Town of Tusten is Starting Operation on its HORSE AD25 Microdigester
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten. This wasted food is valued at approximately $165 billion annually and when disposed in a landfill, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. To help address this issue, the Town of Tusten, a Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community, installed an Impact Bioenergy HORSE (High-solids Organic-waste Recycling System with Electrical Output) AD25 Microdigester at the Highway Department town barn, which will provide on-site generation of energy from food waste and similar organic materials. These microdigester systems are made to scale down the size and cost of industrial anaerobic digestion. The project was spearheaded by the Tusten Energy Committee and is funded by 2018 NY DEC Municipal Food Scraps Reduction, Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Programs.
“Tusten is proud to be at the forefront of local solutions for the climate. By diverting food to people where possible and then feeding the HORSE, we are creating a positive focus on Tusten, helping the environment, and creating local training opportunities,” noted Jennifer Porter, Tusten Energy Committee member and lead organizer for the DEC grant application.