Degradation of compostable plastics with the FoodCycler: an on-site food waste recycler

This research will develop protocols and identify enzymes to break down compostable plastics using the FoodCycler system. The FoodCycler is a household device that accelerates the breakdown of organic waste, leaving behind a sterile soil-amendment-like by-product, and is a practical solution for rural, northern, and remote areas without municipal compost systems. Use of compostable plastics such as bioplastics could reduce the accumulation of fossil-fuel-based single-use plastics in our environment. Unfortunately, compostable plastic materials are not readily composted under normal food waste handling systems and are seen as contamination by many composting systems. Through this research we will identify commercially available enzymes along with processes to accelerate the degradation of compostable plastics in the FoodCycler system. Use of enzymes will be optimized in laboratory settings and then adapted for simple use with the FoodCycler. The research has broad applications in waste management and reducing CO2 emissions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Myron Smith

Student:

Partner:

Food Cycle Science Corporation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Clean Technology; Sustainability & the Environment; Biotechnology

University:

Carleton University

Program: