Press Article: Maryland Explores Alternatives to Food Waste Management Amid Environmental Concerns
By PAUL RUFFINS
In the wake of increasing environmental scrutiny, Maryland is re-evaluating its food waste management strategies, focusing on the potential of waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities and anaerobic digestion. Currently, Maryland operates two WTE plants, located in Baltimore and Montgomery County, which incinerate trash to generate electricity. Advocates argue that WTE plants are more environmentally sound than landfills, which emit methane—a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than CO2 emitted from incineration.
However, critics highlight concerns over emissions and waste sorting, noting that Baltimore’s recycling rate remains low at just 15%. Alternatives like anaerobic digesters present a more sustainable solution. These facilities break down organic waste in a sealed environment, producing biogas and compost while minimizing harmful emissions. For instance, Kilby Dairy Farm efficiently processes manure and food waste, generating enough energy to power homes and significantly reducing greenhouse gas outputs.
The largest anaerobic digester in Maryland, operated by Bioenergy Devco, addresses the state’s food waste requirements while producing renewable natural gas. Environmentalists caution against "greenwashing" but acknowledge the necessity of transitioning to sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of removing contaminants in waste streams. Future efforts will focus on enhancing recycling rates and promoting responsible waste management.
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