Anaerobic Digestion Poised For Growth With Impending Mass. Food Waste Ban

When you think of renewable energy sources, what comes to mind?  For most people, it's solar or wind energy - but are these really our best options?  Factors such as clouds and calm days can affect each's ability to harness that energy.

There's a growing movement throughout the U.S. pushing for businesses and communities to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible.  One method that is gaining popularity is organic waste management through landfill diversion.

The EPA found that as much as 20-25 percent of all waste thrown away is food waste, which significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

However, Massachusetts made a significant move to address these issues.  Governor Patrick along with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have proposed a ban that would prohibit businesses that generate in excess of one ton of organic waste per week from continuing to discard that waste into landfills.  Scheduled to take effect July 2014, the ban would force companies to seek alternative disposal outlets that include composting and anaerobic digestion among others.  These landmark regulations primarily affect supermarkets, colleges & universities, large restaurants, hotels and hospitals.

Some businesses are already diverting their organics from landfills, but for many this impending ban is causing some to panic and raising questions like:

1. What do we do with the organics?
2. How long will the waste remain on site and will it attract rodents and pests?
3. Who hauls this waste and where does it go?
4. What will this cost?

Changing behavior patterns can be a challenging and intimidating task.  It's important that companies not only consider these questions, but also evaluate their waste stream to better understand their needs.  Check out Garb-el's organic waste solution to see how your organization can better manage organic waste, and let us know how your company is addressing the issue!

American River Packaging Anaerobic Digester Project

Garb-el Products Company is excited to announce its participation in the nation's first commercial high-solid organic waste conversion facility located at American River Packaging's (ARP) Sacramento, CA headquarters.

The Clean World Organic Waste Recycling Center is based on anaerobic digestion technology developed by UC Davis professor Ruihong Zhang with support and research provided by the California Energy Commission, CalRecycle along with private financial support.  This technology converts food waste, agricultural residue and other organic waste into renewable energy, fertilizer and soil enhancements.  As part of this project, Clean World Partners (CWP) sought to find a field proven, energy efficient and economical pre-processing grinder to break down the feedstock before introducing it into the digester tanks.

CWP researched several companies prior to contacting Garb-el with varying degrees of succcess.  The primary stubling block to locating the right technology seemed to be finding a piece of equipment capable of efficiently handling not only the food waste, but also the unrecyclable corrugated waste from ARP.

"After speaking with CWP about the specific details of the project with respect to feedstock volume, expected throughput and desired particulate to water ratio, we were able to design a complete front-end pre-processing system capable of handling both the food and cardboard waste," said James M. Carbone Jr., President, Garb-el Products Company. 

The anaerobic digestion system at ARP will convert 7.5 tons per day of food waste and a half ton each day of unrecyclable corrugated cardboard material into renewable natural gas.  The system will generate 1,300 kWh of renewable energy per day, meeting approximately 37 percent of ARP’s electricity needs and diverting an estimated 2,900 tons of waste from entering landfills each year.

“CWP has taken a progressive and innovative approach to the anaerobic digestion model, and we were proud to partner with them on this exciting project,” said Carbone.

Albany Renewable Energy Project

(Garb-el technicians test system after installation)

On February 14, 2012, Garb-el Products Company announced its participation in an innovative renewable energy pilot project launched by Spectrum BioEnergy and in partnership with the Albany County Sewer District with financial support from the New York State Research and Development Authority.  In an effort to divert organic waste from landfills, the project aimed to utilize Garb-el’s Organic Waste Grinder (OWG) to preprocess the feedstock and create a completely closed loop and energy-efficient system for transforming organic waste material into energy.

The project members  “...joined hands after seeing the gap in anaerobic digestion solutions among wastewater treatment plants and food processing entities in the state,” according to Richard J. Lyons, executive director for the Albany County Sewer District.

The sludge from Albany County South Wastewater Treatment Plant and food waste from the neighboring City of Watervliet and Bimbo Bakeries USA are ground into a fine slurry with the Garb-el OWG before being fed into the anaerobic digester.

“Spectrum searched for a high quality, economical grinder, and were pleased to discover Garb-el’s OWG,” said Spectrum President, Ramu Ravipati.  “Since installing the Garb-el grinder, we’ve been very pleased and have realized increased feeding efficiency of our waste streams.”

The Garb-el OWG machines grind and process various organic feedstocks by either dumping or conveying the waste into the stainless steel chute and feed hopper.  The waste is then auger fed into the hammermill where it is pulverized and reduced in size to pass through the steel filter screen.  Garb-el’s equipment is utilized in industries including anaerobic digestion, composting, biofuels, wastewater treatment of biosolids and sludge, vermi-composting, commercial waste and agriculture. Customers incorporate this equipment in projects ranging in processing size from 2 tons per day to more than 150 tons per day. 

“Continued investment in clean and renewable energy technologies plays a pivotal role in a balanced approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing climate change,” said James M. Carbone Jr., President of Garb-el. “Spectrum BioEnergy should be lauded for their innovative approach to the anaerobic digestion model, and we’re proud to partner with them on this exciting project.”