A user-friendly resource to help policymakers and the organics recycling industry distinguish between two commonly confused pathways to food waste recycling and soil health was released by the US Composting Council today in time for upcoming legislative sessions.听“Its important for people to understand that composting and anaerobic digestion are two completely different approaches food waste recycling unless the digestate from A/D is composted,” said Frank Franciosi, executive director of USCC. “This white paper provides easily understandable descriptions of compost and digestate to help people understand the implications of choosing either technology.”
Policymakers and advocates are often confused by the outputs of the two systems and resources for a layperson’s understanding of them has been a growing request of USCC as recycling of inedible food waste becomes an increasing priority nationwide. The paper lays out such things as:听
- The different regulatory definitions of the two products
- Discussion of climate implications and emissions
- Insight into soil health and nutrient cycling characteristics