Estimation of methane and electricity potential from canteen food waste

Biomass is currently seen as one of the renewable feedstock sources. Indonesia has abundant biomass material include food waste, which was directly disposed to landfill or surrounding environment without any proper treatment. The aims of this study were to characterize canteen food waste and to estimate its energy potential, in terms of methane potential and electricity. A laboratory scale of Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) test was carried out under controlled and batch condition. The calculation of theoretical methane potential was carried out using Buswell Equation. Electricity energy potential was also calculated. The characterization analysis found that canteen food waste has higher organic material content, mainly carbohydrate, protein and lipid. This indicating its potential to be used as feedstock for biogas/methane production. The measured methane potential was found at value of 0.191 m(3)/kg VS, which was lower than theoretical methane potential of 0.300 m(3)/kg VS. The estimation of electricity potential found that 473.8 kWh of electricity can be generated per ton fresh canteen food waste.