Problems & Solutions

The Trial Scheme is collaboratively implemented the by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and Drainage Services Department (DSD). Under the Trial Scheme, EPD is responsible for food waste collection, food waste pre-treatment and delivery of pre-treated food waste to anaerobic digesters at sewage treatment works via enclosed pipeline; DSD is responsible for the co-digestion operation at the anaerobic digesters and making use of the biogas to generate electricity for self-use. The Trial Schemes commenced operations at the Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works and the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works in August 2019 and November 2023, respectively.

 

 

Food Waste Pre-treatment Facilities

To facilitate the Trial Scheme, EPD has established food waste pre-treatment facilities at the Tai Po and Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works. The food waste pre-treatment facilities adopt mechanical treatment for impurities removal and size reduction, to turn food waste into a consistent food waste slurry. The slurry is then injected into the sludge digestion system of the sewage treatment works for food waste / sewage sludge co-digestion. The Trial Scheme provides up to 100 tonnes of food waste treatment capacity per day.

 

 

Benefit

• Co-location and Turning Waste to Energy:
  Finding suitable land for new waste facilities is always a challenge.  The Trial Scheme utilize the existing anaerobic digestion system at sewage treatment works, and achieve synergy in co-location and co-treatment of food waste and sewage in sewage treatment works. Food Waste/Sewage Sludge Co-digestion also improves the biogas yield for producing electricity in sewage treatment works for self-use.
   
• Resources Recovery and Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission:
  The Trial Scheme can recycle up to 100 tonnes of food waste per day, contributing to the preservation of precious landfill space and reduction of landfill gas (including methane). 
  
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