Food waste is the second largest portion of garbage going into landfills in the United States, accounting for over 30 million tons each year. Food Scraps are one of the most important materials to divert from landfills as they decompose to create methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to climate change. In order to decrease food waste and mitigate global warming, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is pioneering an innovative method of taking food scraps from restaurants and commercial food processors and using them as a valuable commodity to produce green renewable energy through anaerobic digestion, with the remains going to compost.
Credit: EPA