Update on anaerobic digestion feasibility study

The Bluestem Solid Waste Agency retained R.W. Beck Inc. last autumn to conduct an anaerobic digestion (AD) feasibility study for Linn County as part of its integrated solid waste management system. Bluestem's objective is to meet and exceed Iowa's 50 percent waste reduction and recycling goal.

According to Robert Craggs and Mary Chamberlain of R.W. Beck, a survey of potential AD feedstock generators in the Bluestem planning area has been completed. Its purpose was to determine types of organic wastes, quantities, present management methods, estimated management costs, and level of interest from the organic waste generators in utilizing AD. Of the total covered by the survey respondents, 82 percent was reported to be organic.