Despite the amount of effort put into limiting food waste, no system will ever be perfect. Some amount of food will always be wasted, no matter how small this amount may be. The purpose of this page is to provide insight into how wasted food can be utilized.

Composting

Composting is a process that turns food waste into rich fertilizer. There are over 80 items that can be composted, including stale chips, crumbs, old cereal, fruits, vegetables, and cooked pasta. Like anaerobic digestion, this process relies of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.

Compost garden

Compost garden

The steps of this process are as follows:

  1. Choose a location in partial shade with good air circulation.
  2. Make your compost pile about 3′ X 3′ X 3′.
  3. Turn and water the pile when necessary.
  4. Monitor the size and temperature of the pile.
  5. Strategically add materials (“How to Compost/Composting 101”).

More details  about composting and compost starter-kits can be easily found online.

 

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a process that allows energy to be generated from organic waste.

Anaerobic Digesters

Anaerobic Digesters

The steps of this process are as follows:

  1. Microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen.
  2. The decomposed material is converted to organic acids.
  3. The product made is biogas, a gas consisting of 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide.
  4. Biogas can either be combusted to generate electricity/heat or processed into renewable natural gas/transportation fuels.
  5. Leftover solids and liquids undergo de-watering to produce bedding, compost, and fertilizer (“What is Anaerobic Digestion?”).
Stages_of_anaerobic_digestion

Steps of Anaerobic Digestion

 

References

“How to Compost/Composting 101.” Planet Natural RSS. Planet Natural, 2004. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.

“What is Anaerobic Digestion?” Americanbiogascouncil.org. American Biogas Council. Web. 3 Nov. 2014.