On-site digesters that decompose various types of food waste to liquid effluent for disposal to sewers have been recognized as a potentially viable solution for on-site diversion of food waste from landfills. In addition to diverting large amounts of organic waste from landfills, on-site bio-digesters minimize logistical effort needed to handle and dispose of food waste.

Since 2019, the University of Delaware has been partnering with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority to evaluate a small BioHiTech digester. This technology has the potential to be a great avenue for food waste disposal, and it was the goal of pilot research to assess this possibility by learning more about the digesters themselves as well as the perception and implications of large-scale implementation of these digesters. With a small-scale digester (BioHiTech Seed model digester) installed at the UD, we were able to run series of tests to determine the extent of degradation of food waste in the digester and the chemical concentration of solids, organics, and nutrients in the effluent from the digester for food waste feedstocks of varying composition.  The research proved to have a positive impact and had no ill effects on the wastewater treatment or sewer system.

DSWA has partnered with Keep DE Beautiful to help enable a wide range of large food waste producers the opportunity to use a BioHiTech digester in their facility to help reduce the amount of food waste ending up in the landfill.  Grantees must be willing to share their results at 6 months and one year after implementation. Additionally, they must agree to pay for the ongoing maintenance of the equipment. Should you be selected if you choose to remove the digester for any reason you are required to offer it back to KDB.