Integrated anaerobic codigestion system for the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge treatment: an Italian case study

Background: The production of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is growing continuously and is often directed to composting, an energy-consuming approach. This study evaluates the advantages of an integrated treatment of waste and wastewater with the application of anaerobic codigestion technology. Results: The anaerobic codigestion process was monitored for 24 months in a full-scale plant with a 2000 m3 digester. Steady-state conditions were reached with an average biogas production of 1629 m3 day−1 and a specific gas production of 0.51 m3 kgVS−1 in mesophilic temperature range (37 °C). Electric energy coverage was equal to 49%, with a specific revenue calculated equal to 81.7 €/tOFMSW. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that this technology is convenient from environmental, territorial and economic points of view. The territorial approach of organic waste treatment can be directed into more energy or matter recovery. In both cases this process is applicable and can allow waste valorization through energy production without costly investments. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.