NSW EPA looks at the emissions impacts of food waste recovery technologies to help businesses, councils and communities unpack FOGO processes available.
Protein farming, using insect larvae to convert food waste into stockfeed, could significantly reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, according to research by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA).
The research, which compared landfilling to the emissions profiles of four options for managing household food organic and garden organic (FOGO) waste, found protein farming could result in minus 2520 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for every tonne of food waste, if the harvested protein is used as a substitute for other protein sources.
Modelling shows that recovering biogas energy from off-site anaerobic digestion systems can also result in a net reduction in emissions, while food waste to landfill generates the most emissions compared to other management options considered.
Emissions from collection and transport of food waste off-site are a minor component of net emissions, according to the findings.
Amanda Kane, Organics Manager NSW EPA, says the research highlights the important contribution the organics industry plays in helping Australia reach its emissions target.
In September 2022 the Commonwealth Government’s Climate Change Bills were passed, locking in a national emissions reduction target of 43 per cent and net zero emissions by 2050.Increasing Australia’s organic waste recycling rate from 49 per cent to 80 per cent by 2030 is also a key target of the National Waste Policy. In New South Wales, the government is requiring food and garden collection for all households and select businesses by 2030 and that large food waste generating businesses to source separate food waste by 2025.
“While greenhouse gas emissions are just one of many factors in choosing a suitable food waste management option, the research can help councils, businesses and communities quantify the benefits of processes available,” Amanda says.
The research also looked at the emissions profile of composting, dehydration and bio-dehydration.
It is part of a multi-pronged approach, including grants programs and resources, that the NSW EPA is delivering to ensure relevant information is available as the state edges closer to the mandate deadlines.
The latest stream of funding, a total pool of $46 million for Go FOGO grants, aims to support NSW councils deliver new weekly food only (FO) or FOGO services to their communities.
Two grant rounds are planned each year for four years, with the successful recipients of round one expected to be announced in early 2023.
The Go FOGO grants build on the funding provided under the Waste Less Recycle More Organics Collections grants program running since 2013.
With some elements of the program wrapping up in June 2022, NSW EPA has developed a one-stop resource for end-use customers of compost called Cool Compost. Cool Compost brings together in one place the expertise of grant recipients under the market development program, to share everything learned by them across five target markets – graziers, vegetable growers, councils, landscapers/urban planners, and government agencies.
Amanda describes Cool Compost as a living resource that will continue to be built upon.
“Industry perspectives, videos and podcasts showcasing the benefits of compost are now live on the NSW Circular Ag platform,” she says.
“It’s really useful in terms of sharing with customers information that’s been supported by the regulator and is delivered in an accessible, positive format.”
With a focus on accessible information, NSW EPA also delivered a series of masterclasses throughout October and November, featuring Australian and international speakers sharing their experiences on delivering FOGO.
Recordings of all sessions are available on the EPA website.
“It was a highly successful series and highlights the appetite for relevant, reliable information,” Amanda says.
“Food and garden waste continue to be the largest waste stream going into the red lid bin and landfill. There’s a whole range of elements to consider within the organics space and not a great deal of awareness about them.
“NSW EPA has done a huge amount of work to address this by pulling together a range of information and resources.”
For more information, visit: www.epa.nsw.gov.au
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