Parkland food 'digester' takes bite out of landfill

Published: 3/5/2014

DALLAS – Imagine a machine slightly larger than a subcompact car full of enzymes and micro-organisms that can “digest” leftover food and reduce it to water in less than 24 hours. Look no further than Parkland Health & Hospital System, which is home to two of these mechanical mouths that chew up food particles and reduce it to water that can clean out sewage lines.

One food digester is fully operational in the current Parkland Memorial Hospital and the second will go online at new Parkland hospital when it opens for patient care in 2015. Its use is simple. Food items such as raw or cooked meat, fish and shellfish, fruit and vegetables, prepared food, dairy products and items such as egg shells, coffee grounds and pasta are collected after meals or prep and dumped in a large opening on the front of the digester. That’s when the process begins.

The acceleration of the natural decomposition process of food waste is achieved through a mixture of microbes and enzymes and a computer control that optimizes the aeration, moisture and temperature within the machine. The output is grey water that is environmentally safe, which is discharged down a drain.

“There are so many benefits to this food digester,” said Eric English, Sustainability Engineer at Parkland. “It will reduce waste taken to the landfill which reduces groundwater and soil contamination at the landfill and reduce emissions from those trucks because we’ll be making fewer trips to the landfill.”

English estimates the amount of weight sent to the landfill reduced by “digesting” the food will be about 360 tons, for an average savings of $15,720 per year.

“Beyond seeing a return on investment of the $42,000 in just three years, this process will help improve the overall aesthetics of the compacter area outside of the hospital, eliminate the food slurry on the pavement around the compacters and reduce odor,” English said, noting that the process is totally green because it uses no chemicals.

The food digester is one of several green initiatives under way at Parkland. Since January 2013, Parkland has recycled almost 4,000 pounds of used batteries. Staff is asked to place AA, AAA, C, D and watch-size batteries in recycling containers located at nurses’ stations and office areas. In addition, Parkland staff will enhance its recycling efforts by collecting paper, cans, bottles, etc. in green bags designated for items where rebates are offered.

“We’ll be recycling items that might otherwise end up in a landfill,” English said. “It’s a win-win for everyone – for the environment, for Parkland and for future generations.” Back