An innovative solution for organic waste that is directly transformed into compost in the place where it is produced, reducing CO2 emissions and eliminating collection and processing costs.
In line with the challenging goals set by the European Commission regarding the recovery of materials during the process for "closing the loop” in the waste cycle, Acea has launched Acea Smart Comp, an innovative diffused composting project for the management of organic waste.
Acea Smart Comps are mini composting plants equipped with revolutionary sensor technology that transforms organic waste into compost on the spot, using an aerobic process that produces ready-to-use fertilizer in approximately 90 days. This initiative creates a new approach focused on proximity, which closes the gap between where the waste is produced and the place where it is processed.
Diffused composting targets large customers (shopping malls, cafeterias, airports and stations) that need to manage large quantities of organic waste. The first AceaSmartComp was installed in the Acea cafeteria which will become organic waste free.
The project, staged in collaboration with ENEA and Università della Tuscia, guarantees a lower production of waste and a considerable saving in the management costs for the entire national waste management system and for the recycling chain of the individual customer. There is also a positive impact on the environment: since the prompt, local collection of the waste and the elimination of the need to transport it by road notably reduce the emissions of greenhouse gas.
Organic waste becomes compost in the place where it is produced.
Acea’s objective is to install 250 Acea Smart Comp plants by 2022, creating a diffused system with a 25,000 ton annual capacity – the equivalent of a plant managing organic waste produced by a town with 250,000 residents – and saving an estimated 30% in management costs.
Acea Smart Comp is an accelerator of the aerobic process that breaks down the organic substance. The weight of the high quality compost produced is reduced by up to 20%, then the compost is naturally sanitized and is ready to be used as fertilizer. With zero kilometer composting Acea places itself at the forefront of waste transition, a new diffused, shared waste management model.
Waste transition is a new approach to the diffused, shared management of organic waste, which moves the processing venue closer to the spot where the waste is produced. The new zero-kilometer waste management model has positive effects on the environment thanks to the reduction in greenhouse gases achieved by eliminating the waste collection and transportation stages.
Alessandro Filippi
