Sustainable carbon neutral organic waste streams
What is carbon neutral organic waste ?
As businesses grapple with the dual challenges of net zero directives and increasing waste generation, the need for sustainable carbon-neutral organic waste stream management has never been more pressing. This approach not only aims to minimize the environmental impact of waste but also seeks to balance the carbon emissions associated with waste management processes for a greener future.
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Carbon neutral organic waste equipment
SMG Industries
For most requirements.
Mechanical processes, either compacting or non-compacting, that use sieve screens to effectively remove solids from liquid products, creating distinct solid and liquid components.
Different applications require specific pumps based on type, size, capacity, and materials, ranging from water transfer to handling viscous, abrasive slurries. Two main pumping principles are centrifugal and positive displacement.
Many industrial applications require solid or congealed matter in slurries to be reduced or blended for processing and enhancement, typically using specialized devices like chopper, macerating, and effluent pumps.
A diverse range of screw augers transports various dry, loose, and semi-dry materials in horizontal and inclined applications, featuring shafted, shaftless, and dewatering options in durable steel materials..
Pipework is vital for liquid processing and product transportation. A wide range of options is available, with most applications requiring plastic or steel for efficient operation.
Corrosion-resistant vertical and horizontal storage tanks, suitable for above and below ground use, made from plastic and GRP, with capacities ranging from 1 m³ to 300 m³.
More information
Understanding organic waste and carbon neutrality
Organic waste encompasses any material derived from living organisms that decompose naturally, for example, food waste, livestock manure, offal, effluent, green waste (such as leaves and grass), wood, paper, textiles (made from natural fibres), and other biodegradable materials. While it may not be immediately apparent, products like paper and textiles fit this classification because they originate from once-living organisms, including animal-derived products, as the growth periods of their feed sources play a role in the overall carbon balance and cycle.
Carbon neutrality means reaching net-zero carbon emissions by balancing the carbon emitted with an equivalent amount of carbon offset or removed as part of the carbon cycle. In the context of waste management, this involves minimizing emissions from waste disposal and treatment while improving recovery and recycling efforts.
Carbon neutral organic waste streams
Reducing waste initiatives
Waste Reduction
The initial step in any sustainable waste management strategy involves minimizing waste generation at the source, accomplished through practices such as:
• Promoting minimal packaging
• Encouraging the use of reusable products
• Attaining optimal operational efficiency
Recycling
Effective recycling programs can significantly lower emissions by diverting waste from landfills, where it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Strategies include:
• Recycle more materials by expanding the range.
• Implementing deposit return schemes, for example, bottles and cans.
• Investing in advanced sorting technologies to improve material recovery.
Lifecycle Assessment
Understanding the entire lifecycle of products—from production to disposal—can help identify opportunities for emissions reductions. Implementing a circular economy model, with products designed for reuse, prolonged life, and recycling, can significantly mitigate the impact of waste.
Problem into Win-Win
Composting
Organic waste accounts for a significant portion of landfill content. Composting not only diverts this waste but also enriches the soil, captures carbon, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Energy Recovery
Waste-to-energy technologies present a practical solution for transforming organic waste into energy. They offer a renewable energy source while minimizing landfill use and harmful pathogens
Waste Enhancement
This advanced method can be used either as a supplementary process or independently. It entails deconstructing organic waste into valuable components, greatly enhancing its value while minimising emissions and odours.
Carbon Offsetting
Even with the best-intentioned waste practices, some emissions are inevitable. Organizations can invest in carbon offset projects—such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, or methane capture initiatives—to compensate for these emissions, achieving net-zero status.
Winning solution for all
Most processes will inevitably generate waste, but implementing one or more of the above strategies can transform a costly issue into a profitable opportunity for your business and the environment. This aligns with the old saying, “Where there’s muck, there’s money,” and “Win-Win.”
SMG skill set
SMG offers a comprehensive range of equipment designed to tackle these challenges effectively. Additionally, the company cooperates with top industry experts to deliver specialized insights and cutting-edge technology, guaranteeing the successful execution of every project.
SMG collaborates with The Carbon Technologies Group Ltd. (C-Tech) on advanced carbon reduction and nutrient recovery technologies from organic waste streams to achieve carbon neutrality.
SMG supplied the equipment listed below for C-Tech’s innovative modular biogas project in Edinburgh, Scotland, for “Scotland’s Rural College” (SRUC). For more details, visit the SRUC Greenshed Project.
SRUC Modular Biogas Plant
C-Tech collaborates closely with Farmcubes, which manufactures advanced modular units that transform waste, in this case, farm livestock slurry, into high-quality fertilizer. These units also treat the remaining liquid to potable standards, creating a carbon-neutral waste solution with zero environmental impact.
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