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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Resource recovery from food waste via biological processes

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Abstract The need for sustainable development is driving a major focus shift in the biowaste treatment sector. While traditional practices such as landfilling are progressively being banned/penalized due to their obvious environmental impacts and prevention policies are being implemented, the potential of food waste (FW) as a resource is being increasingly recognized. The immense amounts of FW produced worldwide—and its overall characteristics—make it a promising candidate for resource recovery if collected separately, a practice that is gaining popularity. This chapter aims at giving a general overview of the different processes that are being developed/implemented for resource recovery from FW, including energy, carbon, and nutrients (i.e., N and P). The main options are critically assessed and compared. In addition, a special focus is given to potential state-of-the-art research/technologic developments that could be applied in the future. Key challenges to be faced are also discussed, including legislative, social, and technologic aspects.