The Energy Hidden in Waste

How food scraps can be used to create reusable energy instead of throwing it away. I will study different ways food waste breaks down, such as anaerobic digestion. In my experiment, I will model anaerobic digestion by observing how food decompose.
Meelin Jemal
Almadina Language Charter Academy, Ogden Campus
Grade 7

Presentation

No video provided

Problem

More and more food is wasted every day, even though it could be useful. Instead of throwing food away, it could be turned into reusable energy. When food waste is sent to landfills, it takes up space and releases harmful gases into the air. If 50% of the food wasted in the United States each year were converted into energy, it could power around 2.5 million homes for one year. This shows that food waste is not just a problem, but also an opportunity.

Method

I will be resembling anaerobic digestion by putting the food in a air tight container but I won't be making reusable energy.

1. I gathered three clear containers that were the same size.

2. I placed a different type of food waste into each container\, such as fruit peels\, bread\, and vegetable scraps.
3. I made sure each container had the same amount of food waste.
4. I covered each container to limit airflow while keeping the experiment safe.
5. I placed all containers in the same location at room temperature.
6. I observed the food waste once each day for several days.
7. I recorded changes in smell\, appearance\, and moisture in a data table.
8. I took pictures to document how the food waste changed over time.
9. At the end of the experiment\, I compared which type of food waste broke down the fastest.

Research

  • Anaerobic digestion:

Scientists have discovered that food waste can be turned into energy through a process called anaerobic digestion. In this process, bacteria break down food scraps inside a container that has a little oxygen. As the food decomposes, it produces a gas called biogas, which is mostly methane. Methane can be used to create electricity, heat homes, or even fuel vehicles. This method helps reduce food waste in landfills and produces renewable energy at the same time.

  • Composting:

Another way food waste can create energy is through composting. When food scraps decompose naturally, they release heat because the micro-organisms are breaking them down. Large compost piles can get very warm, sometimes it can be hot enough to be used as heat energy. Although, composting does not create electricity directly, it shows that energy is released during decomposition. Composting also helps the environment by improving soil quality and reducing waste.

  • Biogas From Food Waste:

Food waste is very good for making biogas because it breaks down quickly. When food scraps are placed in an anaerobic digester, bacteria break them down and release the methane gas. This gas can be captured and burned to make electricity and heat. Using food waste this way the methane captures it from escaping into the air, which helps reduce climate change. Many cities and farms already use this method.

  • Environmental Benefits:

Turning food waste into energy helps the environment in different ways. It reduces the amount of garbage that is sent to landfills and lowers the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Making energy from food waste also reduces the need for fossil fuels like coal and oil. This makes food waste a renewable and sustainable energy source. 

Data

Day 2: Banana peel looks dry, Spinach looks the same, Bread is the same

Day 4: Banana peel is a little black, Spinach container is foggy, Bread is the same

Day 7: Peel is black and dry, Spinach has liquid inside, Bread is the same

Day 12: Has small white spots, Spinach has lots of brown liquid, Bread is the same

Day 17: White mold everywhere ,Thin leaves and lots of liquid, Bread is the same

Day 20: Black peel and white mold, Lots of liquid & very thin leaves, Bread is the same & still soft

Day 24: Foggy container, white mold, Thin leaves and brown liquid, Bread is the same & still soft

Day 28: White mold and brown liquid, Thin leaves with lots of brown liquid, Bread is still soft and the same

Day 32: Soggy peel & brown liquid, Thin leaves & lots of liquid, Bread is the same & still soft

Day 35: White mold and brown liquid, Thin leaves and brown liquid, Bread is the same & still soft

Day 39: White mold and brown liquid, Thin leaves and brown liquid, Bread is the same & its dry

Day 43: Soggy peels and brown liquid, Thin leaves & brown liquid, Bread looks the same but it is dry

Conclusion

In conclusion, my experiment showed that food waste breaks down at different speeds. Spinach decomposed the fastest, followed by the banana peel, while the bread took the longest to break down. This supports my hypothesis that some types of food would decompose faster than others. As the food broke down, I observed changes in smell, appearance, and moisture, showing that decomposition was taking place. This experiment modeled how anaerobic digestion works in real life. Overall, my results show that food waste can be useful instead of being thrown away and could be turned into a source of renewable energy.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my teacher for providing guidance and helpful feedback throughout this project. I also appreciate my family for encouraging me and supporting me while I completed my research and experiment. Their support helped me stay focused and do my best work. In my project I also used AI generated images for the front page.