Waste360 recently reported on an innovative Massachusetts anaerobic digestion (AD) plant that is expanding its capacity for accepting food waste. The expanded facility at Crapo Hill Landfill in New Bedford will begin accepting loose and packaged food for processing, providing an additional outlet for businesses and institutions in the region subject to the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban.

The AD plant developed by Massachusetts-based CommonWealth Resource Management Corporation currently produces biogas from food waste, oil, and grease. Biogas produced by the digester is mixed with landfill gas to generate electricity at the adjacent waste-to-energy plant, owned and operated by Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.

After a successful trial period, the AD facility is entering its second phase of expansion which will increase the digester capacity from 5,000 gallons to 30,000 gallons. Biogas production from this additional capacity will support a 25 percent increase in waste to energy generation. A Recycling Business Development Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is providing funding to support the installation of a new depackaging system at the facility, making it easier for businesses to divert packaged food materials from disposal.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts provides technical assistance to Massachusetts businesses and institutions with food waste reduction and recovery. The RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts Find-A-Recycler tool allows food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to locate recyclers, organics service providers, and depackaging facilities in the region. To speak to a recycling and food recovery expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.