Events

 

Webcast 29 April 2014

be wastewise video clipOnline beWasteWise FWD debate

International experts discussed the global practical considerations of using FWD for household food waste.

Watch the webcast recording.

 

 

 

 

 

Roundtable 15 October 2013

010-AMDEA-RoyalSoc-15Oct13The Role of Food Waste Disposers in Waste Management Policy & Practice
the Royal Society, London SW1

International experts presented data and evidence from recent work with FWDs in their respective countries.

View or download their presentations:

 

 

adobe pdf iconItaly – Experimental & real studies for small & large communities

Paolo Battistoni, Marche University

adobe pdf iconDenmark - 16 years on from the landfill ban

Per Henrik Nielsen, VCS Denmark

adobe pdf iconThe prospects for Sweden, examining the evidence

Jonathan Mattsson, Lulea University

adobe pdf iconThe Surahammar experience

Per Andersson, Surahammars KommunalTeknik AB

adobe pdf icon

Research on wastewater treatment in the USA

Michael Keleman, InSinkErator, USA

 

Each presentation was followed by Q & As and moderated discussion. While the proceedings were held under the Chatham House Rule, key outputs and observations included:

  • A variety of country-specific motives for examining the FWD option included reduction of landfill, a desire to increase biogas production for heat, electricity and fuel, ease of capture of uncontaminated food waste and high costs of food waste collection and transport to treatment.
  • There was no evidence of FWDs causing or increasing sewer blockages and the majority of other common concerns proved unsubstantiated. FWDs were not found to contribute to FOG, H2S or vermin and there was negligible change in water use.
  • Ground egg shell was noted in the Lulea cctv images, but had not proved a blockage issue in Surahammar or Smedjebacken. It was suggested that egg shells are visually identifiable but not especially significant particulates. The inspections took place at low flow and it is likely that successive higher flows transport the particles along the sewer.
  • Municipal trials in the United States had noted a 33% reduction in residual waste. It is hoped that the UK Local Government Association FWD Trials may provide further insights into consumer behaviour with regard to waste reduction.
  • Denmark and Italy demonstrated a keen interest in enhanced nitrogen and phosphate removal because of the additional carbon and the speakers suggested that new WwTP technology should seek to address this even more effectively.

For further information, or to be included in future discussions please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.