Anaerobic digestion is an industrial-scale method, and it is what Torus uses through our partner Trenton Renewables. Microorganisms break down food waste in oxygen-free tanks, producing biogas that can be captured for energy.
How it works
Food waste is fed into sealed digesters where microbes convert it into biogas and a nutrient-rich digestate. The EPA notes that capturing this biogas allows it to be used as renewable energy instead of escaping as methane.
Pros and cons
It processes large volumes, accepts more food types than backyard piles, and generates energy, but it requires industrial infrastructure. We explain the full journey in where your food scraps go after pickup.