On Jan. 22, the Muscatine Organics Recycling Center started using its new machine, the Scott Equipment T42 Turbo Separator, to separate food waste from plastic packaging to boost the amount of methane generated during recycling. The food waste is trucked to the Muscatine Water and Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) where an anaerobic digesting process turns it into natural fertilizer and renewable natural gas. The fuel generated is burned in WRRF’s boilers, but supply exceeds the plant’s demand. The hope is to sell that extra gas by converting it into renewable natural gas, which would earn the city money and renewable energy credit. The recycling center also would earn money from tipping fees when organic waste is brought in. More >>
