Chapter 4: Food Waste Management Practices in Shenzhen, China

Food waste (FW) management is a big challenge in China due to its huge production and the environmental problems associated with its treatment. The rapidly growing FW generation requires efficient and eco-friendly management strategies. In this chapter, the main FW treatment technologies and their application in China have been summarised. The food waste management in Shenzhen, one of the fastest-growing cities in China, has been analysed. Three industrial-scale projects of FW treatment have been discussed as examples for different technologies, including anaerobic digestion (AD), aerobic composting, and insect-based conversion. The operations of these projects, including their technologies, investment, treatment process, and challenges, have been analysed. Assessment of recovery rate and greenhouse gas emission have also been provided based on the capacity of the three FW treatment plants. AD is suitable for large-scale treatment because of its high energy recovery and low greenhouse gas emissions. FW can also be treated using aerobic composting, and its products can be used as fertilisers or for soil amendment. Insect-based conversion is a new and promising technology. Future research is needed to address some potential environmental issues, such as odour emission and digestate treatment. This review can provide practical information for the selection of FW treatment technologies.