WHat is ANAEROBIC digestion?

Anaerobic Digestion “AD” is a natural, biological process that breaks down organic matter without oxygen. The bi-products of the process are biogas and nutrient-rich compost. The biogas can be converted into high-quality Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), a clean, renewable base load supply of energy. This provides communities and businesses with a green and local supply of gas to enhance system flexibility and meet growing energy needs, all without building new pipelines. This is timely, as many large and influential businesses are transitioning to 100% renewables.

Safe & proven technology

Anaerobic Digestion is a proven technology widely used to manage organic waste and to produce energy. There are over 10,000 digesters in Europe. In the US, there are nearly 300 community and farm systems operating with many more in various stages of development.

Anaerobic Digestion Benefits

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the anaerobic digestion of food waste has many benefits, including:

• Diversion – Cities are looking for opportunities to divert materials from landfills. AD facilities can divert large amounts of food waste, one of the largest waste streams still going to landfills.

• Climate Change – Food waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Diverting food waste from landfills to anaerobic digestion facilities allows for the capture of biogas, which can be used as a green energy source. In addition to decreased methane emissions at landfills, there are greenhouse gas emissions reductions due to the energy offsets provided by using an on-site, renewable source of energy.

• Economic – AD facilities can expect to see cost savings from incorporating food waste; including reduced energy costs due to production of on-site power and tipping fee for accepting the food waste.