April 18, 2024
But as a business, have you ever wondered what happens to your food waste once it has been collected? The most common option for disposing of food waste is a process called anaerobic digestion.
What is anaerobic digestion?
Anaerobic digestion is the process of microorganisms breaking down biodegradable materials, such as food waste, in the absence of oxygen. Through the process of anaerobic digestion, certain types of crops and organic waste can produce bioenergy. During anaerobic digestion, a mixture of 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide is produced, known as biogas. Biogas can be used to provide heat, power, and transportation fuel. If this biogas is purified to remove the carbon dioxide, it will produce biomethane. Biomethane can be transferred directly into the natural gas grid or used as fuel for some vehicles.
What are some of the benefits of using anaerobic digestion?
- Consistent Supply: One of the biggest benefits of anaerobic digestion is that this process will create a constant supply of power. As there will always be a supply of food waste, anaerobic digestion will forever be able to create a steady source of renewable power.
- Renewable energy: As this process does not rely on using natural resources to create energy, it has a huge impact on preserving our world’s natural resources.
- Usable By-Products: One of the by-products of anaerobic digestion is digestate, which can be used as fertiliser or in compost. This is a great source of non-chemical fertilisers that can be used on farms to grow more crops. This essentially creates a full circle, as the crops they grow will eventually end up back in the anaerobic digestion process.
- Reduced Methane Emissions: Methane is estimated to be around 25 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. During the process of anaerobic digestion, methane and carbon dioxide are captured and used to create energy and heat. This helps reduce the volume of these harmful gases being released into the atmosphere.
- Water Purification: Anaerobic digestion can be used to treat the waste water in food products, which can then be repurposed for irrigation or industrial use.
With a wide range of benefits, anaerobic digestion is an innovative process that has a positive effect on the environment and the production of renewable energy. Anaerobic digestion allows us to embrace green practices by unlocking the potential of our planet’s organic waste streams. Here at Better Waste Solutions, we support our clients on their journey to effective waste management practices. Join us in our mission to create a better future for our world through the various recycling options we have available and through the amazing process of anaerobic digestion!
Are you a business in Wales? Read about the 2024 changes to waste management regulations in Wales, including changes on disposing of food waste:
In light of the upcoming changes in Welsh waste management regulations set to be enforced from 6th April 2024, we want to ensure you are well-informed and prepared for the shifts that lie ahead. This article aims to guide you through the impending alterations, providing valuable insights and actions needed to comply with the new …
Continue reading Navigating the Changes: Welsh Waste Management Regulations 2024