Chapter 13 - Challenges and Innovations in Food Waste-to-Energy Management and Logistics

Abstract

Food waste-to-energy challenges require technological solutions, in addition to design and operations solutions addressing food waste management and logistics. This chapter provides an overview of the integrated processes governing logistics systems required for food waste management, from source generation to waste-to-energy facilities. We consider the unique aspects of food waste management and logistics in comparison to other analogous waste systems. We begin by summarizing management requirements for this complex system, discussing challenges in operations, and finish with innovative directions in system design. The growing interest in the sustainability of food waste management for commercial, residential, and, to a lesser extent, industrial food waste policymaking contexts motivates this chapter's emphasis on the collection, transportation, and coordination requirements for food waste management and logistics.