Recently food waste was systematically collected from four elementary schools and two kindergartens across different seasons. After homogenization, the waste underwent 40-day Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) tests to measure its biogas yield.
The analysis covered not only biogas composition and output, but also the digestate’s fertilizing potential, including its carbon and nitrogen content, and levels of metals, ash, and residual carbon.
Key insights so far
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High methane yields: School canteen food waste proves to be a strong candidate for anaerobic digestion.
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Seasonal differences: Subtle variations in waste composition highlight the importance of considering annual dynamics.
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Dual benefit: Beyond renewable energy, the process produces nutrient-rich by-products with potential use in agriculture.
The bottom line: What students leave on their plates could one day help power communities and fertilize fields — a win-win for sustainable resource use.