Publication Summary

Organic Waste to Resources Research and Pilot Project Report. The objective of this research was to investigate the potential of producing ethanol from municipal waste in Washington State. The approach to the research was to divide the municipal waste into three primary streams and then investigate the potential of converting each into ethanol. This division was made to provide a more fundamental understanding of the issues associated with conversion for each of the major streams. The three primary streams were mixed waste paper, yard waste, and municipal solid waste . For each stream, an experimental study was done to investigate conversion of the biomass into ethanol using bioconversion processes. This experimental work was then accompanied by a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to determine the overall environmental impact of the proposed processes. ASPEN models of biorefineries were developed to provide process data for the LCA.

The Washington State Department of Ecology provided funding for this project through the Beyond Waste Organics Waste to Resources (OWR) project. These funds were provided in the 2007-2009 Washington State budget from the Waste Reduction Recycling and Litter Control Account. OWR project goals and objectives were developed by the Beyond Waste Organics team, and were approved by the Solid Waste and Financial Assistance Program. Funding was from the Waste Reduction Recycling and Litter Control Account. OWR project goals and objectives were developed by the Beyond Waste Organics team, and were approved by the Solid Waste and Financial Assistance Program.