<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We investigated <SMALL>L</SMALL>-lactic acid production in static batch fermentation of kitchen refuse using a bacterial consortium from marine-animal-resource (MAR) composts at temperatures ranging from 30 to 65°C. At relatively low temperatures butyric acid accumulated, whereas at higher temperatures <SMALL>L</SMALL>-lactic acid was produced. In particular, fermentation at 50°C produced 34.5gL<SUP>−1</SUP> <SMALL>L</SMALL>-lactic acid with 90% lactic acid selectivity and 100% optical purity. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis indicated that dominant bacteria present in the original MAR composts diminished rapidly and <I>Bacillus coagulans</I> strains became the dominant contributors to <SMALL>L</SMALL>-lactic acid production at 45, 50 and 55°C. This is the first report of the achievement of 100% optical purity of <SMALL>L</SMALL>-lactic acid using a bacterial consortium.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> We achieved selective <SMALL>L</SMALL>-lactic acid fermentation using MAR composts. </LI> <LI> The results of this study suggest the new academic concept of meta-fermentation. </LI> <LI> <I>Bacillus coagulans</I> was the main producer of <SMALL>L</SMALL>-lactic acid in meta-fermentation. </LI> </UL> </P>