Sustainable decentralized food waste composting using a pulse alternating ventilation pilot-scale device: Case study based on LCA and LCC analysis

Abstract

Currently few efficient decentralized composting reactors have been developed, and there is also little exploration into their comprehensive environmental impact and carbon emissions. This study developed a continuous pulse alternating ventilation composting pilot device, SC-PAVCR. Results demonstrated that SC-PAVCR effectively maintained the thermophilic phase during the 120-day operation period. The organic matter degradation degree reached 44.05 %, and the humic acid content increased to 91.21 g·kg⁻¹, accounting for 0.53 of the total organic carbon. Life cycle assessment analysis with windrow composting and machine composting revealed that SC-PAVCR reduced the normalized comprehensive environmental impact by 49 % and 25 %, respectively. The carbon emission intensity of SC-PAVCR was 44.3 kg CO₂ eq per tonne of food waste, representing a reduction of 26 % and 48 % compared to the other two technologies. The economic cost of $1.91–3.98/FU was reduced. These findings provide technical guidance for the development of low-carbon food waste composting technologies.