Resources from biowaste: an integrated model

The model focuses on the introduction of an integrated system of anaerobic digestion and composting, which in some areas is restricted to a community composting. Indeed, the peculiarity of the model is the evaluation of the context where it is inserted. For this reason, the model takes into consideration several parameters such as the topography of the area, the road network, the number of inhabitants, the yet available garbage collection systems, the potential presence of operative waste treatment plants. The model also highlights the importance of identifying corporate forms that encourage citizen involvement in the sharing of the economic benefits deriving from the supply chain. The study also examines not only the production of methane and electricity but also the different byproducts that could result from the processes of anaerobic digestion and composting. Among these, particular interest is related to the recovery of C02, which is currently a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, making up almost half of the produced biogas. In particular, the potential application of C02 for different industries ranging from producers of chemicals or specialized fuels has been considered, together with its use for carbon fertilization in greenhouses or fertilizing algal cultivations. Moreover, the recovery of digestate has been addressed, analysing its potential either through its direct application in agricultural lands, or its valorisation after the innovative process of pyrolysis, or the extraction of interesting polymers or finally their mixing with other by-products for the production of nursery crops of interest.