Presented by Ivan Cooper

The biodegradable organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste, often considered to be food wastes and yard trimmings, can exceed 40% of a waste stream. The organics fraction can also include paper, manure, textiles, rubber, diapers, and carpet. Diversion from landfill disposal can create benefits, including reduced methane emission (reducing greenhouse gases), decreased leachate volumes, and production of compost and renewable energy. There are proven approaches to organics processing, from composting food scraps and leaf and yard wastes to anaerobic digestion treatment. We will discuss regulatory and societal drivers, processing technologies, biogas utilization, facility design, odor control, compost considerations and lessons learned in this overview session. Several case examples will be presented, highlighting these issues.