Project for the treatment and reclamation of organic residual matter by anaerobic digestion

Following a 2007 feasibility study of various options for managing organic waste carried out with the financial support of FCM, the Municipalité Régionale de Comté (MRC) of Rivière-du-Loup will implement a source segregation system and open an anaerobic digestion site for its organic waste in order to divert 61% of solid waste produced on the MRC territory. This substantial improvement, as compared to the current diversion rate of 19%, is planned for 2013, that is three years after the start-up of the anaerobic digestion system. The MRC will create a public private corporation to operate the composting centre. Dedicated bins will be distributed to residents for collecting organic matter and an information and awareness campaign will be organized. Anaerobic digestion is a process for biologically breaking down organic matter without oxygen, producing biogas that is then transformed by scrubbing to produce biological methane, a green vehicle fuel. Moreover, solid matter created after digestion will be treated to eliminate contaminants and offensive odours later to be used as fertiliser on neighbouring farmland. The entire project will allow for a reduction of an equivalent of 7,455 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. Anaerobic digestion of waste is an innovative approach for North America and numerous other municipalities will be able to benefit from lessons learned from the MRC of Rivière-du-Loup experience.

(Project description from original funding application)