The BEAN2BEAN “From Bio-waste to Soil” Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of bio-waste management across the full value chain, with a strong focus on returning organic matter safely and effectively to soils. It brings together existing knowledge, good practices, and practical examples from cities and regions operating in diverse local contexts, offering readers a structured understanding of how bio-waste systems function and how they can be improved.
The handbook begins by clarifying key concepts—what bio-waste is, why it should be sorted, and why recycling it back to soil is essential for environmental sustainability. It then explores the main stages of the system: separation at source, separate collection models (such as door-to-door and bring systems), treatment options including composting and anaerobic digestion, and the final use of compost or digestate as soil improvers. The document also discusses quality considerations, market aspects, and key operational parameters to consider when designing or optimising systems.
Rather than presenting entirely new research, the handbook synthesises findings from publications, expert interviews, and survey results into an accessible and visually structured format. Overall, it serves as an informative reference guide for cities, practitioners, researchers, and citizens seeking a holistic understanding of bio-waste-to-soil systems and their role in advancing circular economy objectives.
Publication year: 2024
Language: EN
Published by: Bin2Bean
Keywords: bio-waste management, source separation, organic waste collection, composting, anaerobic digestion, soil improvers, circular economy, waste-to-soil, waste hierarchy, system optimisation
