Virtual Booth

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