Lecture 4 - Organic Waste Treatment

2. Pathways of Organic Waste

Organic Waste can be collected together with another fraction like residual waste or segregated at source and then treated seperately. Look at the Graphic below to find out more about the pathways organic waste can take around the world and which of these are more preferable.

Organic waste - Disposal Pathways of Organic Waste (CC BY)

In conclusion it can be said that there are many different pathways organic waste can be disposed of. While some of them should definetely be avoided (such as open dumping) others might be feasible options if a seperation at source is not taking place (e. g. incineration, MBT) or if a treatment option low in cost and transportation distance is looked for (e. g. animal feed and land spread). The final goal should be to treat organic waste in either an aerobic or anerobic treatment process to make use of the energy and use as a fertilizer.

Of course measurements should also be put in place to avoid food waste (such as suitable storage, sufficient logistics and especially in high-income countries sufficiency and less pressure to accomodate to customer wishes).

Plants are extremly important to regulate the climate and water management in living areas as they cool down cities, have recreational value for the inhabitants and prevent flooding by containg water in place; which also is valuable in dry areas as the water does not simply run-off. Thus keeping fertile lands in and outside of cities is essential. Without nutrients and humus recirculation this is not possible.

For this reason, let's take a closer look at aerobic and anerobic waste treatment.