Turning food waste into energy

North Missourian
Published Online May 16, 2012 - 04:12 PM

America is not only a land of big waistlines, but also of big waste when it comes to food.
In the future, those table scraps could help power homes and businesses.

University of Missouri researchers want to get more from those leftovers through by a ""recipe"" for harvesting methane.

"Food waste, animal manures or anything highly degradable should not really be going into a landfill," said David Brune, a professor of bioprocessing and bioenergy engineering with the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and MU Extension. "By digesting it, we’re recovering energy and are also using the nutrients in a more controlled and efficient way to prevent water pollution or groundwater pollution."

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