Biojäämät

Biojäämät, also known as biowaste, refers to organic material that is discarded as waste. This typically includes food scraps from households, restaurants, and food processing industries, as well as garden and park waste. In some contexts, it can also encompass animal and plant by-products from agricultural or industrial processes.

The management of biojäämät is a significant aspect of waste management due to its high volume and organic nature. Unmanaged biojäämät can decompose anaerobically, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and contributing to unpleasant odors. Proper handling and processing can transform this waste into valuable resources.

Common methods for managing biojäämät include composting, which breaks down the organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, and anaerobic digestion, which produces biogas (a renewable energy source) and digestate (a fertilizer). These processes not only mitigate environmental impacts but also contribute to a circular economy by recovering resources. Recycling biojäämät can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources, and generate energy and soil enhancers.