Green invention lets homeowners convert waste to energy

December 2, 2015 1 By Amanda Giasson

HomeBiogas has created a compact anaerobic digester that recycles organic waste into gas and fertilizer.

Homeowners have the chance to transform their organic waste, such s food scraps (including meat and dairy) and pet manure, into cooking gas and liquid fertilizer, thanks to a waste to energy machine developed by Israel-based startup, HomeBiogas.

HomeBiogas produces enough fuel to cook three daily meals.

According to the HomeBiogas Indiegogo page, the anaerobic digester system “maintains a closed-loop eco-cycle.” The organic matter that is fed into the machine is broken down by microorganisms, which is made possible in the absence of oxygen. The end result is biogas or biofertilizer.

The system can be fed up to 6 liters of organic food waste or up to 15 liters of animal manure, every day. For each liter of food waste, 200 liters of gas is produced, which is equivalent to the amount of gas required to cook over a high flame for one hour. On average, HomeBiogas generates two to three hours of cooking gas daily, which is sufficient for three meals.

According to the company, the built-in tanks store 400 liters of gas. Any extra gas that is produced is automatically released and dissolves into the atmosphere. As for fertilizer, the system can create between 5 and 10 liters daily.

The HomeBiogas waste to energy system is compact, family-sized and affordable.

The HomeBiogas system is environmentally friendly, reduces landfill waste and pollution, and provides homeowners with a local renewable energy source that lets them save money on fuel. The company also approximates that the device eliminates one ton of organic waste per year, which is about equal to reducing six tons of carbon dioxide for one household.

That being said, one of the drawbacks of this system is that it’s not a viable option for everyone, particularly for those who live in apartments or in climates with freezing temperatures. The reason is that the machine requires a yard or a space outside. It also requires an average outdoor temperature above 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) in order to produce the best results.

That being said, for the 1.3 billion across the globe who have the space and live in ideal temperatures, but who live without affordable and reliable energy sources, this energy from waste system could be an incredible solution.

HomeBiogas has said that 150 of its units have already been installed and running for more than a year. Last week, the company launched its Indiegogo campaign and reached its $100,000 fundraising goal in under a day. At the time this article was written, the campaign had raised $126,942 with 26 days left to go.

Via the campaign, the system costs just under $1,000 but will have a retail price of $1,500. The first of the waste to energy units will ship to Indiegogo supporters in May of next year.

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