Publication Summary

Organic Waste to Resources Research and Pilot Project Report. Biomass energy, or bioenergy, is not a new source of energy. Organic matter, like wood, has been burned to generate heat ever since humans learned how to make fire. Today, new technologies allow us to harness the energy in animal and plant biomass to generate electricity and fuel vehicles. When the biomass resources, such as wood, are grown and harvested sustainably, the energy derived from them is considered renewable. Typically biomass energy production is divided into the categories of biopower (for electricity generation) and biofuels (for petroleum substitutes).

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.