Innovative zero-waste system for building wastewater recycling and food waste management

Abstract

Urbanization leads to concerns about environmental impacts due to the increasing food waste and wastewater generation. The study aims to develop an innovative zero-waste system for food waste and wastewater management in the building using the combination of a single-stage anaerobic digester and the Moving Bed Biofilm Reaction-Membrane Bioreactor (MBBR-MBR). The comprehensive analysis for innovative zero-waste system development is conducted including (1) survey and interview the target market group (universities) to determine the factors affecting the intention to use the zero-waste system; (2) develop a zero-waste system prototype, and test operation for measuring the performances; (3) evaluate the system performance using life-cycle energy and GHG emissions; and (4) analysis of commercialization plan. The results show that the system's biogas production efficiency increase for co-digestion of food waste, vegetable waste, and wastewater sludge. The treated wastewater has passed the US-EPA reclaimed water quality standard. The system brings about carbon credits, fossil energy reduction, and economic performance. The zero-waste system can be a promising alternative for waste management. The value proposition, competitive advantage, market opportunity, and commercialization plan are analyzed to bring the innovative zero-waste system into business and society.