Composting and Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste and Sewage Sludge for Campus Sustainability: A Review

Abstract

Composting and anaerobic digestion have emerged as better options for managing food waste and sewage sludge at the campus level. This review highlights the characteristics of food waste and sewage sludge from various global higher education institutions. The composting and anaerobic digestion processes of food waste and sewage sludge will be reviewed and evaluated. Also, the adoption of composting and anaerobic digestion at various campus levels has been reviewed. The challenges and future direction, focusing on managing university campus composting and anaerobic digestion, are discussed as well. This review paper will significantly contribute to the understanding of the potential for managing and handling campus waste in a natural-friendly manner.

Sustainability and economic potential of solid waste generated in Tanzania's largest university campus

“…Secondly, it is recommended to overcome the challenges that may hinder the implementation of these practices at the campus level. Some of these challenges include a lack of awareness, funding, infrastructure, and markets (Yaser et al., 2022). However, successful examples from other universities like the University of Venda in South Africa, the University of California, Davis in the United States, and the University of Science and Technology Beijing in China demonstrate the potential benefits of composting and anaerobic digestion for campus sustainability (Owojori et al., 2020; Yaser et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2020).…”

“…Some of these challenges include a lack of awareness, funding, infrastructure, and markets (Yaser et al., 2022). However, successful examples from other universities like the University of Venda in South Africa, the University of California, Davis in the United States, and the University of Science and Technology Beijing in China demonstrate the potential benefits of composting and anaerobic digestion for campus sustainability (Owojori et al., 2020; Yaser et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2020). Therefore, UDOM should consider adopting these methods to enhance its environmental performance and social responsibility.…”

“…However, it may require changing waste management strategies involving more private sector partnerships, with challenges such as transportation costs, quality standards, and market fluctuations (Alshuwaikhat & Abubakar, 2008; Ebrahimi & North, 2017). Composting can reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, improve soil quality, enhance plant growth, and sequester carbon (Ayranpınar et al., 2022; Taiwo, 2011; Yaser et al., 2022). Biogas production can produce renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create job opportunities (Surendra et al., 2014), but it may require high initial investment, technical expertise, and maintenance to operate and maintain a biogas plant (Khan & Martin, 2016).…”

Influences of pH control in the organic liquid fertilizer production using MASARO technology

“…Most of the valuable waste is recycled. For organic waste, some are processed by composting [6], some process it using maggot technology [7,8], and some convert it into liquid fertilizer. Plastic film waste can be processed by pyrolysis.…”

Membrane Contamination Control in the Intermittent Aeration Mode of Operation of the C-MBR Process for Campus Wastewater Reuse

“…Bath, laundry, and kitchen wastewater is called grey water (GW) [4]. Schoolyard domestic sewage has a high flow rate and contains a variety of organic substances and microorganisms, including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates [5]. These organic substances decompose easily and produce bad odors, and they also lead to the eutrophication of water bodies, triggering excessive algal blooms and increased oxygen consumption, affecting the surrounding ecological environment.…”