Virtual Booth

RELEAF:FROM CANTEEN FOOD WASTE TO SMART ORGANIC FERTILISER
Su Mei Yen, Wan Nurnylea Ameena Bt Wan Azeean Amin, Alexander Asamod Masantun, Jury Tise

Labuan International School 87000, F.T. Labuan, Malaysia.

Abstract

School canteens generate large amounts of food waste, contributing to environmental pollution,
unpleasant odours, and nutrient loss. ReLeaf is an innovative, eco-friendly project that transforms
this waste into a nutrient-rich, sustainable fertiliser through a collaborative school-based approach.
Selected food scraps; vegetable peels, eggshells, chicken bones and fruit residues; are washed,
boiled to reduce pathogens, sun-dried, and ground into fine powders. These powders are then mixed
with waste rice to produce ReLeaf sheets, carefully formulated to supply six essential nutrients in
one: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sulphur (S), and magnesium (Mg).
The fertiliser is packaged in biodegradable bags with a user-friendly QR code for guidance,
reducing plastic waste and enabling easy application. ReLeaf efficiently utilises canteen food waste,
is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and promotes sustainable agriculture. Plant growth trials over 3–6
months are ongoing, with positive preliminary feedback from school staff. Beyond environmental
benefits, ReLeaf provides students hands-on experience in scientific innovation, teamwork, and
sustainable practices, demonstrating that simple actions can transform waste into a valuable
resource for a greener future.

Keywords: ReLeaf, Organic Fertiliser, Canteen Food Waste, Nutrients, Plant Growth