Novel Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer from Food Waste Digestate

The proposed technology transforms anaerobic digestion digestate into pelletized enhanced-efficiency fertilizers by developing a scalable process that can be adapted to a wide-range of organic materials. This approach also innovatively addresses the challenge of digestate management, converting it into valuable products for the agricultural sector. The utilization of AD byproducts for fertilizer production represents a novel way to enhance nutrient recovery and promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce waste. This document outlines the technical objectives of Phase I, which will characterize FWD, determine target nutrient compositions, and develop the necessary processing steps for converting FWD into nutrient balanced EEFs. The proposal builds upon GreenTechnologies' existing expertise in producing EEFs and adapts the company’s technologies to process digestate. This technology aims to outperform current digestate disposal methods, such as landfilling, incineration, and composting. These EEFs can be transported easily, have controlled nutrient release, and can be tailored to meet the nutrient requirements of different crops. By converting digestate into EEFs, the technology offers a more sustainable and economically viable alternative compared to conventional disposal methods. The commercial potential of the proposed technology is significant. GreenTechnologies already produces USDA Certified Biobased EEFs, marketed under the brand name GreenEdge®, using biosolids. By extending the company’s expertise to process FWD, the company will diversify its feedstock and production, reaching a broader market. End users include farmers, commercial fertilizer blenders, and distributors. The EEFs can be sold directly to customers or in bulk to distributors, catering to different customer needs. The technology has substantial potential for positive environmental impact. By converting digestate into EEFs, the approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfilling, incineration, and composting. It promotes soil health through balanced nutrient content and reduced nutrient runoff while lowering the risk of ammonia volatilization, thus mitigating air and water pollution. The technology supports water conservation by reducing runoff and leaching and contributes to a circular economy by repurposing waste into valuable products. Overall, the technology aligns with environmental goals and practices, offering a sustainable solution to waste management and fertilizer production. The proposed technology is innovative in its approach to transforming AD digestate into EEFs. FWD sourced EEFs outperform current disposal methods, have strong commercial potential, and promise significant positive environmental impacts. Acronyms: GT: GreenTechnologies, LLC; EEF: Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer; AD: Anaerobic Digestion; FWD: Food Waste Digestate; RNG: Renewable Natural Gas