CircBioCityWaste, a “first of a kind waste-to-value” four-year project that aims to treat urban waste and turn it into fertiliser, will begin later this spring.
The Munster Technological University-led project has been awarded funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EPA.
The CircBioCityWaste collaborators include:
- University of Limerick;
- Technological University Dublin;
- Clean technology company, BHSL
- Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South-West.
CircBioCityWaste
They believe the project benefits both the environment and the economy and will advance the circular economy in the south-west region.
Together, they aim to transform urban biological wastes such as municipal sludge, dairy processing sludge and black bin waste into sustainable bio-based fertilisers and biochemicals for agriculture, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors.
They an integrated biorefinery approach by using thermal conversion processes to create value out of the waste products.
They are transforming them into a clean energy source and converting the residual by-products into bio-based products, focusing on plant growth, soil health, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
This process contributes to “closing the loop” of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use.
Headquartered in Kantoher, Co. Limerick, waste to an energy company, BHSL Group, will provide its expertise in converting biowaste into energy to the project.
The project will examine the impact of BHSL’s technology converting urban waste that might otherwise end up in landfills into heat for energy production, with the ‘ash’ byproduct for use as an effective agricultural fertiliser.
Company on mission to turn urine into cheap fertiliser for farmers
A French-based start-up company intends to convert urine into a cheaper and more effective fertiliser for agricultural purposes.
Scientists have explored the potential of using urine in recent years. This is because of its high levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, the main components found in artificial fertilisers.
Toopi Organics has patented a microbiological process to enrich human urine with microorganisms of agronomic interest.
According to a spokesperson, the urine is decontaminated and converted into bio-stimulants at a lower cost.
Studies show that TOOPI products are 30 to 110% more effective than traditional mineral fertilisers.
Company on mission to turn urine into cheap fertiliser for farmers
