Composting and Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a process in which biodegradable waste is decomposed in the absence of oxygen in a sealed environment over a period of 25-30 days (rather than 20+ years if in landfill). This prevents methane (24 times more polluting than CO2) from escaping into the atmosphere. AD produces:
- Biogas (mainly methane plus CO2);
- A digestate which can be liquid or solid. This can be used as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.
There are many benefits to biogas and biomethane production including:
- Reduction of organic waste entering landfill
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 75-200% compared to fossil fuels
- Prevention of methane emissions
- Reduction of waste transportation, when the AD plant is located near the site of waste production
- Stops effluent (e.g. from intensive rearing units) from entering water courses - helping to meet the Water Framework Directive.
Biogas
Our composting and AD services
Cambridge Eco Ltd can provide specialist technical advice on composting in the following ways:
* Design of horticultural and field trials
* Feasibility and case studies
* Compost standards, PAS100 certification and quality protocols
* Compost and AD digestate utilisation and application
* Knowledge of current legislation regarding compost and AD digestate application to agriculture
Specialist areas:
* In depth knowledge of composting of a wide variety of organic wastes
* Assessing the effects of compost on agricultural land, including crop production, soil carbon, organic matter and nutrient cycling
* Using compost as a peat substitute for horticultural crops
* Utilisation of composts to suppress soil-borne pathogens
Click here for useful composting and anaerobic digestion links.