While green barreling and composting is limited to voluntary participation of residents, “the next big thing” in Mesa waste diversion could be anaerobic composting on a large scale. Mesa is finalizing a feasibility study to evaluate introducing commercial food waste into one of the city’s wastewater treatment plants to create a source of renewable natural gas. Intriguingly, the fuel could then be used on the city’s gas-powered garbage collection fleet, which would pick up more garbage and continue the cycle. The project would utilize the anaerobic digesters – large domes near Sloan Park in northwest Mesa – that break down sewage sludge and create renewable natural gas. More >>
