonized food- and feed-safety protocols that address hygiene standards, contaminant limits, and potential allergenicity of insect products. Drawing on the EU’s environmental-management regulations can provide a proven template to build consumer trust, streamline market entry, and ensure consistent quality control (Li M. et al., 2023; Papargyropoulou et al., 2014).

Equally essential is demonstrating IBOWM’s economic and environmental viability. Mandating detailed life-cycle and cost–benefit analyses across various production scales and waste substrates will quantify returns on investment and guide policy decisions (Lisboa et al., 2024; Schilke et al., 2018). To lower entry barriers, financial support schemes, such as start-up grants, tax rebates, and public–private financing partnerships should be deployed, showcasing long-term savings from reduced waste disposal and revenue from high-value insect biomass. Finally, requiring comprehensive life-cycle assessments of energy use, greenhouse-gas emissions, and water footprints, alongside incentives for on-site renewable energy (solar, biogas), will minimize environmental impacts and align IBOWM with existing waste-management and agricultural policies to strengthen food security and local economies (Halloran et al., 2016b; Semernya et al., 2017; Smetana, 2023). Table 9 distills five key policy levers essential for driving a sustainable, scalable IBOWM sector.

IBOWM holds great promises for tackling waste management and bolstering food security, but several critical knowledge gaps must be addressed to unlock its full potential. First, harmonized regulatory frameworks are needed to enable the safe, scalable production of insects for food and feed, as regional inconsistencies currently limit market growth (Platonova et al., 2022). Second, detailed life-cycle assessments of different farming systems and organic substrates will be vital for quantifying environmental benefits and economic viability at scale (Schilke et al., 2018). Third, consumer acceptance remains a hurdle, research should probe public perceptions and develop targeted communication strategies that emphasize the nutritional and ecological upsides of insect-based products (Gilbert et al., 2018). Fourth, exploring synergies with agroecology and permaculture could yield innovative models for weaving insect farming into broader sustainable food systems (Wazzan et al., 2021). Fifth, long-term field studies are essential to track IBOWM’s ecological and economic impacts over time and clarify its role in ecosystem resilience (Pope and Mazmanian, 2016). Sixth, to fully realize IBOWM’s resource-recovery potential, rigorous monitoring of heavy-metal concentrations and antibiotic-resistance gene (ARG) profiles is essential, alongside substrate pretreatment or targeted remediation strategies; future research must refine these control measures and assess the long-term environmental impacts of persistent contaminants in insect-bioconversion systems (Liao et al., 2019; Zubair et al., 2023).

Beyond these priorities, optimization of species selection and waste-to-insect conversion ratios demand comparative trials across diverse substrates (Lisboa et al., 2024). To accelerate progress, policymakers should foster consortia linking universities, research centers, and industry, while dedicated training and knowledge-transfer programs can build capacity and disseminate best practices (Joly and Nikiema, 2019). Table 10 distills these gaps into actionable research directions, laying a roadmap for positioning IBOWM as a transformative, sustainable-development tool.