Food waste end-of-life management for the United States: Parameterized life cycle inventory datasets.

Abstract

A life cycle inventory (LCI) dataset for food waste management was developed using secondary data from scientific literature and government reports. EPA reports on food waste management were used as the basis for collecting literature to review. Unit process parameters from the reviewed literature are compiled and combined with engineering calculations to generate LCI for food management pathways. Both the literature values and engineering calculations are reviewed and documented with notes indicating any potential limitations in the dataset. The Excel-based inventory model includes pathways for anaerobic digestion, composting - windrow and aerated static pile, landfilling, and incineration. The model includes default parameter value selections, but the inventory may also be generated using user-specified parameter values. The model includes site-specific unit process models that do not have default parameter values pre-selected. Users can specify parameter values within these unit processes to generate LCI data for the food waste management pathways in line with their project scope. Site-specific unit processes include options such as biogas and landfill gas utilization and treatment of compost and digestate. This dataset and model can be used to generate LCI for evaluating food waste management in a comprehensive life cycle assessment study.