The anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a common process implemented throughout the world as it offers a sustainable source of biogas while valorising municipal waste. Anaerobic digestion also produces digestate, a nutrient-dense mixture that can be used by farmers as a high-quality fertilizer:
Source: Adapted from:
Anaerobic co-digestion is a variant of this process which refers to the mixing, digestion and treatment of two or more organic wastes in conditions of strict absence of oxygen. Among the potential organic wastes to be mixed with the OFMSW, the sewage sludge may be an attractive waste for sustainable management of two separate waste streams produced in large amounts in all countries. Anaerobic co-digestion allows for:
- The recovery of energy from different biomasses
- A higher methane production compared to single-feedstock digestion,
- A more efficient use of equipment,
- Costs reduction,
- A greater balance of nutrients,
- A greater degradation of organic waste.
Product life cycle stages & Modules (EN15978): C3 Waste processing to D Energy recovery
Comments ()