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104 <br />Comprehensive Review of <br />Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Options <br />Exhibit 12 -9. basic Anaerobic Process <br />f- M0711#14111GY_111 <br />(Anclorobic) <br />steam Trentment <br />+ Maras •boiler fuel <br />MSW MSW sludUe , vmr <br />generation <br />MP.F _ <br />� Redcror <br />Water, <br />Mixirg <br />FlenS <br />3aurte <br />Filtrate <br />Water <br />12.4.2.2 Aerobic Process <br />The aerobic process relies on a continuous supply of air to be mixed in with the waste material. <br />Again, the waste is ground up into pieces. Recyclable materials are removed before this process. <br />In a typical plant the waste is ground up and formed on an outdoor pad into long piles called <br />windrows. The windrows are agitated a few times per week to allow all parts of the pile to be <br />exposed to air. The agitation and aerating process can also be conducted in a vessel into which <br />air is forced. The aerobic environment supports a different, but also common microorganism <br />that, like the anaerobic process, feeds on the organic fraction of the waste. The waste is <br />converted to by- products that include CO2, water vapor and compost. Typically a site had to be <br />Iocated in a rural area; otherwise, the odors from the process could become a nuisance. <br />T 2.4.3 Bio- Chemical <br />The bio- chemical process is based on breaking down the cellulosic part of the organic fraction of <br />the waste stream. This would include certain foods (e.g., vegetables, fruits), paper products and <br />yard vegetation. Biosolids can also be added as a waste material. All other materials in the <br />waste stream should be removed prior to the process. <br />In the process, following drying and shredding of the waste, the prepared waste stream is mixed <br />with water and sulfuric acid in a closed reactor vessel. This causes a reaction that in conjunction <br />with common bacteria aheady in the waste, breaks down the material into sugar compounds and <br />a by- product known as lignin. There are some companies that are testing natural enzymes, <br />instead of the strong acid chemical, to initiate this reaction. <br />v2.1 170 10/22/12 <br />