Digestate Quality Originating from Kitchen Waste

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of biomass directed to anaerobic digestion on the quality of digestate, specifically focusing on the presence of undesirable substances, such as plastics, including biodegradable ones. It analyses the susceptibility of selected bioplastics to degradation and addresses the problem of reliable identification of microplastics in both feedstock—directed to anaerobic digestion—and produced digestate. The review indicates the advantages of using kitchen waste as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion. The constant availability of kitchen waste as a raw material, its homogeneous composition, and the fact that it is not subjected to seasonal fluctuations, facilitates its management in the anaerobic digestion process. However, to ensure the desired quality of a digestate, it is important to carry the selective collection of waste at the source. The review refers to the issues of quality, materials, and regulations, and it may be useful for readers entering the subject of a material loop, as well as those already involved in the subject, including local government units. Anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste is an important part of a renewable economy, providing year-round constantly available substrate for energy production that is not seasonally dependent.