Smart Food Waste Recycling Bin (S-FRB) to turn food waste into green energy resources

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2019-03, Vol.234, p.290-296
• Main Authors: Yeo, Joonho, Oh, Jeong-ik, Cheung, Hedwig H.L., Lee, Patrick K.H., An, Alicia Kyoungjin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biochip; On-site food waste treatment; Resource circulation; Smart Food Waste Recycling Bin
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.12.088

Effective treatment of food waste is inherently difficult due to several factors, including its heterogeneous composition, high moisture content, and low heating value. To address these issues, this study aims to convert food waste into an energy resource using naturally occurring fermentative microorganisms embedded in wooden biochips (bio-catalysis), utilizing a “Smart Food Waste Recycling Bin” (S-FRB) system. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis identified the major aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria with alpha-diversity in terms of the Phylogenetic Diversity index ranging from 40.8 (initial stage) to 24.5 (mature stage), which indicates the microbial communities are relatively homogeneous and effective for use in the S-FBR. Operational results indicated that the organic content of food waste traded in the system increased from 53% up to 72% in the final end-product and achieved a mass reduction rate of approximately 80%. The heating value of the end-product, which was 3300 kcal/kg waste when measured by the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) method, confirmed its high potential as a biofuel. Overall, the S-FRB system presents a practical approach for food waste treatment that solves the putrescible waste problem and maximizes utility through resource circulation. [Display omitted] •Stability of S-FRB suggests the on-site waste treatment could be practical in Hong Kong.•S-FRB system performed sufficient biodegradation procedure with the assistance of microbial activity.•Calorific value of the end product proves the applicability of food waste conversion to energy resources.•The species and abundance of microbial population are integral to the effectiveness of S-FRB processes.