CHARACTERIZATION OF FEEDSTOCKS FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF ENERGY RECOVERY FROM COMPOSTING: A REVIEW FOR THE TEAPOTS PROJECT

The recovery of thermal energy from composting processes, which is possible through the implementation of Compost Heat Recovery Systems (CHRSs), is potentially highly affected by the composition of the waste mixture. In the attempt to get preliminary indications on the suitability of waste biomass for this purpose, a systematic critical literature review was carried out. Data on different properties of interest for CHRSs were extracted from the literature for two main types of waste biomass: plant- and animal-based materials. Overall, plant-based materials are ideal for long-term heat production, due to their slower biodegradation rates compared to animal-based materials, which can generate higher amounts of heat but in a shorter amount of time. Biochar addition and appropriate mixtures of vegetable and animal biomass can improve heat production and sustain microbial activity. The results of this review will benefit a Horizon Europe project (TEAPOTS) that aims at providing solutions to farms for the local valorization of residual biomass from the agri-food sector.