BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Converting food waste into clean energy Exeter Agri-Energy along with its organic waste sourcing partner, Agri-Cycle Energy is showcasing new technology that is enabling Maine grocers, businesses and institutions to dispose of bulk packaged food waste in an eco-friendly manner, ultimately converting tons of traditionally land filled organic waste into clean energy.
The USDA announced a nationwide goal for U.S. households and businesses to reduce food waste 50% by the year 2030. This technology is unique to New England. The Exeter facility is only one of maybe a dozen in the country with this level of sophistication. The de-packager separates food waste from its packaging.
"Approximately 30 percent of the material flowing in landfills is food waste. For us to be able to segregate that component and use it for renewal energy, it's a very powerful thing," said Adam Wintle of Exeter Agri-Energy.
From that point, the food waste goes through a system of pipes to feed two anaerobic digesters. These are also unique to Maine in scope and ability. They turn food waste and cow manure into clean energy.
Next, the packaging is sent to a waste-to-energy facility. This technology has the capacity to process up to 20 tons of organic waste an hour.
Through the process, it converts waste to electricity and provides the facility with liquid fertilizer and bedding for its cows. Exeter Agri-Energy officials say the average Hannaford store diverts more than 80% of its waste to landfills. Packaged food that cannot be sold and is not appropriate for donation has been a real challenge in moving Hannaford toward zero waste. Because of the de-packager, 40 Maine Hannaford Supermarkets will have no packaged food waste going to landfills.
