Biowaste is garbage that is comprised of organic material, some of which could be diverted into useable soil amendments, like compost. Municipal biowaste is comprised of paper and cardboard, food waste, textiles and wood. Industrial bio waste is likely to be comprised of wastewater treatment (sewage and water), agricultural, forestry and pharma-chem waste streams. When society fails to divert biowaste, the methane created in its decomposition can lead to climate change. The gasses from decomposing biowaste can be harnessed and used as an alternative energy source. While some forms of biowaste may be a viable source of organic material that could be returned to the soil, other forms (such as those contaminated with pharmaceuticals) should managed carefully so as not to contaminate soils.
View a YouTube Video with Deborah Koons Garcia speaking about the potentials and pitfalls of Biowaste, and biosolids at a recent Biocycle conference.