Basic Information about Anaerobic Digestion

How does AD work?

Anaerobic digestion is the natural process in which microorganisms break down organic materials.  In this instance, “organic” means coming from or made of plants or animals.  Anaerobic digestion happens in closed spaces where there is no air (or oxygen).  The initials “AD” may refer to the process of anaerobic digestion or the built system where anaerobic digestion takes place, also known as a digester.

The following materials are generally considered “organic.”  These materials can be processed in a digester:

• Animal manures;
• Food scraps;
• Fats, oils, and greases;
• Industrial organic residuals; and
• Sewage sludge (biosolids).

Source: www.epa.gov