For treatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste
(OFMSW), anaerobic digestion is a proven technology. An optimization
of existing digesters by co-digestion with other types of
wastes would be a strategy to maximize renewable energy production
in line with an optimization of municipal solid waste management.
Moreover, improvement of biogas production makes
anaerobic digesters economically more feasible (Ahring et al.,
1992). Co-digestion of the OFMSW with other organic wastes offers
advantages such as an increased process stability and biogas yield
and a better handling of mixed waste streams (Mata-Alvarez et al.,
2000). A balanced nutrient supply and a stable pH are prerequisites
for reliable process performance.